FORMER England Women’s coach Mark Robinson branded the side’s catching “embarrassing” and “hard to watch” after an error-strewn second day nudged Australia ever closer to an Ashes whitewash.

A torturous tour appears to be heading towards an unprecedented 16-0 series sweep after the hosts piled up 422 for five at the Melbourne Cricket Ground — a lead of 252.

Annabel Sutherland led the way with 163 but was dropped twice in the first hour on 29 and 31, while Beth Mooney finished on 98 not out after surviving three chances before reaching 20.