Crossword Genius

It's part of the atmosphere when Australia takes on England's top side (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ozone

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'it's part of the atmosphere' is the definition.
(as in the ozone layer)

'australia takes on england's top side' is the wordplay.
'australia' becomes 'oz' (informal name for Australia).
'takes' says to put letters next to each other.
'on' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'england' becomes 'E' (short for England).
'top side' becomes 'on' (I've seen this in other clues. I am not sure about the 'top' bit.).
'e' put after 'on' is 'one'.
'oz' next to 'one' is 'OZONE'.

'when' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ozone that I've seen before include "Clean, bracing air" , "bracing atmosphere" , "Sea air (found in layer?)" , "Condensed oxygen; sea air" , "Toxic form of oxygen" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.