Ashes 2023: What happened on Day 2 of 2nd ENG vs AUS Test at Lord’s?

On Day 2 of the second Ashes 2023 Test at Lord’s on Thursday, England made a strong comeback, leveling the match. After giving up 339/5 on the first day, the home team took the final five Australian wickets for an additional 77 runs. Ben Duckett, England’s opener, later hit 98 as the team finished Day 2 on a solid 278/4, 138 runs behind Australia.

As a response to Australia’s impressive 416 for the first innings, England got off to a strong start as their openers quickly scored 91 runs. In the ninth over, Zak Crawley smashed Mitchell Starc for back-to-back fours.

When Crawley was defeated by a masterful display of agility from Alex Carey, he was in position to score a fifty. The batter dived toward Nathan Lyon as he came down the track, completely missing the ball, and being stumped down the leg for a run-a-ball 48.

After that, 97 runs were added for the second wicket by Duckett and Ollie Pope. Following a slow start, Pope challenged Starc and hit him for three straight fours in an over. Duckett at the other end sent Starc to the deep midwicket boundary to complete a strong half-century. Due to the assured beginning, England entered Tea on Day 2 at 145/1.

Root, who too succumbed to the pull for 10, was unable to take advantage of his early life. The former England captain botched his massive blow while attempting to block Starc’s well-aimed shot towards his torso. Steve Smith did a fantastic job of catching him, running in backward square and diving forward to put an end to Root’s stay.

Had Marnus Labuschagne not missed a very easy opportunity presented by Harry Brook on 24 off Pat Cummins’ bowling, Australia might have had England five down. Day 2 came to a close with Brook still undefeated on 45 and captain Ben Stokes on 17.

England’s bowlers improve, limiting Australia to 416

Australia resumed their first innings on 339/5, and after a strong comeback by England, they were bowled out for 416. After leading Stuart Broad for a couple of fours, Carey, who had been unbeaten overnight on 11, fell for 22.

The England bowler got back at him by nipping one in off the seam and lbw’ing the keeper-batter. In on the action as well, James Anderson caught Starc (6) behind with a full delivery that shaped away.

With a graceful cover drive for four off Anderson’s bowling, Smith, who had been 85* overnight, easily surpassed his 32nd Test century. His impressive innings came to an end on 110 as he attempted to attack Josh Tongue and was caught at gully.

As soon as Lyon (7) mishandled a hook off Ollie Robinson and Hazlewood (4) stole a full ball from the pacer to slip, England quickly ended Australia’s innings. Australian captain Cummins contributed with a useful cameo of 22*.

Also Read: 5 Cricketers Who Failed to Deliver for India in crucial World Cup Matches (cricfiles.com)