LONDON: Mitchell Starc, the recalled paceman, spearheaded Australia’s charge as England crumbled to a total of 325 all out in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s on Friday. Resuming at 278-4, England managed to add only 47 runs in 15.2 overs as wickets fell rapidly, allowing Australia to take a commanding lead of 91 runs after posting a first-innings total of 416, highlighted by Steve Smith’s brilliant century.
Starc, the sole change in the Australian side that triumphed in the opening Test at Edgbaston, played a crucial role with figures of 3-88 in 17 overs. England desperately needed early breakthroughs, but Usman Khawaja and David Warner navigated a tricky 20-minute period under the floodlights to reach 12-0 at lunch.
England’s batting performance was below par, with several batsmen, including opener Ben Duckett, who fell agonizingly short of a century on 98, succumbing to the blatant hooking trap set by the Australian bowlers late on Thursday. The setback continued for England as their captain, Ben Stokes, was dismissed early on Friday’s play, adding just 17 runs to his overnight score. A delivery from Starc jumped off a length, finding the outside edge, which was held excellently by Cameron Green at second slip.
Great Day for Australia
The day started on a positive note for Australia, who were bidding to secure their first Ashes series victory in England in 22 years, after off-spinner Nathan Lyon was ruled out due to a significant calf strain. England’s rising star, Harry Brook, who remained unbeaten on 45 overnight, reached a quick fifty in just 63 balls. However, his aggressive approach, influenced by the ‘Bazball’ style adopted by England since the partnership of Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, proved to be his downfall. Brook attempted to flat-bat a short delivery from Starc but ended up slicing the shot to extra-cover, where Australia captain Pat Cummins took a simple catch.
With England struggling at 293-6, their last specialist batsman, Jonny Bairstow, was relied upon to level the scores. However, Bairstow managed only 16 runs before chipping a delivery from fast bowler Josh Hazlewood to Cummins at mid-on, resulting in a disappointing dismissal.
England’s Stuart Broad, who once scored an impressive 169 in a Lord’s Test against Pakistan, had a moment of concern when he was struck on the helmet by all-rounder Green. However, it was the slow bowling of Travis Head, deputizing for the absent Lyon, that accounted for Broad’s wicket. Head took two wickets in five balls, dismissing Ollie Robinson caught behind on a charging shot before trapping Broad lbw.
Australia’s Pat Cummins wrapped up England’s innings when tailender Josh Tongue fended a delivery to short leg, leaving Australia firmly in control of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
