On Day 2 of the second Ashes’s Test at Lord’s, England displayed a remarkable fightback against Australia, reaching a strong position of 278-4 after bowling out the visitors for 416. Opener Ben Duckett played a crucial role, falling just short of a century with a magnificent knock of 98 in England’s high-scoring “Bazball” style of play.
England began the day with renewed determination, as Stuart Broad and James Anderson quickly dismissed Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc, leaving Australia at 339-5. However, Steve Smith, who had already scored 85 runs on the previous day, continued his stellar form and went on to complete his 32nd test century. He was finally caught by Duckett at second slip off the bowling of Josh Tongue, departing for 110. Captain Pat Cummins remained unbeaten on 22 as Australia’s innings concluded at 416, a slight dip from their earlier position of 316-3.
England started their reply with the same aggressive approach that has become their trademark. Duckett and Zak Crawley formed a formidable opening partnership of 91 runs, the best for England in an Ashes test since 2011. Crawley looked dominant until he was stumped for a quickfire 48 off Nathan Lyon’s bowling.
Ollie Pope continued the momentum for England as Australia struggled to make breakthroughs. With the outfield offering ample scoring opportunities, Pope seemed comfortable until he fell victim to a well-directed bouncer from Cameron Green, hooking it straight to Smith at the boundary, departing for 42. Moments later, the excitement peaked when Joe Root was caught behind swinging wildly at a delivery, only to be reprieved as Green’s ball was declared a no-ball.
Despite these minor setbacks, England remained aggressive against Australia’s short-ball tactics. Duckett, aiming for a place on the Lord’s honours board, fell two runs short of his century, caught off a top-edged hook. Root, following a similar path, was caught by Smith off Mitchell Starc for 10. Harry Brook also had a lucky escape when Labuschagne dropped him at square leg while attempting a similar shot.
Captain Ben Stokes provided a calming influence during the final hour of play, reminding his teammates of the importance of leaving bouncers. He remained unbeaten on 17 at the close of play, accompanied by Brook, who scored a solid 45. At the end of the day, England trailed Australia by 138 runs.
In a setback for Australia, off-spinner Lyon, playing his 100th consecutive Test match, limped off the field with what appeared to be a calf injury. This injury could potentially limit Australia’s options in the fourth innings.
