In a thrilling display of skill and strategy, former England captain Joe Root spun his way to two crucial wickets, dismissing Australian batter Travis Head and Cameron Green in the same over on the first day of the second Ashes 2023 Test at Lord’s in London.
Head continued his impressive form from the previous matches and showed his dominance with the bat once again. The left-handed explosive batter launched a blistering assault on the English bowlers, treating them to a delightful exhibition of stroke play reminiscent of the renowned ‘Bazball’ style. He raced to his half-century off just 48 balls, showcasing his aggressive intent.
During his innings, Head formed a formidable partnership of 118 runs for the fourth wicket with his teammate Steve Smith, frustrating the English bowlers and raising Australian hopes. However, just as Head was looking to accelerate further, Joe Root intervened and turned the tide in England’s favour.
In the 75th over, Root deceived Head with his spin wizardry. Delivering a flighted ball that spun sharply after pitching outside the off stump, Root lured Head out of his crease. Unfortunately for the Australian batter, he slipped while attempting to regain his ground, leaving wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow with the simple task of removing the bails. Head’s scintillating knock came to an end at 77 runs, providing a much-needed breakthrough for England.
Proving to be unstoppable, Root struck again just a couple of deliveries later, this time claiming the wicket of the talented all-rounder Green. Root cleverly bowled a well-directed short ball, tempting Green into an aggressive pull shot. However, Green mistimed his shot and found James Anderson waiting comfortably at mid-off to complete a straightforward catch.
Here is the video:
Joe Root strikes twice in an over and Australia are 5️⃣ down! #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/wmn9hC5K6c
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 28, 2023
Smith, meanwhile, continued tickling the scoreboard at the other end and took Australia to 339/5 at stumps. The former Aussie skipper stayed unbeaten on 85.
