On the second day of the third Ashes 2023 Test at Headingley, Australian captain Pat Cummins displayed exceptional leadership by taking the initiative right from the first over of the morning and picked the prized wicket of Joe Root. The fiery pacer followed that up with another three wickets, along with his two on Day 1. Cummins finished the innings with remarkable figures of 6/91, helping Australia secure a 26-run lead despite scoring just 263 in their first innings.
After dismissing England for 237 , the Australian team had a shaky start in their second essay. David Warner fell early, scoring just 1 run, as he was once again dismissed by Stuart Broad, marking the 17th time the English speedster has picked the aggressive opener’s wicket in their encounters.
After the early fall of Warner, Usman Khawaja (43) and Marnus Labuschagne (33) formed a crucial partnership to stabilize Australia’s innings. They added 57 runs for the second wicket, contributing to visitors recovery and helping them avoid any further setbacks. At one stage, Australia appeared to be in a commanding position at 68-1, setting the stage for a potentially substantial total.
However, the partnership was broken when Labuschagne played a reckless slog sweep off Moeen Ali’s bowling, picking out the deep midwicket fielder, resulting in his dismissal for 33.
↩️ Marnus Labuschagne
↪️ Steve SmithAustralia are two down! 🇦🇺 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/sgSxYJrM3Y
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 7, 2023
Just a few overs later, Steve Smith (2) also played an uncharacteristic shot, flicking a full delivery of Moeen’s straight into the hands of the mid-wicket fielder. The dismissal of Smith gave the off-spinner from England his 200th Test wicket and brought the hosts back into the contest.
"What have you done Steve Smith!?" 😅 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ziSFqkRjwb
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 7, 2023
Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the shot selections of Smith and Labuschagne during the final session of Day 2. Speaking to Cricbuzz at the end of the day’s play, Vaughan expressed surprise at how the usually consistent batters allowed England to regain momentum from what seemed like a dominant position for Australia.
“Australia will look at two areas. Their two key players, Smith and Labuschagne gifting their wickets to Moeen Ali. There is nothing there for the spinners, he did a great job just holding an end up which is his job to do,” the cricketer-turned-commentator was quoted as saying to Cricbuzz.
Vaughan also remarked that it was unusual to witness the Aussie vice-captain looking uncomfortable at the crease.
“But to think that Smith and Labuschagne got out to Moeen Ali on that pitch, I’ve never ever seen them give it away like that. Particularly Steve Smith, I’ve never seen him look so itchy when he went to the crease,” Vaughan further added.
At the close of play on Day 2, Australia stood at 116/4 in their second innings, holding a lead of 142 runs. The first-innings heroes, Travis Head (18) and Mitchell Marsh (17), were at the crease and would be aiming to extend the visitor’s lead in the upcoming sessions. The fixture is finely balanced, with both teams having opportunities to seize control as the Test progresses.
