Ashes 2023 [WATCH]: Steve Smith takes a controversial catch to dismiss Joe Root

The second day of the 2023 Ashes Test at Lord’s witnessed an intense battle between England and Australia, with the match delicately poised. After Australia set a formidable total of 416 runs on the board, England showed resilience, reaching 278 runs for the loss of four wickets at stumps. The day was highlighted by Steve Smith’s remarkable century and his diving catch that added further excitement to the contest.

Smith started the day on a high note, scoring his 32nd Test century, equaling the record set by former Australian captain Steve Waugh. He now sits second among Australian batters with the most Test centuries, just behind Ricky Ponting. Although Smith was dismissed soon after reaching the milestone, his century ensured that Australia’s score went beyond the 400-run mark.

One of the crucial moments of the day came when England was comfortably placed at 188/1 with two well-set batters. However, Australia’s strategic use of short-pitched deliveries caused England’s batting line-up to collapse. Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett fell in quick succession, followed by Joe Root, who survived a dismissal due to a no-ball from Cameron Green.

Root’s luck eventually ran out as Mitchell Starc claimed his wicket. Attempting a pull shot, Root mistimed the ball, which rose sharply and landed towards backward square fielder Smith.

Smith dove forward and seemingly took a brilliant catch, reminiscent of Cameron Green’s catch in the World Test Championship final against Shubman Gill. However, the replays indicated that the ball had touched the ground despite Smith’s efforts to scoop it.

Here’s the video:

Out or not out? pic.twitter.com/2ESlOrA73c

— Kumar Sourav (@AdamDhoni1) June 30, 2023

Root’s dismissal triggered a collapse for England, as they went from 188/1 to 222/4. However, skipper Ben Stokes and Harry Brook formed an unbeaten partnership of 52 runs, stemming the tide of wickets. England still trails by 138 runs heading into day three, where they will aim to gain a lead in the match.