• Australia finished their first innings at 295 runs on Day 2 of the fifth Ashes 2023 Test.

  • Steve Smith top-scored for the Aussie side with 71 runs.

Ashes 2023: Steve Smith, Pat Cummins shine to help Australia survive Chris Woakes’ danger on Day 2 of the 5th Test
Pat Cummins, Steve Smith and Chris Woakes (Image Source: Twitter)

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The fifth and final Test match between England and Australia witnessed a power-packed Day 2 at the Kennington Oval in London on Friday (July 28). The play started with Australia resuming their innings from their overnight score of 61/1 and England making a strong comeback with the ball.

In reply to England’s first innings total of 283 runs, Australia managed to finish Day 2 at a score of 295 with a lead of 12 runs before being bundled out by the hosts. Although the Aussie top-order showed great resilience and determination, they failed to score big. Usman Khawaja seemed good and well set initially, but he also departed on 47. It was the pair of Steve Smith and Pat Cummins who demonstrated their class and played a significant role in building the Australian innings despite wickets falling at regular intervals.

Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne departs seconds after extraordinary mind game from Stuart Broad 

Steve Smith and Pat Cummins help Australia fightback:

Smith yet again displayed his skills in the tough situation and accumulated 71 runs before being dismissed off Chris Woakes’ delivery. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins provided valuable support with a solid knock of 36 runs. Todd Murphy showcased his talent too and scored valuable 34 runs for the Aussie team batting lower down the order.

For England, Woakes continued to impress and added overall three wickets to his tally. All Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Joe Root chipped in and picked up two scalps each as well.

The match seemed finely poised, with both teams having their moments of brilliance in batting and bowling. England now would look to post a mammoth score when they step onto the field to bat on Day 3. On the other hand, the Aussie side would also be determined to put up a strong performance with ball and restrict the English team.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

https://twitter.com/RedRiverCries/status/1684965622587981825

https://twitter.com/Mustafasays_/status/1684889648198467585

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About the Author:
VISHWANATH HARIHARAN
Vishwanath Hariharan is Content Strategist at CricketTimes.com. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. From breaking news stories to in-depth features and opinion pieces, he has covered a wide range of topics. Vishwanath is very fond of watching cricket. Like many others, he too grew up watching, playing, and imitating his favourite players of the game. MS Dhoni is like a demigod to him. You can connect with him at vishwanath.hariharan@crickettimes.com and follow him on Twitter & Linkedin.