England displayed a remarkable turnaround with both bat and ball on the second day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, resurrecting their fortunes.
The opening day of the match, under the leadership of Ben Stokes, was disappointingly lackluster, drawing sharp criticism from former captains Kevin Pietersen and Michael Vaughan, who described their performance as “shambolic” and “utter dross” respectively.
However, England staged an impressive fightback when the game hung in the balance. Their improved seam attack accounted for five wickets, conceding only 77 runs to dismiss Australia for 416.
Although they couldn’t prevent Steve Smith, their perennial nemesis, from notching his 12th Ashes century—placing him second only to the legendary Donald Bradman—they were relieved not to have conceded more after Australia reached 316 for three on the first evening.
His 6th Test fifty! 👏
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 29, 2023
Looking good, Ben 👌@IGcom | @BenDuckett1 pic.twitter.com/a9h1EB1TbV
A brilliant unbeaten knock of 62 from Ben Duckett led England’s encouraging response of 145 for one.
Despite concerns about a shoulder injury, Ollie Pope contributed an unbeaten 32 at number three. Duckett formed a crucial partnership of 91 with Zak Crawley (48), which marked England’s best opening stand against Australia since January 2011.
Sir Andrew Strauss, who was present as part of the annual ‘Red for Ruth’ day, managed to raise over £270,000 in the process. This special event added significance to the game.
England began day two with Australia in a strong position at 339 for five. Captain Stokes entrusted the ball to his experienced bowlers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad. The duo had gone wicketless in their 33 overs on the previous day, but they redeemed themselves admirably.
We finish our first innings on 3️⃣2️⃣5️⃣. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/U7k86MUwpB
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2023
Broad’s first two deliveries of the morning went for boundaries, but he ended the over with a stunning delivery that jagged back into Alex Carey, hitting his front pad and prompting a successful review by England.
Anderson, operating from the Nursery End, drew a thick edge from the new batsman Mitchell Starc, which was safely pouched by Jonny Bairstow in front of first slip.
Meanwhile, Steve Smith calmly watched proceedings from the other end, inching closer to his century. He eventually reached 99 and then elegantly struck a cover drive to the boundary, completing his latest Ashes ton.
Cool as you like from Ollie Robinson 🧊 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/fEewEhmeuo
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2023
Despite Smith’s exceptional innings, England displayed great determination and efficiency, quickly wrapping up the Australian innings. Josh Tongue, who had previously dismissed Smith for Worcestershire earlier in the season, took a superb catch in the gully as Smith swung hard and lost his balance. Ollie Robinson then accounted for Nathan Lyon and Josh Hazlewood in consecutive overs.
With four overs remaining before lunch, Duckett and Crawley safely negotiated the period. In the afternoon session, Crawley took charge, scoring 48 at a rapid rate. His elegant drives and punishing strokes punished anything over-pitched by the Australian bowlers.
Brooky building 🏗️
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 30, 2023
Keep going, Harry 👊 #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/aK1waNNFAU
Duckett continued his cautious approach, demonstrating control in both defense and attack. The pair added 75 runs in just 13 overs before the drinks break. However, Crawley fell victim to Nathan Lyon’s cunning, becoming the fourth English batsman in three innings to be stumped while attempting to take on the spinner.
Pope emerged from the pavilion, allaying concerns about his shoulder injury, and maintained the high tempo set by Duckett and Crawley.
Both batsmen backed their positive instincts, piling on the runs. Hazlewood and Starc proved expensive, conceding more than seven runs per over as the ball raced to the boundary. Duckett stylishly reached his half-century with a powerful shot through mid-wicket off Starc’s bowling.