ENG vs AUS Day 1: Smith, Head put Australia on top despite Root’s fightback

ENG vs AUS Day 1: Steve Smith and Travis Head half-centuries apart from David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne’s knocks have put Australia on the driver’s seat in the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s. Australia ended Day 1 at 339/5 with Smith unbeaten on 85 and Alex Carey not out on 11. Joe Root and Josh Tongue picked up two wickets each. However, it wasn’t enough to stop an Aussie onslaught as Smith and Head commanded 2nd session.

Day 1 Summary: England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl with dark clouds hovering over Lord’s sky.

Things could have been in England’s favour had Ollie Pope taken David Warner’s catch at slips. However, with Warner riding his luck, the opener added 73 runs with Usman Khawaja. Warner scored 66.

After Warner and Khawaja departed on either side of the lunch break, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne held the fort. The two added 102 runs to dominate 2nd session. While Labuschagne fell to Ollie Robinson, Travis Head continued to plunder English attack, scoring 77 off 73 balls.

Joe Root struck twice in the third session to lead England’s fightback but Steve Smith and Alex Carey saw the day out at 339/5.

Australia Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey(w), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

England Playing XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jonny Bairstow(w), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, James Anderson

Also read: Lords Weather: Rain, Overcast conditions in London for 2nd ENG vs AUS Ashes Test

Match Details

England vs Australia 2nd Ashes Test

Date & Time: June 28-July 02, 3:30 PM

Venue: Lord’s Cricket Ground, London

ENG vs AUS: Live Streaming

Ashes 2023 series will be telecast live and exclusive on the Sony Sports Network. The matches can also be streamed using the Sony LIV app or website.

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