Ashes 2019: 2nd Test match ends in a thrilling draw
The 2nd Ashes Test match played between England
and Australia ends in a thrilling draw on the fifth and final day at Lords,
London on Sunday.
Starting on the overnight score of 96 for 4, Ben Stokes and
Jos Buttler played with caution in the early stages against Pat Cummins,
Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon. Marcus Labuschange becomes 1st ever
concussion substitute in international cricket after Steve Smith was ruled out.
Stokes reached his half-century off 106 balls. Jos Buttler also played some
lovely strokes which made life tough for Australians. England went into lunch
at score 157 for 4.
After the lunch break, Jos Buttler was dismissed by Pat
Cummins for 31. Stokes and Buttler added 90 runs for the 5th wicket.
Jonny Bairstow came to the crease and played with positive intent. Stokes took
on the Australian bowlers and continued his brilliant form in English summer so
far-reaching his century off 160 balls. Stokes and Bairstow added unbeaten 97
runs for the 6th wicket. England declared their innings on 258 for 5.
With a target of 267 runs to win in 48 overs, it was a great
start for the hosts as Jofra Archer got two big breakthroughs dismissing David
Warner and Usman Khawaja. Marcus Labuschange and Cameron Bancroft survived
scary moments. Australia went into the tea break at 46 for 2.
Jack Leach got the breakthrough after the tea break
dismissing Cameron Bancroft. Labuschange and Head steadied Australian innings
putting bad balls away for boundaries. Both were impressive against the Leach
and pacers. The 1st ever concussion substitute impressed one and all
reached his fifty off 89 balls. Jack Leach dismissed Labuschange with a good
catch by Root. Head and Labuschange added 85 runs for the 4th wicket.
Leach struck again by getting the wicket of Matthew Wade.
Jofra Archer dismissed Tim Paine with a sensational catch by
Joe Denly to put Australia under pressure. Pat Cummins and Travis Head faced
the rest off the balls to help Australia save the match.
Despite the match getting affected by rain, it was a
riveting Test between the arch-rivals. With no play possible on the 1st
day, Australian captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bowl first on 2nd
day. It was a brilliant bowling effort by Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Peter
Siddle and Nathan Lyon to bowl out England for 258. Rory Burns was the top scorer
for England in the 1st innings with 53. Australia ended the 2nd
day on 30 for 1 with David Warner being dismissed by Stuart Broad.
After there was little play on the 3rd day, Jofra
Archer bowled a great spell on the 4th day to Steve Smith. Smith had
to retire hurt and came back to score 92. Australia was bowled out for 250 and
conceded an 8 run lead. Jason Roy and captain Joe Root went in quick succession
which left England at 9 for 2. Joe Denly and Rory Burns put on 55 runs for the
3rd wicket. England ended the 4th day on 96 for 4.
England 258 in 77.1 overs ( Rory Burns 53, Jonny Bairstow
52, Hazlewood 3/58, Pat Cummins 3/61) and 258 for 5 d in 71 overs ( Ben Stokes
115*, Buttler 31, Cummins 3/35) Australia 250 in 94.3 overs ( Steve Smith 92,
Khawaja 36, Stuart Broad, 4/65, Chris Woakes 3/61) and 154 for 6 in 47.3 overs
( Labuschange 59, Head 42*, Jofra Archer 3/32, Leach 3/37)
With this draw, Australia and England have earned 8 points for
a draw. This draw means, Australia still have a 1-0 lead.
The third Test match will take place at Headingly, Leeds from
22nd August.
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| Australia draw the 2nd Test |
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