Ashes 2023 2nd Test 1st Day: Australia in a strong position

 

The Australian Cricket Team ended the 1^st day of the 2^nd Test match in a strong position with impressive batting performance played at Lords, London on 28 June 2023.

England captain Ben Stokes won the toss on overcast conditions and decided to field first. David Warner showed intent with attacking strokes keeping the pressure on England bowlers. With the scoreboard reading 20 for 0, rain arrived and stopped play. It was a disappointing fielding effort as they dropped catch. Warner continued his attacking approach and kept the scoreboard ticking. Right at the stroke of lunch, Josh Tongue produced a beauty to dismiss Usman Khawaja. Warner looked in great touch reaching half-century off 66 deliveries. Khawaja and Warner added 73 runs for the opening wicket.

It was a brilliant start for England in the second session as Tongue produced another peach to dismiss dangerous Warner. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struggled initially before hitting boundaries at will. Smith was given out by the umpire but on review it was overturned to not out as it was going over the stumps. Labuschagne and Smith continued to milk the runs with ease.

Labuschagne was not given out by the umpire, but this time England reviewed the decision and the decision stood as it hit inside edge. Steve Smith and Labuschagne ensured that Australia end tea session at 190 for 2.

Soon after the tea session, Ollie Robinson produced a peach to get rid of Marnus Labuschagne caught by Bairstow. Smith and Labuschagne added 102 runs for the 3^rd wicket. Travis Head came to the crease with positive intent as England bowlers delivered loose deliveries. On other hand, Smith looked confident reaching half-century off 102 balls.

Travis Head kept the scoreboard ticking with his attacking approach reaching half-century off 48 deliveries. Joe Root got much needed breakthrough for England dismissing Head with lovely stumping by Bairstow. Head and Smith added 118 runs for the 4^th wicket. Root then struck in the same over to dismiss Cameron Green with simple catch to Anderson at mid-off.

Alex Carey looked confident with his strokes while Smith played with solid defense. England captain Stokes took the second new ball. Australia ended the first day at 339 for 5.

Australia 339 for 5 in 83 overs (Steve Smith 85*, Warner 66, Tongue 2/88, Root 2/19)

 

 

 

Australia end day 1 on 339 for 5 against England 2nd Ashes Test 1st Day