Ashes 2nd Test: Day 1, Talking Points- Strong start from Smith
The much-awaited second Test of Ashes 2023 got underway on Wednesday, June 28 at Lord’s. England’s skipper won a crucial toss in overcast conditions and invited Australia to bat first. However, they couldn’t make the most of the favourable conditions as Australian openers David Warner (66) and Usman Khawaja (17) added 73 runs for the first wicket.
Following the brilliant opening stand, Marnus Labuschagne (47), Steven Smith (85*) and Travis Head (77) made sure Australia finished the day on a high note, on 339/5 with Smith and Carey (11*) at the crease. On a laborious day for England out on the field, Josh Tongue (2/88) and Joe Root (2/19) emerged as the pick of the bowlers. A lot of action took place on Day 1, let’s take a look at the talking points of the riveting day of Test cricket.
David Warner’s composed start
David Warner tackled the conditions well and got off to a half-century in no time. He gave the perfect start that Australia had been looking for and set the tone straight for the middle-order batters.
Josh Tongue’s remarkable Ashes debut
Josh Tongue was on a song when the play began on Day 1. The seamer, who made his first Ashes appearance, bowled brilliantly and provided the hosts with crucial breakthroughs by dismissing openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja.
Steve Smith and Travis Head’s quick-fire 100-run stand
Steven Smith and Travis Head put on a magnificent 118-run stand off just 120 balls. Head was attacked with a short ball ploy by England seamers, however, the southpaw was unfazed by it and kept playing attacking shots. He scored a brilliant 77 off 73 balls with the help of 14 fours in his innings.
Joe Root becomes a partnership breaker
With Smith and Head continuing their onslaught, things looked bleak for England in the third session. However, Joe Root came on with his golden arm and helped his side break the dangerous stand by getting Head out stumped. Three balls later, he struck again as Cameron Green holed out to mid-off trying to smack him. The two wickets were much needed for England at that stage as Australia were running away with the game.
