Ashes 2023: 4th Test, Day 2 – Zak Crawley’s attack blunts Australia

Batting first, Australia had closed Day 1 at 299/8, and the tailenders looked to put up as many runs as possible when they started the proceedings on Day 2. But little did they know about the trouble they were to face on the very first ball of the day. England handed the ball to James Anderson, and the veteran seamer struck on the first delivery of Day 2, dismissing rival skipper Pat Cummins.

The hosts could not have asked for a better start to the day, and Anderson handed them a breakthrough before the first runs were scored in the day. Chris Woakes, who had picked up four wickets on Day 1, was at his best yet again as he completed a five-wicket haul by dismissing Hazelwood, and Australia managed to add just 18 runs to their overnight score to eventually close at 317.

England’s start to their innings wasn’t ideal as they lost opener Ben Duckett cheaply in the third over as Mitchell Starc drew first blood. But a 121-run stand between Zak Crawley and Moeen Ali helped the hosts get back into the game. Moeen was dismissed after scoring a fine half-century, but the game continued at the same pace as Joe Root and Crawley put up a 206-run stand for the third wicket.

Before the end of the final session, both Crawley and Root lost their wickets as England closed the play at 384/4 with a lead of 67 runs.

Talking Points from Day 2

Zak Crawley’s ton

Zak Crawley exuded confidence when he walked out to bat against the mighty Australians. He scored runs off every bowler and kept the scoreboard ticking even after England had lost the early wicket of Duckett. The opening batter ended up scoring 189 runs off 182 deliveries, thereby putting England’s Bazball ploy into play.

Joe Root’s brilliance

The former England skipper looked in great form with the bat, as he notched up 84 runs off 95 deliveries. His knock was studded with eight fours and a six as the senior pro batted at a strike rate of 88.42. His 200+ runs partnership with Zak Crawley was the highlight of Day 2.

Chris Woakes’ excellence

Having picked up four wickets on Day 1, Chris Woakes also picked up from where he left off on Day 2 and managed to bag yet another five-for. His wicket of Josh Hazelwood put an end to Australia’s innings and Woakes managed to restrict Australia to 317, not allowing them to look for a big total.