Ashes 2019: 2nd Test preview – Desperate England in search of turnaround

All losses in life hurt in one way or the other, but there are some that simply leave you in disbelief. England would know that feeling. It’d be playing on their minds a million times before they make their way to the Lord’s Cricket Ground on Wednesday. After having been in control for the most part of the first Test, the newly-crowned world champions collapsed like a pack of cards. As if they had suddenly forgotten the art of playing Test cricket.

Their arch-rivals though had a dream start to the series. Being led by a relatively inexperienced but well-travelled captain, Australia didn’t seem too fussed. They knew they were the stronger side on paper, but they had a bigger responsibility to prove it in the middle, and do that away from home. Who better than the resurgent Steve Smith to do it whilst scripting a little comeback fairytale of his own? And what’s an Australian victory without the roar of Nathan Lyon?

As both teams head to the Mecca of Cricket for the second Test, England would hope to avoid another onslaught from the visitors. Australia, on the other hand, will be raring to go after a phenomenal victory.

Match info

England vs Australia: 2nd Test, 14th August

Lord’s, London (03:30 PM IST)

Head-to-Head

Australia have a dominant record against England at Lord’s, leading the head-to-head tally 15-7. Both teams have clashed at this venue on 36 occasions, 14 of which ended in a draw.

Also read: England and Australia at Lord’s: Peering into the past

Team News

England

Mark Wood, James Anderson and Olly Stone – England’s injury list is becoming longer than the number of reserved players in the squad. However, the addition of pace sensation Jofra Archer is set to boost their struggling bowling line-up and inspire much-needed confidence. Left-arm spinner Jack Leach, who was included in place of Moeen Ali, will rightly fill the spin bowler’s place. It will be interesting to see how England uses him to counter the attack of Steve Smith. Sam Curran’s abilities with both and ball could also provide the hosts with a fine balance. But England cannot afford to go with a batsman short, so expect just the two changes in the playing XI.

Australia

A 251-run win in the opening Test will do a world of good for Australia’s morale. But they’d be foolish to let complacency creep in against a humiliated England who are seeking revenge. The hosts have quite a few game-changers in their ranks and the Aussies will be wary of them, especially captain Joe Root who’s due a big knock. Australia have rested fast bowler James Pattinson for the second Test, which means there will be a toss-up between Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc for the third seamer’s slot. Matthew Wade’s inspiring ton has lent stability to the middle order.

Key Players

Joe Root (England): The England captain scored a fifty in the first innings but couldn’t grind it out in the second at Edgbaston, when his team was inching closer to defeat. England need him to stay at the crease for as long as possible, considering their fragile top order.

Nathan Lyon (Australia): With 9 wickets in the first Test, off-spinner Nathan Lyon ripped the Englishmen into pieces. His six-wicket haul in the second innings turned the game on its head for Australia on Day 5. Australia will be banking on Lyon’s stock deliveries on what could be a dry wicket at Lord’s.

Probable XI

England: R Burns, J Roy, J Root (C), J Denly, B Stokes, J Bairstow (WK), J Buttler, C Woakes, J Leach, S Broad, J Archer

Australia: D Warner, C Bancroft, U Khawaja, S Smith, M Labuschagne, M Wade, T Paine (C & WK), P Cummins, P Siddle, N Lyon, J Hazlewood/M Starc