Ashes 2019: 2nd Test – Rain robs Lord’s of play on Day 1
England will have to wait for the much-awaited Test debut of Jofra Archer after persistent rain washed out the first day of the second Test at Lord’s. Play was abandoned without a ball being bowled, rendering the Test a four-day affair.
The rain gods made their presence felt even before toss could happen on what looked like an overcast morning. As the covers came on and off on multiple occasions, the hosts waited with bated breath in hope of reviving their fortunes in the series. But as luck would have it, the umpires called off play at 04:20 pm local time after a final inspection.
England cricketer Chris Jordan presenting Archer with his Test cap was the only silver lining on an otherwise grim day. Jordan gave an inspiring speech to his close friend and Sussex teammate, who he said always wanted to play Test cricket for England.
? @CJordan: “I know this is the pinnacle for you. One of the first things you said to me when you came over to England was you wanted to play Test cricket for England. That time has come.”
? Watch the moment @JofraArcher received his first Test cap!#Ashes pic.twitter.com/LhNQMOIeIG
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) August 14, 2019
Day 2 of the Test will start with the toss and extra overs will be added towards the end of each day. In case of a follow-on, the margin will be reduced to 150 runs. With the rain threat looming at large, it will be interesting to see whether England picks their only spinner Jack Leach or the all-round Sam Curran in a shortened Test match. Australia are likely to include Josh Hazlewood ahead of Mitchell Starc.
