Ashes 2nd Test: Day 3 Talking Points – Australia strengthen their grip
England started Day 3 of the second Ashes Test at 278/4, trailing by 138 runs, with skipper Ben Stokes and Harry Brook on the crease. After a successful end to Day 2, England batters looked to capitalize on the momentum, but things fell apart when Australian bowlers ripped the hosts’ batting unit apart and gained control over the game in the very first session.
Australia started their second innings before Lunch and got their innings off to a good start as David Warner and Usman Khawaja put up a 63-run opening stand. It was Josh Tongue who drew first blood when he dismissed Warner for the second time in the ongoing Lord’s Test. Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne anchored the innings then and stood strong through the second session.
Australia lost their second wicket at the start of the third session when James Anderson sent Labuschagne packing for a 51-ball 30. A rain delay saw early stumps being called, as the visitors closed Day 3 on 130/2 with a healthy lead of 221 runs.
Talking points from Day 2 of the second Test:
England’s collapse
England looked to build the innings on Day 3, but much to their surprise, they ended up falling prey to Australia’s short-ball ploy. After Mitchell Starc got the English skipper out, he struck again to dismiss the in-form Harry Brook. Travis Head and Josh Hazlewood joined the party as they dismissed Jonny Bairstow and the tailender to put an end to the hosts’ innings.
Travis Head shines in Nathan Lyon’s absence
Nathan Lyon’s injury came as a major setback for Australia, as they were left out with part-time spinners. But Travis Head rose to the occasion and picked up two crucial wickets as he dismissed Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad, thereby finishing with figures of 2/17 in seven overs.
Australia’s solid start to second innings
Australia bowlers had managed to dismiss England for 325, and the batters then took charge in the second innings to build upon the lead. Usman Khawaja remained unbeaten at the end of the day, scoring 58 of 123 deliveries. Fair contributions from Warner and Labuschangne saw Australia ending the day comfortably.
