Ashes 5th Test: Day 2 – Smith carries Australia closer to England’s total

Day 2 of the ongoing fifth and final Ashes Test was quite the roller coaster ride for both England and Australia. Starting off the day, Australia were at a score of 61 runs with the loss of one wicket, with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne on the strike.

Khawaja further built on his innings, scoring 47 runs in 157 deliveries, with Labuschagne looking rock solid as well. The Aussie batter scored nine runs in 82 deliveries before he was sent packing after Stuart Broad’s mind games. It was the knock of ace batter Steve Smith that helped the Aussies minimize their trail and even gain a slender lead going into the second innings.

Smith amassed 71 runs in 123 deliveries and had the English bowlers beat. Furthermore, after late contributions by Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy, who scored 36 and 34 runs, respectively, Australia posted 295 runs on the board and were bundled out. As Day 3 approaches, England will be looking to post a big total on the board as they will come out to bat trailing by 12 runs.

Steve Smith’s brilliance:

Day 2 belonged to star batter Steve Smith, the maestro put forth an excellent batting performance and scored 71 runs in 123 deliveries. His knock was crucial for the Aussies in gaining a slender lead and post 295 runs on the board in the first innings.

Chris Woakes’ spell:

As for England’s performance, it was pacer Chris Woakes’ day to shine. Bowling 25 overs in the first innings, Woakes took a brilliant three wickets and conceded 61 runs in the process. His spell was integral to England limiting the Aussies to a reasonable total.

Cummins-Murphy stand:

After the Australian top and middle order did their job, skipper Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy helped the visitors reach a total of 295 runs. Cummins scored 36 runs, whereas Murphy amassed 34 runs in a very important partnership.