On an exciting day of cricket at Lord’s, Ben Duckett’s strong performance and a fifty-run partnership by Ben Stokes and Harry Brook have kept England in the race against Australia’s first innings total. By the end of the second day in the second Ashes Test, England scored 278/4.
England began the final session at 145/1 with Duckett and Ollie Pope at the crease, who carried their score past 150 in the 32nd over. Duckett maintained a brisk scoring rate while Pope provided sturdy support, together building a formidable 97-run partnership.
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However, Australia’s Cameron Green terminated the duo’s collaboration, dismissing Pope for 42, with England’s score at 188/2. Australia seemed to gain momentum as their pacers subsequently dismissed Duckett, who fell just short of his maiden Ashes century, and Joe Root to leave England at 222/4.
Aiming to stabilize their innings, England looked to Stokes and Brook, who didn’t disappoint, crafting a fifty-run partnership in 80 deliveries. Their determined stand ensured England’s day ended without further losses.
Earlier in the day, England started the second session at 13/0. Zak Crawley’s aggression led England to reach the 50-run mark in 10.1 overs. Crawley fell for 48 when Nathan Lyon struck for Australia, with England’s score at 91/1. Duckett and Pope then took over, ensuring England crossed the 100-run mark and concluded the session without further loss.
The day resumed with Australia resuming at 339/5 from their overnight total. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, Steve Smith’s stellar century steered Australia to a respectable first innings score of 416. England’s pacers, including Stuart Broad and James Anderson, displayed commendable form, restricting Australia’s lower order.
Ahead of Day 3 England will be eager to build on the firm foundation laid by Duckett, Stokes, and Brook, and look to surpass Australia’s first innings total. Meanwhile, Australia will be counting on their bowlers to break England’s emerging partnerships and establish a commanding lead.