Australia will face England in the second Test of the five-match series between the two fierce rivals at Lords on Wednesday the 28th of June.
The first test of the 5-match series delivered everything and more that was promised in the lead-up.
With plenty of talking points and momentum swings throughout the match, it was a defining 8th wicket partnership between Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon that saw Australia snatch an unlikely victory.
Can Australia take a 2-0 lead in The Ashes? Or will ‘Bazball’ rule Lords?
We preview all the action below:
Will the pitch be England’s ‘Lords’ and Saviour?
At Edgbaston, the pitch prepared was dead, providing little to no life for the bowlers. England veteran Jimmy Anderson declared he was “done” for the entire series if curators continued to dish up similar wickets.
Early photos of the Lord’s pitch show a ‘juicy’ green-top which will benefit the seamers of both sides.
With spinners traditionally having little to no influence at Lord’s, England have decided to play young quick Josh Tongue ahead of Moeen Ali, leaving Joe Root as the only spin option for the home side.
Australia will release their final side at the coin toss – with Mitchell Starc for Scott Boland being likely the only change.
Key Match-Up
Marnus Labuschagne vs Stuart Broad
It didn’t take long for Stuart Broad to remind the Australian public why he’s been the number 1 villain for so many years.
We all knew about his ability to trouble David Warner, but it was his length and slight out-swing that left Labuschagne in all sorts during the first test.
In his last 17 innings, Labuschagne has averaged only 33, far from his early average of 60+.
Both are particularly proud players, expect Broad to be brought on when Marnus strolls to the crease.
Can Ollie Robinson ‘Walk the Walk’?
It wasn’t Robinson’s best game with the ball, but by the way he has talked, you would be forgiven for thinking he claimed 10 wickets and a century.
After the send-off of Usman Khawaja on 141, followed by his Day 3 press conference saying, “Australia have 3 number 11’s (Lyon, Boland, Hazlewood)”, it was the stoic defence of Nathan Lyon and Scott Boland that helped Pat Cummins lead the Australian side to a famous 2-wicket victory.
Ben Stokes has declared he won’t be telling Robinson to rein it in, “What‘s Ashes cricket without a little bit of comments from past players?” Stokes said.
“Ollie Robinson is the sixth best bowler in the world, he is averaging 21 with the ball. That‘s all I need to say on that.”
Best Bet
Man of the Match – Steven Smith – $8
Lord’s’ has been a happy hunting ground for both Australia and Steve Smith who averages 54.43 at the ‘Home of Cricket’.
A failure in the opening game, a high-profile series and on one of his favourite decks, everything points to a return to form of one Steven Peter Devereux Smith.
Prediction
Despite England saying they felt like they won the first one test, the record shows that they didn’t…
For Australia to win the first test, despite Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne not scoring runs, shows exactly how far this Australian side has come in recent times.
Although this pitch will favour the English seamers more than the first test, Australia’s fast bowling cartel have proven time and time again to be the best in the world across all conditions.
Tip – Australia (2-0)
Predicted Sides
Australia: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
England: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, James Anderson
The Ashes Dates and Venues:
June 16-20 – 1st Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham
June 28-July 2 – 2nd Test at Lord’s, London
July 6-10 – 3rd Test at Old Trafford, Manchester
July 19-23 – 4th Test at Headingley, Leeds
July 27-31 – 5th Test at Oval, London
Where to Watch:
Every Test Match of the 2023 Ashes series will be shown live and free on Channel 9 and streamed on 9now
Time: 8pm AEST
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