Australia is bracing for the likelihood that Nathan Lyon may miss a lot of the Ashes sequence after he suffered a calf damage within the area on Thursday.
In a probably series-defining second, Australia’s ironman off-spinner – taking part in his a centesimal straight Take a look at – pulled up brief whereas making an attempt to intercept a pull shot from England opener Ben Duckett.
Lyon hobbled off the bottom and was assisted by Australian crew physio Nick Jones across the boundary to the change rooms. Cricket Australia quickly confirmed that Lyon had damage his proper calf. As of Thursday night (UK time), Lyon had not but been booked for scans in accordance with a crew spokesman. Nonetheless CA indicated it might present an replace on Friday morning.
Whereas the Aussie camp stays hopeful that Lyon has dodged a severe damage, vice-captain Steve Smith conceded that Lyon’s damage appeared severe.The third Take a look at in Leeds begins subsequent Thursday, whereas the complete sequence might be wrapped up by the top of July.
“Haven‘t been up within the sheds but. However yeah, clearly it didn’t look good. It doesn’t look best for the remainder of the sport,” Smith stated after stumps.
“However yeah, I’m undecided how he really is. However, you already know, clearly if he’s no good it’s a giant loss for us. He’s in his a centesimal consecutive Take a look at match, which I do know he was actually wanting ahead to participating in and having a task in as properly. So yeah, fingers crossed, he’s OK, however it didn’t look good.”
Not for the reason that 2013 Ashes sequence has Australia performed a males’s Take a look at with out Lyon.
“It‘s not best, significantly your spin bowler. It’s one function. Batter I suppose there’s a great deal of us round so it’s a bit completely different. I believe Nathan’s clearly, if he’s no good, it’d be an enormous loss,” Smith stated.
“Nonetheless (off-spinner) Todd Murphy is ready within the wings. He has been bowling fantastically within the nets and bowled rather well in India when he acquired his alternative as properly. So, you already know, I’d be assured if he got here in he’d do a terrific job for us, however fingers crossed Nathan’s all proper.”
Murphy may but play a task within the sequence, however Australia received’t be capable of name on him to win this match, which at stumps on day two was delicately poised.
Having restricted Australia to 416 regardless of Smith’s thirty second Take a look at century, England was 4-278 at stumps after a dramatic remaining session wherein the hosts batted aggressively in opposition to an inflow of short-pitched bowling from Australia.
Harry Brook was 45 not out after being dropped on 25 at sq. leg by Marnus Labuschagne, whereas Ben Stokes (17 not out) went in opposition to the grain by searching for to go away Australia’s bouncers.
“There was some brief stuff. We felt like we have been within the recreation for lots of the time there. Till in all probability Stokes, he got here out and he was began to duck below a couple of however, you already know, we have been setting the fields and so they have been taking it on and creating alternatives,” Smith stated.
“A lot of the quick bowlers. they in all probability wouldn‘t wish to hold charging in bowling the brief stuff however whereas I regarded as seemingly because it did, on a fairly benign floor, it was the appropriate technique to go.”
With Lyon seemingly absent, Smith stated Australia would hope for higher cloud protection to help the vacationers’ quicks, whereas utilizing the part-time spin of Travis Head and to a lesser extent Smith and Labuschagne.
Smith stated the Lord’s pitch was not providing a lot for the bowlers and was taking part in just like the significantly criticised wicket from the primary Take a look at at Edgbaston.
“At the moment, it felt fairly related (to Birmingham). I believe with the solar out. It felt prefer it in all probability didn‘t have as a lot zip I suppose. appear to be it’s slowed up a good quantity. And yeah, it regarded fairly related.”
Duckett, who was caught at superb leg off Josh Hazlewood for 98, stated the lack of Lyon may current a possibility for the house crew.
“It‘s an enormous disgrace and I actually hope it’s not too unhealthy for him,” Duckett stated.
“You by no means wish to see anybody go down with an damage. All of us want him the most effective. He was going to play an enormous half in that fourth innings, he‘s such a great bowler. Will probably be attention-grabbing to see how they go about it.
“In the event that they hold going bumpers with all 4 bowlers, I believe they‘ll be fairly drained by the top of it, particularly with again to again Checks. Travis bowled all proper tonight, so he perhaps he’ll bowl a bit.”
Aussies rocked by stunning Lyon damage
– Joe Barton and Daniel Cherny
Australia’s fortunes within the second Take a look at swung wildly on day two at Lord’s – however finally may relaxation with the dodgy proper calf of star spinner Nathan Lyon.
Lyon left the sector late on Thursday distressed after injuring his calf in a hammer blow to Australia’s hopes as England roared again into the second Take a look at.
Regardless of a Steve Smith-powered whole of 416, Australia’s first innings lead was trimmed to 138 by stumps as missed possibilities price the vacationers dearly.
Re-live all of the motion from an explosive day under.
STUMPS: ALL EYES ON LYON AFTER ENGLAND FIGHTBACK
Nathan Lyon’s Ashes marketing campaign hangs within the steadiness – and maybe Australia’s hopes lie with him – after one other dramatic day on this rollercoaster sequence.
Lyon suffered a calf damage throughout a manic remaining session, wherein the fortunes of each groups fluctuated wildly as England misplaced 3-34 from a commanding place earlier than recovering earlier than stumps.
However Lyon’s lame limp from the sector threatens to be crucial incident from the day two motion at Lord’s – with additional scans after play to disclose the extent of the harm to the damage that pressured him from the sector late within the day.
Australia might be ruing some essential missed possibilities late within the day as properly. Cameron Inexperienced dismissing Joe Root off a no-ball, when on only one, may’ve been expensive – had the previous England captain not been eliminated for 11 quickly after.
However Marnus Labuschagne spilling a sizzling probability off Harry Brook, on 25, will burn the Australians. Brook stays unbeaten on 45 at stumps, with England 4-278 and trailing Australia’s first innings by an additional 138 runs.
Even apart from the Lyon damage, it was England’s day – dismissing Australia earlier than lunch, regardless of Steve Smith reaching his thirty second Take a look at century, earlier than batting themselves again into the competition via Ben Duckett (98), Zak Crawley (48) and Ollie Pope (42).
3.15AM: STUMPS APPROACHING, AUSTRALIA NEED ANOTHER WICKET
With quarter-hour to play earlier than stumps, Australia are throwing the kitchen sink at England seeking one remaining breakthrough.
On what has been a gruelling remaining session, Australia have ridden the highs and lows – however watched as their first innings lead shortly evaporates with Harry Brook within the center.
Pat Cummins is rotating his bowlers, and has turned to a remaining burst from Josh Hazlewood.
3.00AM: CHANCE PUT DOWN BY MARNUS
That’s a troublesome probability, however it’s a probability that Australia wants to soak up a match as evenly poised as this one.
It’s one other brief ball from Pat Cummins, and Harry Brook hits onerous and flat to Marnus Labuschagne, simply above head peak, at sq. leg – in reality, it seems like he’s been stunned by the tempo of it.
It bursts via Labuschagne’s palms and an opportunity goes begging. A troublesome probability, little doubt, however with a fielder of his high quality you anticipate them to be taken.
Brook was on 25, with England 4-243. Australia know the way harmful he will be, and the way shortly he can rack up runs.
In the meantime, Australia’s major spin choice with Lyon off the sector is… Travis Head! He’s been thrown the ball late within the day.
2.45AM: MURPHY TIME: WHO CAN FILL LYON VOID?
The Australian cricket crew have confirmed Nathan Lyon has suffered a proper calf damage.
“He might be additional assessed post-play,” stated a Cricket Australia spokesman.
So we don’t know the severity of the damage.
However we all know he regarded in severe discomfort, and was grabbing at his calf. And that calf accidents will be notoriously troublesome to handle and overcome.
The damage is to Lyon’s proper leg, which bears the burden of his observe via each supply, in order ex-Take a look at batsman Aaron Finch notes – if there’s any form of tear, it’s unlikely we’ll see him once more this sequence.
That might flip the highlight firmly on 22-year-old Todd Murphy, seen as one thing of a Lyon clone who carried out strongly in India this yr.
Is he prepared for the Ashes furnace? He may be about to search out out.
By means of 4 Checks, Murphy has 14 wickets at 25.21 – and an economic system price of two.5. He’s the closest factor to Nathan Lyon that there’s on the planet, not to mention simply in Australia’s touring occasion.
However Nathan Lyon is a particular beast. He’s been Australia’s greatest bowler via the primary seven days of this sequence. It can’t be understated how massive a blow this may be for Australia’s hopes of a primary sequence win on England shores since 2001, if he’s to overlook any or all the remaining Checks.
2.30AM: WICKET! SMITH SCREAMER SENTS ROOT PACKING
What. A. Catch.
Steve Smith, you magician.
That’s the wicket that the Australians wanted – Joe Root goes for 11 to an exquisite fielding effort from Smith, who capitalises on a pin-point Mitchell Starc bouncer.
Root mistimes a pull, and it bobbles up simply sufficient for Smith to say a rare diving catch, diving ahead and simply getting his fingers beneath the ball.
It bounces up out of his hand, earlier than he pins it to his physique. Root is unconvinced, and the third umpire is known as on to substantiate Smith has claimed a legit catch.
He has, to the frustration of the Lord’s crowd. And England are 4-222.
2.06AM: WICKET! HAZLEWOOD DENIES DUCKETT CENTURY
Oh no! Catastrophe for Ben Duckett, who falls two runs wanting a maiden Ashes century.
A improbable innings involves an finish, with England 3-208.
Duckett falls sufferer to the Josh Hazlewood shortball, baited right into a hook shot which he sends straight down the throat of David Warner.
The short-ball technique has taken some time to be employed by Australia, however it has delivered outcomes.
It’s been a hell of an hour at Lord’s, between Nathan Lyon’s damage, two shock dismissals from England, and Cameron Inexperienced’s no-ball calamity that gifted Joe Root a life.
1.50AM: MAJOR BLOW FOR AUSTRALIA AS LYON FORCED OFF
There’s a serious concern right here for Nathan Lyon, with Australia’s star spinner helped from the sector after struggling a lower-leg damage.
Coming in to attempt to take an outfield catch from a hooking Ben Duckett, the ball fell brief and Lyon instantly regarded in discomfort and grabbed at his proper calf.
After a brief evaluation past the boundary rope, Lyon wanted help as he limped again to the Australian dressing room.
“That isn’t a great sight should you’re an Australian supporter,” stated ex-England captain Andrew Strauss as Lyon winced in ache whereas limping across the boundary rope.
“It seems like a calf damage to me. That’s actually onerous to observe. It truly is an terrible sight.
“You’ll be able to inform by the look on Lyon’s face, the enormity of it’s settling in for Nathan Lyon there. Terrible scenes.”
Ex-England worldwide Kevin Pietersen speculated that Lyon’s response indicated the star spinner, taking part in in his a centesimal consecutive Take a look at, had ‘heard a pop’.
“That’s sequence over, if it’s a pop for Nathan Lyon,” Pietersen stated.
1.47AM: WICKET! NO, NO BALL! GREEN’S CARDINAL SIN
Joe Root will get a life and that might be the most costly mistake of Inexperienced’s Take a look at.
He bowls one other wonderful brief ball, and has Root – on 1 – gloving a catch to Alex Carey.
It’s an enormous wicket, and precisely what Australia wanted.
However it’s instantly snatched away from him after a expensive no ball which brings an enormous cheer from the Lord’s crowd.
It’s the fifth no-ball of Inexperienced’s spell since tea, which had already change into a severe difficulty for the younger all-rounder.
“There’s no excuse for that,” stated Andrew Strauss after an earlier no-ball.
1.43AM: WICKET! OLLIE POPE THROWS HIS WICKET AWAY
What a weird choice from Ollie Pope that’s.
The England No.3, with a half-century in his sights, heaves a Cameron Inexperienced bouncer to deep midwicket the place Steve Smith is ready on the boundary rope.
Smith calmly takes a great outfield catch, ending Pope’s keep on 42.
England are actually 2-188. I get it’s Bazball and all, however that appeared like a very pointless shot from Pope.
Joe Root involves the crease. England’s greatest batsman within the first Take a look at, he is available in with a improbable platform laid.
1.30AM: CUMMINS FORCED FROM FIELD FOR CONCUSSION TEST
Pat Cummins was briefly pressured from the sector after being struck on the top.
The Australian captain copped a glancing blow whereas making an attempt to cease a drive from Ben Duckett, with the ball bouncing awkwardly and putting him close to the appropriate temple.
Cummins seems superb, however jogged off the sector for a concussion take a look at, changed within the area by Matt Renshaw.
Cummins was seen simply past the boundary rope, making use of an ice pack to the world round his eye, earlier than returning an over later.
1.20AM: GREEN UNSETTLES DUCKETT AFTER TEA
Cameron Inexperienced was launched straight after the tea break, and he’s had a direct impression with the short-ball.
He opened the session with a bouncer, signalling the function he’ll be taking up right here. And in his second over, Inexperienced strikes Ben Duckett on the glove with one other searing brief ball – it balloons over Steve Smith at first slip, and lands safely.
However Duckett is fast to tear the glove off and examine his digits. That one damage. And it’s the primary time, actually, he’s regarded unsettled by any of Australia’s quicks right now.
Nathan Lyon, then again, is engaged in an intriguing battle with Duckett, drawing two false pictures in an over – the primary an inside edge onto the pad that ever-so-briefly regarded an LBW probability, and later a paddle sweep that falls wanting Josh Hazlewood at leg gully.
1.00AM: WHERE’S BOLAND? AUSSIE QUICKS GO MISSING
As play resumes after the tea break, it’s not simply the cloud protection that has gone lacking at Lord’s – Australia’s quick bowlers have had a depressing afternoon to this point within the London solar.
With circumstances quickly altering to favour the batsmen, seemingly as quickly as Australia’s final wicket fell, England’s batsman are beginning to achieve the ascendency – and that’s earlier than their Bazball center order assassin’s row of Root, Brook, Stokes and Bairstow arrive on the crease.
Of most concern for Australia would be the lack of penetration from their trio of star bowlers, with Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood particularly each struggling to make an impression and leaking runs.
The choice to drop Scott Boland – who went for five runs an over at Edgbaston, however has a profession economic system price of two.6 – was criticised on the toss, and people murmurs will develop louder if the wickets don’t arrive after tea.
Starc’s sixth over went for 16 runs, and his economic system price has since ballooned to 7.85 per over – the costliest of the Australian bowlers, shading the usually miserly Josh Hazlewood’s 7.40.
“You’re not searching for Mitchell Starc to bowl defensively, you’re anticipating him to pitch it up,” gives ex-England skipper Michael Atherton.
TEA: ENGLAND LEAD BRAVE FIGHTBACK
One other superb session for England, and lots to ponder for Pat Cummins and the Australian crew on the tea break.
It’s been England’s day up to now, and after including 132 runs at higher than 5 an over they’ll tuck into some scones secure within the data that they’re proper again within the contest right here.
After a disastrous opening day, England have carried out every thing doable to wrestle management again from Australia.
Simply the one wicket fell within the session after lunch, with Zak Crawley brilliantly stumped off Nathan Lyon for 48 after placing on 91 for the primary wicket.
Since his exit, Ben Duckett (62) and Ollie Pope (32) have added 54 to consolidate England’s fightback.
“They’re in management on this innings. Australia might want to combine issues up,” suggests Mark Taylor.
12.35AM: ENGLAND BACKING UP BOLD PRE-TEST PREDICTION
For those who speak the speak, you’ve acquired to stroll the stroll.
And Zak Crawley was strutting throughout Lord’s with a Viv Richards-like swagger earlier than throwing his wicket away to Nathan Lyon.
But it surely’s clear that this England crew has a reasonably unshakeable perception.
Forward of the second Take a look at, and in a bullish response to Australia’s escape at Edgbaston, Crawley boasted that he felt not solely would England win the second Take a look at – they’d accomplish that by 150 runs.
“I believe we’ll win,” he stated.
“I believe it would go well with us a bit extra, that pitch. So I believe we’ll win by, I don’t know, 150 runs?”
Given England then despatched Australia in first, the 150-run profitable margin is off the desk for the hosts, however regardless of watching the vacationers publish 416 England have proven no signal of wilting.
As a substitute, they’ve rattled alongside at a greater clip than Australia – and misplaced fewer wickets in citing their first 100 runs.
In Australia’s defence, the wicket is presenting treasured few gremlins with the cloud cowl dissipating.
“The wicket seems completely completely different to what it was yesterday morning,” stated Aaron Finch.
12.20AM: AUSSIES TURN TO UMPIRES FOR HELP
Australia have requested a brand new ball, after Crawley and Duckett bashed the primary one out of form of their punishing opening partnership.
This has been a tactic England used to good impact within the first Take a look at – when the ball stopped (or by no means began) swinging, you go to the umpire and see if it passes the ‘two ring’ take a look at, figuring out whether or not it may be changed.
Usually, the brand new ball (to be chosen from a bunch of equally aged six-stichers) is extra prone to take to swing and motion.
We’ll see if it has any impression, though Pat Cummins instantly dials up a cracker of a yorker which beats Ollie Pope all finally ends up, however lands extensive of the off-stump.
Ben Duckett, in the meantime, is on the verge of his maiden Ashes half-century. He’s unbeaten on 44, with England 1-108.
MIDNIGHT: EMBATTLED POPE FIGHTS THROUGH PAIN
Ollie Pope is out within the center for England, which is a big bonus for the house aspect.
Pope spent nearly the complete Australian innings within the dressing room after injuring his proper shoulder – which has troubled him drastically previously.
England have been at all times assured he would be capable of take his place within the batting lineup, however it wasn’t at all times clear that he would are available at first drop.
“Australia will know there’s an damage there. The slips might be speaking. Strain is on right here. Australia need two,” says Kevin Pietersen.
11.50PM: WICKET! LYON BREAKS THROUGH
A wicket out of nowhere!
England appeared in cruise management, however Nathan Lyon has managed to tug off a key breakthrough – eradicating Zak Crawley simply shy of his half-century.
And it’s some distinctive glovework from Alex Carey that seals the deal, with Crawley drawn down the wicket, and overwhelmed down the legside, earlier than the Australian keeper shortly gathers and breaks the stumps.
It’s really taken a bit of Crawley’s thigh pad – making the stumping much more spectacular – and the England opener goes for 48.
If it was to be anybody, Lyon appeared the almost certainly. The wicket has already dried out considerably, and it’s taking flip.
Lyon would be the key for Australia as soon as extra.
11.40PM: 14-YEAR BEST SPELLS DOOM FOR AUSSIES
That is beginning to change into a priority for Australia, with England compiling their greatest Ashes opening partnership on dwelling soil in 14 years.
After 16 overs Zak Crawley is on the verge of a half century, Ben Duckett isn’t far behind him and England are 0-80 – with the runs coming quickly.
And the probabilities are few and much between.
Alex Carey is hopeful of a stumping, off Ben Duckett, and whereas it’s a sharp piece of glovework the England opener’s again foot is at all times behind the road.
11.20PM: AUSTRALIA BLITZED BY ENGLISH OPENERS
It’s simple going for England on the minute – they’ve picked up the tempo and introduced up a half-century opening stand within the eleventh over.
Zak Crawley, after a affected person begin, has opened the arms and brought the lengthy stick with Mitchell Starc particularly.
It’s been an sad return to the Take a look at scene for Starc, who leaked 29 runs from his first 5 overs of this innings – with simply the one unsuccessful LBW attraction to indicate for it.
Australia have to be questioning the place the clouds, that hung so ominously over Lord’s for the primary 4 classes of this Take a look at, have gone.
With out them, this seems one other belter of a batting wicket that’s providing treasured little for the seam-bowlers.
Within the twelfth over, Pat Cummins turns to Nathan Lyon. Lyon was very good in Birmingham within the first Take a look at, and can once more play a pivotal function.
11.00PM: HOW ‘RUSTY’ SMITH IS TAKING OVER THE WORLD
It’s been a little bit of a tentative begin to the center session, with Australia not getting a lot love from this wicket and England’s openers beginning very patiently.
Zak Crawley brings up the primary boundary of his innings, an exquisite straight drive off Pat Cummins, in maybe a sign of what’s to return.
However whereas we watch for some fireworks, do your self a favour and skim this gem of an article from Crash Craddock on how Australia’s first innings centurion, Steve Smith, impressed the Bluey cartoon which is taking cricket to a worldwide (learn as: American) viewers.
10.42PM: PRESSURE ON AUSSIE QUICKS AS SUN COMES OUT
The second session is underway, and England will resume their innings – nonetheless 403 in arrears of Australia’s first innings.
The priority for Pat Cummins and his tempo allies, is the overhead circumstances have abandoned them.
Instantly it’s sunny skies above Lord’s.
“What we’re seeing proper now might be the easiest of the batting circumstances;” warns Ricky Ponting.
England have to construct on their constructive morning and ship a giant session right here in the event that they’re to be any probability of forcing a constructive consequence on this Take a look at.
LUNCH: ENGLAND WIN THE MORNING, AFTER SMITH’S SPECIAL TON
England might be fairly happy with their morning session, regardless of being behind within the recreation at lunch on day two.
They knocked Australia’s remaining 5 wickets earlier than the primary break, after which had Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett safely navigate 4 overs.
England attain the break at 0-13, however path Australia by 403. The morning was additionally memorable for Steve Smith, who posted 110 – his twelfth Ashes century.
Australia might be a bit upset to have failed to totally capitalise on their robust place late on day one, shedding their remaining seven wickets for an excellent 100 runs.
Now they flip to the tempo trio of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood to do some harm with the ball – though the clouds which helped Jimmy Anderson hoop the ball round have mysteriously disappeared.
9.45PM: STARC SPEARHEADS AUSSIE ATTACK
A brief burst right here for Australia on the England openers earlier than lunch.
Not a lot to achieve for Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, however lots to lose with simply 4 or 5 overs to be bowled earlier than the primary break.
Mitchell Starc, recalled instead of Scott Boland for this Take a look at, will get the brand new ball – with captain Pat Cummins.
With 416 on the board to play with, Australia can afford to be aggressive with the ball as they appear to unsettle an equally aggressive England batting lineup.
Struggle hearth with hearth and all that!
ALL OUT! AUSTRALIA BOWLED OUT FOR 416
Josh Hazlewood is the final man to fall, for 4. However Australia have placed on a large first-innings whole of 416, thanks largely to Steve Smith’s spectacular 110.
Now comes the actually attention-grabbing a part of right now: how will England’s aggressive strategy work on this wicket?
Australia have performed properly, little doubt, however England have been in a position to elicit a severe quantity of swing over the previous two days – simply with out luck.
Their best bowler, Josh Tongue, was additionally their quickest. That ought to encourage Australia’s paceman, who’ve an edge in that division over Anderson, Robinson and co.
However the solar has burst via the clouds, and it seems like batting this afternoon might be just a little extra pleasant than it was below leaden skies yesterday.
Stick round. This might get feisty!
9.20PM: WICKET! LYON DEPARTS AFTER STEERING AUSTRALIA PAST 400
After steering Australia to victory final week, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins have helped Australia previous 400 after Steve Smith’s dismissal.
The tailend pairing – together with one in all Australia’s trio of No.11s, in accordance with Ollie Robinson – have stunted England’s bowlers after the Smith wicket.
Lyon has simply pulled him away for 4 with the shot of the morning – earlier than falling into the entice off the England villain.
Lyon hooks into the deep, the place he’s caught by Josh Tongue (who can’t hold himself out of the sport at this level).
He goes for 7, and England must be batting quickly. Australia 9-408.
9.05PM: WICKET! SMITH FALLS!
The drinks break brings a wicket!
And Josh Tongue has three – this one is the large one, nevertheless. Steve Smith departs for 110, properly caught by Ben Duckett at gully off a flashing drive.
That’s a really sharp catch from an England crew that has been disappointing within the area this sequence.
“It’s a disappointment, however one other very good innings. You’ll be able to inform he needed extra,” says former Australian captain Mark Taylor.
“He simply desires to bat without end.”
That leaves Australia 8-393, and reunites the Edgbaston heroes as Nathan Lyon joins Cummins within the center.
9.00PM: AUSTRALIA EYE 400 AS BIG TOTAL LOOMS
After the early flurry of wickets, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins have steadied the Australian innings with a 35-run stand to take them to the brink of 400 after the primary hour of play.
Smith has been busy this morning, including 25 runs, to convey up yet one more Ashes century, whereas Cummins has picked up the place he left off following his Edgbaston heroics.
400 would’ve been the primary goal on Australia’s minds this morning, however the alternative to place extra overs into England’s drained bowlers might be tempting – as would a monster first innings whole.
One observer within the Lord’s crowd: former Australian captain Justin Langer.
8.47PM: SMITH REACHES 32ND TEST CENTURY
We’re not worthy. If there have been any doubters following his first-Take a look at failures in Edgbaston, Steve Smith took little time in reminding them of his greatness at Lord’s.
The Australian vice-captain hits Jimmy Anderson via the covers for a boundary to convey up yet one more milestone – once more including his identify to the file books.
“We witnessing greatness in entrance of our eyes – one of many all-time greats,” says former England captain Nasser Hussain.
It’s his thirty second Take a look at century, his twelfth in opposition to England – leaving him trailing solely Sir Donald Bradman within the phrases of Ashes centuries – and it has put Australia in a commanding place within the second Take a look at.
Needing 15 runs firstly of the day’s play, Smith peeled off 12 of these runs in boundaries in fast succession – earlier than dragging out the ultimate run in an agonising wait throughout two overs.
8.40PM: SMITH MOVES TO 99 AFTER QUICK FLURRY
Steve Smith is doing it in a rush now!
A trio of boundaries shortly takes him from 87 to 99, and inside attain of his twelfth Ashes ton – and thirty second total.
The autumn of Carey and Starc in fast time seems to have sped him up a contact.
8.30PM: WICKET! AUSSIE TAIL EXPOSED
Mitchell Starc comes, and goes.
He hit a boundary together with his first supply – however lasted solely 10 in whole earlier than flashing at a wider supply from Jimmy Anderson.
He takes a thick edge, and Jonny Bairstow takes a strong catch.
He goes for six. And in comes first-Take a look at hero Pat Cummins.
Cummins joins Steve Smith on 87, who will now wish to dominate the strike and push his method in direction of a century – whereas nudging alongside Australia’s first innings tail.
8.15PM: WICKET! CAREY FALLS EARLY AFTER BRIEF CAMEO
England have some DRS revenge – and it has eliminated Alex Carey for 22.
The keeper-batsman began brightly this morning, hammering a few boundaries to push Australia previous 350.
However he turns into Stuart Broad’s first sufferer of the Take a look at, trapped in entrance earlier than being given not out. Ben Stokes opts to ship it up-stairs, and regardless of some issues concerning the peak, it’s proven to be crashing into all three stumps.
After their DRS struggles yesterday, that may be a massive wicket for England. They’re into the Australian tail now, beginning with the recalled Mitchell Starc.
8.10PM: ENGLAND WOE AS VICE-CAPTAIN REMAINS SIDELINED
A brand new day, however the identical downside for England vice-captain Ollie Pope.
The No.3 batsman was pressured from the sector early in Australia’s innings after struggling a shoulder damage within the area.
Whereas diving to avoid wasting a boundary off Marnus Labuschagne, Pope jolted his troublesome proper shoulder and instantly left for remedy, failing to return.
England are once more fielding with a substitute, with Pope again within the dressing room, however he’s anticipated to pad up when it’s England’s flip to bat.
8PM: RAIN CLEARS, AUSTRALIA EYE HUGE TARGET
After a morning of rain and gloom, I’ve the magic phrases for you: we have now began on time.
The skies do look mildly terrifying – darkish and thick with clouds. That’s terrifying each within the sense that, for Steve Smith and Alex Carey, they’re bowler-friendly but in addition as a result of rain doesn’t appear too far-off.
However Jimmy Anderson will begin to Smith to open day two.
And after that? What number of runs do Australia want from right here? One other 150 runs would push Australia proper on the cusp of 500, a mark that may be extraordinary having been despatched in on a seam-friendly wicket.
They’d actually take it, however even a primary goal of 400 can be firmly of their sights on this morning session, climate allowing.
7.45PM: SMITH ON CUSP OF (MORE) GREATNESS
Cease us should you’ve heard this earlier than, however Steve Smith is not only extremely good at cricket – he’s additionally on the cusp of just a little bit extra historical past.
I’ll let CODE Sport’s Jacob Kuriype take it from right here, to run you thru among the milestones in entrance of Smith within the first session of play right now.
“One other 15 runs to his in a single day rating will see Smith transfer to equal second for essentially the most Ashes centuries ever, degree with England’s Jack Hobbs (12) and behind solely the incomparable Sir Don Bradman (19).
“If he does get there, Smith’s 12 Ashes tons would have come throughout 34 Checks and 59 innings, markedly faster than Hobbs who performed 71 innings throughout his 41 Ashes Checks.
“The century would even be Smith’s thirty second in all Checks, taking him to equal second for Australians alongside Steve Waugh and behind solely Ricky Ponting (41).”
7.30PM: WEATHER CLEARING, CLOUDS REMAIN
Whisper it… however there might be some optimistic indicators at Lord’s. They want to begin on time.
The groups are out within the center for a much-needed warm-up within the chilly circumstances, and whereas the hover cowl stays subsequent to the pitch, there’s a way of optimism, regardless of the ever-present risk of rain.
There may be, nevertheless, numerous cloud cowl hanging over the well-known floor – one thing which must be trigger for concern for Australia’s unbeaten pair, Steve Smith and Alex Carey.
Batting seems prefer it might be higher this afternoon… but when Smith and Carey are nonetheless within the center by then, England might be in a deep gap.
7.00PM: BIZARRE THEORY BEHIND ENGLAND’S LORD’S SHAMBLES
Australia loves Lord’s – at this level that’s only a bonafide reality.
And it’s not simply Steve Smith, who’s unbeaten on 85 and already owns a Take a look at double-century on the floor.
Australia has misplaced simply three Ashes Checks in opposition to England for the reason that 1800s – two previously 15 years, and a 3rd in 1934.
Exterior of these events, the House of Cricket has been a barren floor for England in opposition to Australia.
And the BBC’s Henry Moeran has a principle: as a result of it’s too quiet.
Basically the polar reverse of the opening Take a look at venue, Edgbaston, the place the raucous Hollies Stand creates a hostile ambiance throughout al 5 days, the Lord’s crowd is much extra sedate.
England fan group the Barmy Military historically has a trumpeter to guide its chants, however devices are banned from the bottom, making a far completely different ambiance.
And it performs a task.
“With a typically quieter ambiance (no devices allowed, for instance), is the Lord’s expertise too comfy for visiting sides?” requested Moeran.
6.30PM: GRIM FORECAST FACES AUSSIES
After a dominant opening day, Australia can be eager to twist the knife early on day two at Lord’s.
Sadly, the English climate Gods have completely different concepts.
It’s moist and dreary in London proper now, with regular rain falling all through the morning, and extra precipitation on the radar.
Steve Smith will resume on 85, with a thirty second Take a look at century in his sights, alongside Alex Carey (11 not out).
4PM: SECOND TO BRADMAN: SMITH’S RAREFIED AIR
By Jacob Kuriype
After the rarest of dual failures within the sequence opener, Steve Smith is again in acquainted territory on the cusp of Ashes historical past.
Smith will resume play on day two of the second Take a look at on 85, reverse Alex Carey (11), with the Australians on target for a giant first innings whole at 5-339.
One other 15 runs to his in a single day rating will see Smith transfer to equal second for essentially the most Ashes centuries ever, degree with England’s Jack Hobbs (12) and behind solely the incomparable Sir Don Bradman (19).
There may be each probability the Australian must watch for his probability to convey up the century, with showers anticipated via the morning.
If he does get there, Smith’s 12 Ashes tons would have come throughout 34 Checks and 59 innings, markedly faster than Hobbs who performed 71 innings throughout his 41 Ashes Checks.
The century would even be Smith’s thirty second in all Checks, taking him to equal second for Australians alongside Steve Waugh and behind solely Ricky Ponting (41).
At stumps on day one, Smith’s profession Ashes run tally sat at 3151. That makes him the fifth highest run-scorer in Ashes historical past, however he may leapfrog Waugh (3173) and Allan Border (3222) to 3rd if he carries on his kind from in a single day.
The match has already seen the Australian nice have fun one vital milestone as he went previous 9000 profession Take a look at runs. When it comes to innings performed, solely Kumar Sangakkara (172 innings) has reached the landmark faster than Smith (174).
Smith is at the moment Australia’s fourth best Take a look at run scorer, behind Waugh (10,927), Border (11,174) and Ponting (13,378).
Despatched out to bat, the Australians made essentially the most of ill-disciplined bowling and sloppy fielding from the hosts, with David Warner (66) and Travis Head (77) each making half-centuries.
Initially printed as Ashes 2023: Nathan Lyon damage rocks day 2 as Aussie camp braces for unhealthy information
