England win the toss, Australia to bat first at Lord's
LONDON : England captain Ben Stokes won the toss and put Australia into bat in the second Ashes test under grey skies at Lord's on Wednesday.
Alex Carey Sport News
England vs Australia, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 1, Live Score Updates: England Win Toss, Opt To Bowl vs Australia
ENG vs AUS, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 1 Live Updates:England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl againstAustralia in the second Ashes Test on Wednesday at Lord's. The Pat Cummins-led side have taken 1-0 lead in the five-match series after claiming a victory by two wickets in the first match. Usman Khawaja anchored Australia's innings with a fighting 65-run knock while Pat Cummins' 44 not out provided the crucial finish in the chase of 281 on Day 5 of the first Test. It will be interesting whether England will be able to equalize the series or will Australia take 2-0 lead. (Live Scorecard)
"Had A Very Ordinary Game...": Ricky Ponting Questions Star's Place In England's Test XI
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said that England have some selection issues to deal with and suggested that wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow's errors were one of the main reasons England lost the first Test. Moeen Ali had a finger injury on Day 3 of the Test, limiting his bowling abilities. Bairstow has been chastised for his glove failures in the first Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston. "As far as I'm concerned now, England have more questions to answer than Australia. On their style of play, but also now looking at that first Test, they've got some selection issues that they're going to have to deal with as well," Ponting told ICC.
"New Mr Cool": Virender Sehwag Gives MS Dhoni's Title To This Player. Not From India
Former India skipper MS Dhoni is regarded one of the best captains in the history of cricket. From playing unbelievable knocks with the bat to showcasing lightening fast wicketkeeping skills, the 41-year-old cricketer has taken Team India across the line on numerous occasions. Over the years, Dhoni earned the title of "Mr Cool" due to his calm and composed nature, even during the extreme conditions in a match. However, former India batter Virender Sehwag has found a new "Mr Cool" and he is none other than Australia Test skipper Pat Cummins, who brilliantly led his side to victory over England in the first Ashes game on Tuesday.
Brendon Mccullum Defends Jonny Bairstow's Performance In First Ashes Test Against Australia
England head coach Brendon McCullum defended wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow's performance despite his errors in the first Ashes Test, which England lost by two wickets, adding "at No. 7 is a real weapon for us." Bairstow was guilty of failing to go for Usman Khawaja's catch in James Anderson's second innings over while the Australian opener was batting on 5. In the second innings, Khawaja hit a match-winning 65. Bairstow also dropped Alex Carey twice and failed to stump Cameron Green. The senior batter took five catches, but it was his squandered opportunities that earned him criticism after England lost a close encounter in Birmingham.
Ashes 2023: Tim Paine Explains Where Australia Have 'Advantage' Over England
It would be advantage Australia during the Ashes as they can play at "different tempos", while England only know how to play "really hard", feels former Test skipper of the touring side Time Paine. Paine, a wicketkeeper-batter, had stepped down as Australia captain days before the last Ashes series at home due to a 'sexting' scandal and was replaced by pacer Pat Cummins as Test skipper. Australia defeated Ben Stokes' England by two wickets in a thrilling Ashes opener at Edgbaston with Cummins scoring an unbeaten 44 and guiding the visitors to victory when things had started to look difficult.
Watch: James Anderson Turns Peacekeeper To Dissolve Ollie Robinson-Usman Khawaja Altercation
The thrilling first Ashes Test match between England and Australia ended in the favour of the Pat Cummins-led side on Tuesday by two wickets. Playing in Birmingham, the visitors held their nerves as Cummins (44*) and Nathan Lyon (16*) stitched an unbeaten partnership of 55 runs and took their side across the line in the chase of 281. Cricket is considered as the gentleman's game but sometimes the intensity of the contest makes the players lose their cool on the field. An example of that was seen during the match when Australia opener Usman Khawaja engaged in an exchange of words with England pacer Ollie Robinson.
Slow and steady trumps 'Bazball': 3 things we learned from thrilling Ashes opener
Australia's dramatic two-wicket win in the first Test at Edgbaston on Tuesday ensured a hugely-anticipated Ashes series got off to a thrilling start as skipper Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon's unbroken stand of 55 turned the tables on England.