Ashes 2023 | Australia Overcomes Stokes' Heroics to Take a Commanding 2-0 Lead

image-ljn32felAustralia have taken a 2-0 lead in the ongoing Ashes Test (Source: AP Photo

In a spectacular display of batting prowess at Lord's during the 2nd Test, Ben Stokes single-handedly led England's resistance against the Australian bowlers. During the first session, England found themselves at 243/6 at lunch, with Stokes holding firm in the middle, unbeaten on a brilliant 108.

Stokes unleashed an onslaught on the bowlers, particularly targeting the ones bowling from the nursery end, as he bludgeoned 9 sixes and nine fours in his innings. This remarkable feat of hitting sixes set a new Ashes record for the most maximums in an innings. However, none of his fours came during the second session of play.

The England captain's aggressive approach continued against Josh Hazlewood, who was bowling from the pavilion end. In his quest to maximize the scoring rate, Stokes eventually perished for a magnificent 155 off 214 deliveries.

Overall, it was an extraordinary innings by Stokes, demonstrating his immense skill and determination to propel England's fightback against the dominant Australian team in the Ashes series.



Ben Stokes & Steve Smith - Wagon Wheel

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Ben Stokes survived a close call when he was given out leg before wicket on 39 against Mitchell Starc, but a successful review overturned the decision. Stokes and Ben Duckett went on to form a century partnership, helping England surpass 150 runs. Stokes reached his fifty off 99 balls, contributing significantly to England's innings.

Josh Hazlewood ended the 132-run partnership by dismissing Ben Duckett on 83. There was controversy when Jonny Bairstow was run out while walking down the pitch before the ball was dead. Ben Stokes displayed incredible aggression, hitting three consecutive sixes off Cameron Green to bring up his century. At lunch on the fifth day, England was at 243/6 in 57 overs, with Stokes unbeaten on 108 and Stuart Broad on 1.

After the lunch break, Steve Smith dropped a straightforward chance to dismiss Ben Stokes. England reached the 250-run mark in the 59th over. Alex Carey then failed to hold onto a tough chance as Stokes edged the ball once again early in the second session. Stokes and Stuart Broad's partnership crossed the three-figure mark, and Stokes went on to bring up his 150 off 197 balls, further solidifying England's innings.

England reached the milestone of 300 runs in the 72nd over, but their momentum quickly faded as Josh Hazlewood dismissed Ben Stokes and Stuart Broad, with Pat Cummins taking the wicket of Ollie Robinson. Mitchell Starc then cleaned up Josh Tongue, sealing a 43-run victory for Australia. With this win, Australia went 2-0 up in the Ashes series.

Conclusion 

The upcoming Ashes series promises to be an enthralling battle between England and Australia, with England showcasing their resilience and ability to stage comebacks. Throughout the history of the Ashes, England has been known for its remarkable fightbacks, displaying a never-say-die attitude in the face of adversity. 



Their performances in recent times have exemplified this spirit, with memorable comebacks etching their names in Ashes folklore. As the series unfolds, cricket fans can expect England to draw upon their fighting spirit, seeking to overcome challenges, turn the tide in their favor, and script new tales of triumph. The stage is set for an intense battle between the arch-rivals, and England's potential comebacks will undoubtedly add an extra layer of excitement to the series.