Ashes 2nd Test | An Analytical Dive into England's Response to Australia on Day 2

image-ljip0prkEnglan gave a solid response on Day 2 to Australia's first inning dominance (Source: AP Photo)

After their narrow victory at Edgbaston, the visiting team held a 1-0 lead and must have felt confident as they posted a competitive total of 416 runs. However, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Ollie Pope took full advantage of favorable batting conditions and skillfully chipped away at the target. 

Although Lyon managed to stump Crawley on 48, Australia found themselves lacking suitable answers when Lyon had to leave the field with assistance from the team physiotherapist. Despite their formidable pace bowling options, Australia's inability to find a replacement of Lyon's caliber exposed a gap in their squad.

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Duckett starred with the bat for England, falling just a couple of runs short of a century. He adapted his approach, allowing Crawley to take the aggressive role early on, before capitalizing on favorable batting conditions. However, when Hazlewood bowled a delivery at his ribs, Duckett's uncomfortable shot resulted in a catch for Warner stationed at fine leg. Pope had already been dismissed with a catch in the deep off a pull shot.



Sessions Breakdown: Eng vs Aus 2nd Test Day 2

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In the opening session of Day 2, Australia started at 393/7, with Carey on 22 after surviving a successful review in the second over. However, England's Anderson struck early, dismissing Starc caught behind by Bairstow to claim his first wicket of the Test. The stage was then set for the prolific Smith, who showcased his class with a magnificent drive through covers, bringing up his 32nd Test century. 

But Tongue's relentless bowling earned him the prized wicket of Smith on 110, caught at gully. England's bowlers efficiently wrapped up the Australian tail, limiting them to 416 runs. In the second session, England's opening pair of Crawley and Duckett made an impressive start, bringing up a solid 50-run partnership in just 10.1 overs. 

At the drinks break, England reached 88/0 in 17 overs, with Crawley on 48 and Duckett on 38. However, Lyon managed to break the opening stand of 91 runs by dismissing Crawley for 48. Duckett continued his fine form and reached his half-century off 84 balls. Later, Duckett and Pope combined to add another fifty runs to the scoreboard in quick time. 

As the players headed for tea, England stood at 145/1 after 30 overs, with Duckett on 62 and Pope on 32. England looked set for a strong position as they aimed to build a substantial lead against Australia. England's Pope falls to Green's short ball on 42, while Root survives a no-ball dismissal on one. 

Duckett falls two runs short of a century to Hazlewood's short delivery. England reaches 217/3 at the drinks break with Root on 8 and Brook on 8. Root eventually departs for 10 to Starc's short delivery. Labuschagne drops Brook on 25. Brook and Stokes end the day unbeaten as England finishes on 278/4.

Conclusion

However, Australia cameback into the game on the third day with some quick wickets upfront and restricted England to 325 runs. The visitors came out to bat with a 91 runs lead in the first innings and at Tea on Day 3, they are stationed at 81 for 1 with a lead of 172 runs under their belt.