ENG vs AUS, 1st Ashes Test: Twin Strikes from Broad Puts Australia on Back-foot

Broad got the wickets of Warner and Labuschagne [AP Photos]

England and their new aggressive approach has not only being transmitted in the batters, but their bowlers have also found a new energy, as witnessed on Day 2 of the first Ashes Test.

Australia started Day 2 at their overnight score of 14/0, and they would have been looking for a solid start from their two openers, but that was not the case as Stuart Broad had some other plans.

By the time the lunch was taken on the second day, Australia were reeling at 78 for 3, with Travis Head and Usman Khawaja at the crease.

Talking Points

Edgbaston crowd erupts to Broad's music

There is a reason as to why Broad was preferred over Mark Wood in the first Test match. The reason - none other than David Warner. The Englishman had dismissed Warner 14 times in Test matches, and he did it for the 15th time on Day 2, when the Aussie opener under-edged a Broad delivery onto the stumps.

In the very next ball, the world's number one ranked Test batter, Marnus Labuschagne was sent home for a golden duck by Broad. 

The onus should also be given to Bairstow behind the stumps, who leapfrogged to his right and took a brilliant diving catch as the Edgbaston crowd went wild.

Smith, Khawaja steadies the ship

With twin strikes by Broad, Australia needed their best batter to step up and Smith did just that. The run-rate didn't matter as the Australian duo of Khawaja and Smith batted cautiously and steadied the ship for their side. Ben Stokes had set an unusual field for Smith when he came at the crease with a leg slip and a leg gully in place, but the champion batter safely negotiated that tough period.

Captain Stokes gets the big fish!

You need something special to dismiss Steve Smith and Ben Stokes was the man to do it just before the lunch break. Stokes' good length ball nipped back in and trapped Smith lbw as the batter couldn't believe it.

Expectations from the second session

Australia still trail England by a country mile, and they need their batters to step up against a hostile England attack. Travis Head and Khawaja will be looking to safely negotiate the first hour after lunch.

Brief Score

Australia (1st innings): 78-3 (31)

Usman Khawaja 40* (92), Steve Smith 16 (59);

Stuart Broad 2-17 (7)

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