Ashes 2023 | 'England In A Very Strong Position, But...': Former Captain on Lord's Test After Day 2
England go into Day 3 at 278 for 4 [AP Photos]
On Day 2 of the ongoing Ashes 2023 second Test, England managed to make a strong comeback against Australia, after getting battered and bruised on Day 1. A brilliant bowling show, helped England restrict Australia to under 416, with Steven Smith top-scoring with 110.
In reply, openers Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley provided the home side a strong start adding 91 for the first wicket. Ollie Pope in alliance with Duckett punished Australian bowlers for some indiscipline bowling, and took England's score near 200.
However, with Pope's dismissal, the Three Lions suffered a small collapse as they lost Duckett for 98, and Edgbasbton centurion Joe Root for 10, before Harry Brook and skipper Ben Stokes held fort till stumps, with England still trailing by 138 runs ending the day on 278 for 4.
Speaking to Sky Sports, former England captain Andrew Strauss in his post-day analysis, explained that the Stokes-led side are in a strong position but not completely ahead in the game, despite Australia's poor bowling on Thursday.
Here's what Strauss said
“It was all Australia yesterday and all England today. England are now in a very strong position, they are not ahead of the game but they have certainly come roaring back. Australia were sloppy, lacked a bit of discipline with their no-balls, and England got the balance right. They attacked but without too much risk. I thought it was an excellent day for them,"
Australia leads the five-match series 1-0, after winning the first Test by two wickets. The game still hangs in the balance and the first hour on Day 3 can decide the fate of the Test match.
 "Vishal Mehra")
