Ashes 2023: 2nd Test Day 2 Review

Ashes 2023 2nd Test Day 2 Review

Ashes 2023 2nd Test Day 2 Review, ENG vs AUS 2nd Test, ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Day 2 Highlight, ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Day 2 Match Updates, England vs Australia 2nd Test Day 2, Ashes 2023 Day 2 2nd Test, Ashes 2023 2nd Test.

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Australia was in a dominant position at the start of day 2. They had bossed almost the entire opening day barring a loss of two wickets at the end of the day’s play. England’s bowling lineup looked flat largely and devoid of alternate plans. If not for the late wickets they would have been on the receiving end even more. Both sides knew the second day would be highly important in the context of this game. The stage was set for a solid day 2.

Ashes 2023 2nd Test Day 2 Review We review the second day’s play of the 2nd Test:

#1 Steve Smith completes his 32nd Test ton

The greatest Test batter of the modern era showcased his class yet again. Steve Smith who absolutely loves playing in England brought up his 32nd Test ton. He equalled the great Steve Waugh on the count of Test centuries. Smith eventually got out on 110 to Josh Tongue. His innings helped Australia breach the 400-run mark. He was the eighth batsman dismissed. Smith ideally would have liked to add a few more knowing his appetite for big scores.

#2 The opening session belonged to England 

It was imperative for England to restrict Australia to under 450 in the first innings. At one stage on day 1, they looked to cruise past the 500-run mark. England continued their good showing from last evening in the morning session of day 2. All of England’s frontline pacers picked up a wicket. Australia could add just 77 runs to their overnight total wherein they lost their last 5 wickets. From being 316-3 to getting bowled out for 416, Australia in all fairness missed a chance to bat England out of the Test.

#3 England’s openers began positively 

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett stuck to England’s template of batting positively. Crawley raced away to 48 before being stumped. Nathan Lyon once again got the better of an English batter. Ollie Pope joined Duckett and it was this partnership that bossed the large part of the final session. The pair put on 97 runs in just 20-odd overs taking minimal risk. Duckett swiftly moved to the nineties. Australia lost the services of Nathan Lyon who limped out in the last session. 

#4 Australia claw back with quick wickets

Pat Cummins and his bowling counterparts switched on to short-pitched bowling to disrupt the flow of runs. Pope immediately fell into the trap as a mistimed pull saw him find Steve Smith at the deep square leg boundary. Cameroon Green picked Joe Root in the same over only for the umpire to signal it a no-ball. Root though didn’t last long as his scratchy innings came to an end when Mitchell Starc dismissed him with a short ball. England lost 3 wickets for 34 runs in a frenetic passage of play.

#5 Who won day 2 and what’s in store for day 3?

It was a top day of Test cricket with the game ebbing and flowing both sides. Just when it appeared that one side had an upper hand the other side fought their way back in. England is 278-4 training by 138 runs with 6 wickets in hand. The pair of Harry Brook and Ben Stokes are batting at the crease. 

England has just one specialist batter after them (Jonny Bairstow). Their longish tail might prove to be their undoing tomorrow. It will be an enthralling day of Test cricket once again tomorrow with both sides fighting for ascendancy.