Second ICC Test World Cup Match
England Vs Australia (August 14-18, 2019)
Brief Scorecard at Stumps Day Two
England 1st Innings 258 All Out( RJ Burns 53, JM Bairstow 52, CR Woakes 32, JL Denly 30, JR Hazlewood 3/58, PJ Cummins 3/61 , NM Lyon 3/68) Australia 1st Innings 30/1
With the first test of the First ICC Test Championship (Ashes 2019 Series) lost to traditional foe Australia, England was desperate bouncing back at Lords test to restoring balance. The entire first day was rain ruined. On a bright sunny day Tim Paine won the toss for Australia and logical reasons decided to field in what turned to be a four days test. His bowlers responded positively bowling consistently on the right channel keeping the big hitting English batters honest.
At sumps on the extended days play Australia finished at 30/1 responding to English score of 258 all out. Though it is still to early but analysts would say Australia has nose in front.
It was tough call choosing between Michel Starc and Joss Hazlewood replacing injured Pattinson. But team management preferred Hazzlewood for his sustained accuracy and better economy. Bowling consistently in the right channel through out the day and gaining early breakthroughs Josh paid back the confidence in him. Hazlewood (3/58) pairing with Cummins (3/61) and Siddle did not let English batsmen settle for any partnership of substance partnership.
Nathan Lyon (3/68) adding his usual contribution led to England getting all out 258. Only hard struggle of Burns (53), Bairstow (52) and Woakes (32) gave some respectability to the otherwise innings in ruins.
It was a good toss to win and bowl for Australia. They could have been in similar trouble early on if England would have put them to bat after winning the toss. The wicket appeared to have a lot for the pacers which Hazzlewood and Cummins exploited skill fully early on. Jason Roy was removed for a duck by Hazlewood in the very second over. Root also was removed early. At 2/26 England was in disarray.
Burns and Denly steadied the ship to some extent with a solid 66 runs third wicket partnership but could not kick on. Hazzlewood and Cummins removing Denly and Burns in quick succession made it 4/116. Buttler and Stokes could do very little. At 6/138 Bairstow had to play out of his skins against top quality Aussie bowling to restore respectability.
Fortunately bowling all rounder Woakes could stay with him for a while. The 72 runs 7th wicket partnership could save English from total disaster. Bairstow scored 52 and Woakes 32. English score of 258 may not prove enough if Australian batsmen can fight out the first session of day three against very hostile debutant Jofra Archer and penetrative Broad.
In the extended last session of day one Australian batsmen struggled against English pacers. Warner was removed bowling him through the gate by Broad and Archer humiliating Warner time and again with his pace and bounces. If Australia can manage to take a sizeable lead England may be struggling saving the test.
BDST: 0926 HRS, AUG 16, 2019
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