Ashes 2024: In the opening of the Second Test of the highly anticipated Ashes 2024 series, Australia demonstrated their dominance by scoring an impressive 339 runs with only five wickets lost. Currently, they hold a significant advantage, led by the unbeaten Steve Smith with 85 runs, accompanied by Alex Carey at 11 runs. England faces a challenging situation if they are unable to take quick wickets on the second day.
Apart from Josh Tongue and Joe Root, none of the other bowlers were successful in taking more than one wicket. Despite the favorable overcast conditions, experienced players like James Anderson and Stuart Broad failed to secure any wickets. This disappointing performance by Ben Stokes and his team has left cricket experts and fans disheartened.
Josh Tongue emerged as the standout performer for England, providing them with the breakthrough by dismissing both Usman Khawaja at 17 runs and David Warner at 66 runs. Ollie Robinson’s brilliant spell resulted in Marnus Labuschagne losing his wicket through an edge. Joe Root, the ex- captain, also contributed by taking the wickets of the in-form Travis Head at 77 runs and Cameron Green without scoring any runs.
Ex-English Captains Displayed Disappointment Over England’s Lethargic Performance
Nasser Hussain and Michael Vaughan admitted that the first day belonged to the Mighty Aussies, and England failed to overcome the game in their favor after a humiliating defeat in the first Test of the Ashes 2024.
Ex-England Captain Nasser Hussain, claims that England showcased no effort, especially the bowling unit. There was a drop in the velocity of the seamers, and they too did not show any intent to bowl bouncers in order to change things up. He was also dissatisfied by England’s fielding as they missed several catches.
He also stated “Where was the Spark? Where was the urgency?” In Spite of drizzly conditions, England was unable to utilize it as Australia stacked more runs. Also the fielding was conventional even though the situation asked for unique and eccentric fielding set-up.
Michael Vaughan, the former English player, declared that It was Australia’s day rather than England’s, and believes that England has adopted a relatively relaxed approach to Test cricket, characterized by casualness. They engage in confident conversations, and the message conveyed after the Edgbaston match was highly optimistic, but they only talk and take no actions.
He mentions that Australia hasn’t won a single Ashes series at England but things might change if the latter does not pull up their socks at the right time. Australia are a formidable side and they can dictate the Ashes series, thus England needs to be cautious and start taking actions. Vaughan was also disappointed by the way England bowled against Steve Smith, and stated that England needs to be sharp enough.
Oil Protesters Disrupted The Game
Oil protestors halted the game as they ran onto the fields at Lord’s, the game was interrupted for 5 mins, two protestors were trying to spread orange powder on the field. The Game was resumed after they were taken-off from the field and were handed to the security guards.
England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow took action against one protester, physically handling and moving the individual approximately 50 meters before handing them over to security beyond the boundary hoardings. Skipper Ben Stokes, and Australian Opener David Warner also controlled and handled the protesters.
