The Ashes 2nd Test, 28th June
One Test down in the 2023 Ashes series and the Australians are on top of the world after one of the greatest victories in the history of the game.
The series now moves to the home of cricket at Lord’s and Bet Nation takes a close look at both sides’ chances.
Australia vs. England
Wednesday 28th
With the fast-paced, highly attacking Bazball dominating the headlines before and during the 1st Test, it was the Australians who saluted by two wickets on a thrilling final day of action.
Skipper Patrick Cummins and Nathan Lyon came together at 8-227 and combined for a match-winning 55-run stand that steered the Aussies to a record-breaking run chase of 282. Cummins was phenomenal with 44* after Usman Khawaja gave his side every chance with 65 earlier in the day. Khawaja, duly named Man of the Match, started the series in incredible fashion after notching 141 in the first innings.
Criticised for their defensive tactics throughout the match, the Australian bowlers had the last laugh. They kept England to 273 in their second innings, with Cummins and Lyon taking four wickets apiece.
The scary part for the home side is that David Warner, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne failed with the bat at Edgbaston, and they will be hellbent on atoning at Lord’s.
From an England perspective, their batsmen were outstanding in the first innings before captain Ben Stokes made a surprise declaration at 8/393. Joe Root showed why he’s currently the highest-ranked Test batsman in the world with scores of 118* and 48, while Johnny Bairstow (78) and Zak Crawley (61) gave a good account of themselves in the first dig.
Brendan McCullum will have sleepless nights thinking about England’s bowling attack after lacklustre performances from Jimmy Anderson and Moeen Ali and just a total of 14 overs from Stokes. Ollie Robinson toiled away, but his 125km pace bowling rarely troubled the Aussie batsmen. Stuart Broad was the clear pick of the bowlers, but he’s already bowled 44 overs and may struggle to maintain that output for the remainder of the series.
With the series moving to Lords and another flat pitch anticipated to appease England’s batsmen, Smith and Labuschagne will have every chance to find form with the bat. Smith scored 92 at the venue four years ago, while Marnus came in a blasted 59 when Smith was struck by a Jofra Archer short ball.
With the confidence of a 1-0 series lead and world-class batsmen hungry for runs, expect the Aussies to fire again in London.
Suggested Bet: Steve Smith most runs for Australia @ $3.60
