Ashes 2023: England used their ultra-aggressive ‘Bazball’ style in the opening Test at Edgbaston in their attempt to recapture the Ashes. Australia, on the other hand, won by two wickets. The hosts have been working hard to win the second Test at Lord’s and will be hoping to win the series following the first setback, but confronting Australia hasn’t been easy.
To make matters worse for Ben Stokes’ men, one of their star batsmen, Ollie Pope, damaged his right shoulder while fielding on Day 2 at the ‘Home of Cricket’. On Day 3, the injury became worse. Pope, who also serves as England’s vice-captain, batted in both innings. He scored 42 off 63 balls in the first innings before being removed by Mitchell Starc’s unplayable delivery in the second.
The second Test concludes on July 2, while the third Test starts on July 6. Pope’s participation in the forthcoming Test is in doubt due to the tight turnaround. According to The Guardian, the right-handed hitter will have scans on Monday. Once the findings are received, Pope’s status will be evaluated further, and a decision on his participation in the Leed’s Test may be made.
If Pope is unable to recuperate in time for the third Test, England may include Dan Lawrence, who is already in the team, in the starting XI. The 25-year-old has played 11 Tests for England, scoring 551 runs with a strike rate of 29. His figures for Essex this season have been remarkable, as he has scored runs at a County Championship average of 44.60.
At lunch on Day 5, Ben Stokes fights alone as Australia smells victory.
On Day 5, Ben Duckett and Ben Stokes began England’s batting at 114/4, still needing 257 runs for an amazing victory. The two left-handers combined for 63 runs before Duckett was struck out by Josh Hazlewood. Jonny Bairstow was the next batsman out, run out by Alex Carey as he departed his crease after dodging a Cameron Green bouncer.
Stuart Broad joined his skipper at the crease and went on a boundary-hitting rampage. Stokes completed his century by smashing a six off Green. England was 243/6 at lunch on Day 5, with Stokes on 108* and Broad on 1*.
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