Ashes 2019 2nd Test, England vs Australia Day 5 preview: Australia slightly ahead after an injured Smith

Australia started Day 4 at Lord’s in a tricky situation with 178 runs behind England in the first innings. All the hopes rested on Steve Smith who was unbeaten on 13.

As expected the Australian innings was built around Smith. He once again batted brilliantly against some hostile English bowling, especially Jofra Archer who bowled aggressively throughout the day. He even hit Smith on the neck when Smith was on 80 forcing him to retire hurt. But the Australian returned to bat after the fall of next wicket and finally was dismissed for 92.

Smith’s innings was the key for the Aussies to come close to the English total and they finally finished on 250, just eight runs behind England’s first innings total. Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, and Archer finished with four, three, and two wickets respectively.

England’s second innings faced early blows when Jason Roy and Joe Root were dismissed in first two balls of Pat Cummins’ third over. Rory Burns and Joe Denly stabilized the innings but both were gone at the fag end of the day off Peter Siddle. England finished the day with only 104 runs ahead and six wickets in hand.

England will look to bat for at least two sessions tomorrow to add enough total on board for Australia to chase down. Australia, on the other hand, will focus on picking up these six wickets at the earliest, otherwise, Ashes 2019 2nd Test will end in a draw.

Key players

Ben Stokes (England)– Currently unbeaten on 16, Stokes holds the key for England with only Jonny Bairstow and bowlers to come. A lot will depend on Stokes and his current batting partner Jos Buttler to take England to safety. Root will also expect Stokes to keep things tight in case England need to defend a relatively smaller total.

Pat Cummins (Australia)– World’s Number 1 Test bowler Cummins already has provided two major blows in the initial stage of England’s second innings. He will be a key factor in Australia’s pursuit to get England out cheaply. Cummins has been bowling beautifully throughout the series and took three key wickets in the first innings as well.

Brief Scores

England 258 (Rory Burns 53, Jonny Bairstow 52; Josh Hazlewood 3/58, Pat Cummins 3/61, Nathan Lyon 3/68) and 96/4 (Rory Burns 29, Joe Denly 26; Pat Cummins 2/16, Peter Siddle 2/19) lead Australia 250 (Steve Smith 92, Usman Khawaja 36; Stuart Broad 4/64, Chris Woakes 3/61) by 104 runs.

Prediction

Australia to complete a fascinating win.