Key takeaways from Day 2 of fifth Ashes 2019 Test
What's the story
England ended Day 2 of the fifth Ashes 2019 Test on a high against Australia at The Oval. After being dismissed for 294, England bowled well to pack the visitors for 225. Steve Smith stood out once again with a knock of 80. Jofra Archer impressed with a six-wicket haul. England ended Day 2 at 9/0 to gain a lead of 74.
Smith
Australia too dependent on Smith's runs
The Aussies have been dependent on Steve Smith's runs throughout the series. The middle-order batsman amassed a knock of 80 to script his 10th successive fifty-plus score in Ashes. He also amassed his 27th career Test fifty. What stood out was his 69-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne (48). Smith kept his focus and batted beautifully. He now has 751 runs in this series.
Aussie openers
Aussie openers bite the dust once again
Australian openers continued to endure a horrific run in Ashes 2019. David Warner, who is having the lowest time in his Test career, chased at a wide ball to be dismissed for just five. His opening partner Marcus Harris got just three. With Australia needing to chase in this match, they will once again be under pressure with the openers casting a doubt.
Archer
Archer shows off his brilliance once again
Archer has made a dream start to his Test career and he was unstoppable at The Oval. The right-arm fast bowler was highly consistent in his approach and accounted for six scalps for 62 runs. He got the key wicket of Labuschagne just when the Aussies threatened. Archer has already taken 22 wickets in Ashes 2019 and this was his second six-wicket haul.
ENG vs AUS
How did Day 2 pan out?
England, who resumed the day at 271/8, managed to add another 23 runs. Mitchell Marsh ended up with a fifer. Aussies struggled from the beginning with both openers being sent back cheaply. Smith was the difference once again. Important contribution from Nathan Lyon saw Australia score 225. Archer was the chief architect for the hosts. England have the upper hand at the moment.