The Ashes 2019, 2nd Test: Match preview and other details
Hosts England are all set to take on arch-rivals Australia in the second Test of The Ashes 2019 at Lord's in London on Wednesday. Aussies, who won the opening Test convincingly by 251 runs, would look to extend their lead in the five-match series. However, England would be desperate to strike back to level the series. Meanwhile, we present the match preview.
Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins to draw attention
As for the visitors, the focus would once again be on Steve Smith, who headlined the opening Test with twin centuries (144 and 142). Scoring another century would further draw comparisons with the great Don Bradman. As for their bowling, it was spinner Nathan Lyon and pacer Pat Cummins, who destroyed the English batting in the opening Test. Can they repeat it?
Rory Burns, Joe Root and Stuart Broad hold the key
For England, it was Rory Burns, who came up with a splendid inning of 133 in the opening innings. While he failed to repeat the heroics in the second innings, he can spring upon another magic at Lord's. Furthermore, skipper Joe Root is the man in form. He holds the key while with the ball, it is Stuart Broad who is being backed.
A sporty wicket awaits at Lord's
Lord's is well known to have one of the most sporty cricketing wickets in the world. While it is a batting paradise early on, it tends to get slower with each passing day. The team winning the toss would unquestionably bat first, with the average first innings total being 312. However, with chances of rain, bowling first would not be a bad option either.
Here's the predicted XI for both the sides
England: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Sam Curran. Australia: Cameron Bancroft, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (c), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc. Key battles: Smith vs Broad, Wade vs Woakes, Burns vs Lyon, Root vs Starc.
Some records that can be broken in this Test
Root needs 197 more runs to reach 7,000 Test runs. He would become the 12th English player to do so. Tim Paine needs five more dismissals to register 100 Test dismissals and become the seventh Australian wicket-keeper to do so. Smith needs to claim one more catch to complete 100 Test catches. Root needs to take three more catches to complete 100 Test catches.
When, where and how to watch
Match: England vs Australia, The Ashes 2019, 2nd Test Venue: Lord's, London Time: 3.30 PM IST Where to watch (TV): Sony Six. Also available in HD. Where to watch (Online): Sony LIV
