![]() ![]() The match is now set up to be shaped by England's second innings, which will begin when play resumes on the third morning.Įngland have the opportunity to set a target beyond Australia's reach, the tourists a chance to dismiss England cheaply for a comfortable fourth-innings chase. Only Smith, who went past Don Bradman's 553 runs at The Oval to become the leading overseas run-scorer on this ground, batted at anything like his normal tempo and, in doing so, kept the tourists afloat with the help of Cummins and Murphy. Either way, Australia almost batted themselves into trouble. ![]() The slow plod could have been a response to the quality of the bowling, the difficulty of the conditions, a desire to be the antithesis of England's swashbuckling style, or a combination of all three. Root's stunning catch to remove Labuschagne, Stuart Broad whipping up the crowd and taking two wickets in as many overs, sub fielder George Ealham producing shades of Gary Pratt to almost run out Smith and Stokes' grand finale were the standouts.īut the overriding theme was the passive nature of Australia's crawl towards England's total. If England's romp to 283 in less than 55 overs ensured day one was never short of incident, day two was a more sedate arm-wrestle punctuated by moments of theatre. Ashes digest: Broad's bail antics and Smith's Superman dive.Australia bowled out but take 12-run lead over England - how day two unfolded.I've no interest in retiring any time soon - Anderson.Sluggish Australia batting 'worst I've seen from them' - Vaughan.It left the fifth Test of a wonderful series beautifully poised, with England's chances of levelling at 2-2 almost identical to Australia's hopes of winning 3-1. Chris Woakes enjoyed most success, picking up 3-61. ![]() The final act was a wonderful boundary catch by England captain Ben Stokes to dismiss Cummins for 36, leaving Australia 295 all out and leading by 12 runs.Įngland's seam bowlers were collectively excellent, their performance all the more impressive given the fact off-spinner Moeen Ali played no part because of a groin injury. Smith added 54 with Pat Cummins, with the skipper himself then sharing a vital 49 with Todd Murphy, who made an enterprising 34. Steve Smith, who continued his fine record on this ground with 71, reversed the momentum and set Australia on course for a slender advantage. Marnus Labuschagne set the tone by taking 82 balls over his nine but after he was spectacularly caught by Joe Root at first slip, England struck at regular intervals. ![]()
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