'England Are Now In A Very Strong Position'- Andrew Strauss

Former England captain Andrew Strauss believes Ben Stokes & Co. are in a very strong position after the end of second day’s play in the ongoing second Ashes Test at the Lord’s.

In reply to Australia’s first innings total of 416 runs, England finished the day on 278 for 4. At one stage, the hosts were in a commanding position of 188 for 1 before Ollie Pope, Ben Duckett and Joe Root fell in Australia’s short-ball trap. The three wickets fell for 34 runs before Harry Brook (45) and skipper Ben Stokes (17) saw off the remaining overs.

ICC World Test Championship Final | Dream11 Prediction | Fantasy Cricket Tips | Cricket Match Prediction Today | Cricket News | Cricket Live Score | Asia Cup 2023 | ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 | IND vs AFG 2023 | IND vs WI 2023

Earlier in the day, Australia began the proceedings with the bat on 339 for 5 with a well-set Steve Smith and Alex Carey in the middle. Smith went on to complete his 32nd Test century but England did well with the ball to take the five wickets while conceding just 77 runs on the day.

Also Read: Ashes 2023: “We Are Witnessing Greatness”- Steve Smith’s Magnificent Ton At Lord’s Leaves Nasser Hussain, Ricky Ponting Spellbound

Andrew Strauss praises England:

While England are still 138 runs behind Australia’s first innings total, Andrew Strauss believes the hosts are in a good spot. Speaking to Sky Sports, Strauss stated that while Australia took the honours on day one, the second day belonged to England. Before the batting display, England had taken the remaining 5 Australian wickets in quick time.

“It was all Australia yesterday and all England today. England are now in a very strong position, they are not ahead of the game but they have certainly come roaring back. Australia were sloppy, lacked a bit of discipline with their no-balls, and England got the balance right. They attacked but without too much risk. I thought it was an excellent day for them,” said Andrew Strauss.

ICC World Test Championship Final | WTC Final 2023 | IND vs AUS 2023 | India National Cricket Team | IND vs AFG 2023 | IND vs WI 2023 | Asia Cup 2023 | ICC World Cup 2023

The second Test is finely poised at the moment and the upcoming third day could very well decide the course of the game. England will be desperate to come up with a good show to win the game and draw level in the series after losing the series opener at Edgbaston.

Virat Kohli | Rohit Sharma | Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | Suryakumar Yadav | Sanju Samson | Shreyas Iyer | Yuzvendra Chahal | Jasprit Bumrah