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Australia’s Nerve-Wracking Victory
The Australian cricket team experienced a mix of relief and elation as they clinched a nail-biting 43-run victory over England in the second Ashes series test at Lord’s. Despite a spectacular 155-run knock from England’s Ben Stokes, Australia managed to hold on to take a 2-0 lead in the series.
Stokes’ Heroic Effort Falls Short
With memories of Stokes’ match-winning performance in the 2019 Ashes series still fresh in their minds, Australian fans watched with bated breath as the English all-rounder hammered his way to a brilliant 155 on day five. He brought England tantalizingly close to their mammoth 371-run victory target, reminding many of the day he scored 135 not out at Headingley four years ago.
But unlike that day, Stokes’ heroics could not carry his team over the line. When he fell as the seventh wicket with England still 70 runs short, it left too much for the remaining batsmen to do.
The Turning Point: Carey’s Controversial Stumping
The drama was not confined to the pitch. Much of the day’s controversy centred around the dismissal of England’s Jonny Bairstow. Australia’s wicketkeeper, Alex Carey, threw down the stumps as Bairstow wandered out of his crease. Despite England’s protests that the ball was dead and the dismissal was against the spirit of the game, Bairstow was sent on his way by the third umpire.4†source
Day Five Drama: Stokes Unleashes Fury
In response to Bairstow’s dismissal, Stokes unleashed a fury of batting, moving from 62 to 100 in just 16 balls, including three straight sixes off Cameron Green. The crowd responded in kind, jeering the Australians at every turn. Tensions flared between the teams, and even in the Lord’s long room, where Australia’s Usman Khawaja clashed with members who showered the Australians with abuse.
Final Overs: England’s Tail-Enders Battle Bravely
Following Stokes’ dismissal, England’s tail-enders did their best to keep the chase alive. Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and Jimmy Anderson weathered an onslaught of short balls and managed to add 27 more runs to the total. However, their efforts were not enough to prevent Australia from claiming the victory, with Mitchell Starc delivering the final blow in the 82nd over.
Australia Begins Strong, England Fights Back
Australia began the day in a strong position, needing only 256 runs to win with six wickets in hand. Despite a testing opening spell from Starc, England’s Ben Duckett and Stokes managed to hold firm for the first hour of play. Stokes was given out LBW, but the decision was overturned on review due to a thick inside edge to an in-swinging yorker.
Turning the Tables: Australia Strikes Back
The Duckett-Stokes partnership was finally broken after drinks, as Duckett fell into a trap set by Josh Hazlewood and Carey. This led to Bairstow coming to the crease and eventually his dismissal that added fuel to an already simmering match.
Looking Ahead: Australia Aims to Break Ashes Drought
With this victory, Australia now leads the series 2-0 and is in a prime position to win an away Ashes series for the first time since 2001. The stage is set for the third Test at Headingley starting on Thursday, where the Australians will be hoping to continue their winning momentum and the English team will be looking to bounce back.
