ENG vs AUS, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 2, Live Updates:Steve Smith has brought up his 32nd Test century as Australia as lost seven wickets on Day 2 of the second Ashes Test against England.Australia will begin the Day 2 of the ongoing second Ashes Test against England from 339/5, at Lord’s in London. Currently, Steve Smith (85*) and Alex Carey (11*) are standing unbeaten at the crease. Earlier on Day 1, David Warner smashed 66 while Travis Head scored 77 off 73. For England, Josh Tongue and Joe Root claimed two wickets apiece while Ollie Robinson scalped one wicket. England skipper Ben Stokes won the toss and opted to bowl.
Lyon departs
Robinson bowls one short to Lyon who dispatches it to the boundary. But he persists with the short ball and is rewarded as Lyon gets a top edge to depart for 7. Australia are 408/9.
Cummins has played a handy knock so far while Lyon has hung around as they help Australia to the 400 mark in 97 overs.
Tongue strikes to dismiss Smith
End of an excellent knock as Smith departs for 110. It’s a full delivery from Tongue and the batter looks to drive it hard but ends up getting a thick edge. Duckett, at gully, holds on to a good, low catch to see the back of Australia’s No.4. The visitors are 393/8.
32nd Test ton for Smith
An excellent knock from the No.4, who gets to three-figures with a shot past cover for a four off Anderson. He celebrates it with another boundary as he helps Australia towards 400. 54 runs have come off 12 overs in the first hour as Australia move to 393/7.
Fewest innings to 32 Test 100s: 174 – S Smith; 176 – R Ponting; 179 – S Tendulkar; 193 – Younis Khan.
Most hundreds in Ashes Tests: 19 – D Bradman; 12 – J Hobbs/ S Smith; 10 – S Waugh.
Smith crosses 2000 runs in England
While wickets have fallen around him, Smith has been untroubled as he collects three boundaries to move to 99. In the process, he has also crossed 2000 runs in Tests in England, becoming only the fourth visiting batter to do so.
Anderson finally strikes
Finally, a wicket for Anderson in this Test. Starc goes for an expansive drive away from his body and ends up edging the ball to the ‘keeper. Australia are 358/7.
Broad removes Carey early on Day 2
Runs have come quite easily on the second morning despite the overcast conditions. Carey has scored 10 runs to the leg side in the first two overs, including a couple of leg-glances for successive boundaries off Broad. But the bowler hits back by bowling one into Carey’s pads and having him out leg-before. The onfield call was not out but England review successfully. Australia are 351/6.
Update:Play will begin on time. No rain around for the moment. Meanwhile, Andrew Strauss, along with children of the Ruth Strauss foundation, ring the bell in memory of the late Ruth Strauss.
Weather update:It’s the Red for Ruth Day at Lord’s but I’m afraid the start is going to be delayed. It’s currently raining.
