ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights: Australia managed to secure a slender first-innings lead over England in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval. The day was a roller-coaster ride, with momentum swinging back and forth, as both teams fought tooth and nail to gain an advantage. At the end of a topsy-turvy day’s play, Australia were bowled out for 295, taking a 12-run lead at the stroke of stumps.
ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights: Smith’s 72 was the backbone of Australia’s innings
The morning session saw a cautious start, with both sides treading carefully. Usman Khawaja and the overnight batsman, Mark Wood, were watchful, giving away nothing to the opposition bowlers. The resilient Stuart Broad posed a few challenges for the batters, coming close to bagging a wicket before the drinks break. However, England’s breakthrough came when Joe Root took a stunning catch at slip to send Marnus Labuschagne back to the pavilion.
The post-lunch session witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum, with England storming back by picking wickets at regular intervals. Steve Smith showed his mettle, holding the innings together at one end, while a procession of wickets fell at the other. As per the ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights, Stuart Broad struck early in the session, dismissing Usman Khawaja and Travis Head. The lower order struggled to build substantial partnerships, with Mitchell Marsh, Alex Carey, and Mitchell Starc failing to make significant contributions.
Just when England seemed poised to claim a decent first-innings lead, Smith and Pat Cummins staged a remarkable fightback post the tea break. Smith survived a close run-out appeal, and both batsmen battled hard to bring down the deficit below 50 runs. According to the ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights, Smith played a pivotal role, smashing consecutive boundaries off Broad and recording a well-deserved fifty.
The game took another twist when Todd Murphy joined Cummins at the crease. Murphy’s fearless approach saw him take on three short balls from Mark Wood and hit them all over the long leg for three sixes, stunning the home crowd. With Cummins providing steady support, another wicketless spell was in store for England, allowing Australia to erase the deficit and take the lead.
Also, Read: ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights
At the close of play, Australia had managed to edge ahead, setting the stage for a second innings showdown with three days of action still left. The tantalizing contest between bat and ball promises us a thrilling spectacle in the days to come.
Todd Murphy and Pat Cummins produced a vital lower-order partnership to rescue Australia.
Looking back at the morning session, Australia’s crawl for runs resulted in just 54 runs in 26 overs before lunch. In light of the ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights, the overcast conditions favoured England’s seamers, with Khawaja and Labuschagne opting for a resolute defensive approach. Labuschagne’s tenacity was evident, adding seven runs to his overnight score over a span of nearly 90 minutes.
Also, Read: ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights
Labuschagne’s dismissal was a moment of brilliance, as Mark Wood induced an outside edge, flying towards the gap between Jonny Bairstow and Root at first slip. Root’s late reaction and stunning one-handed catch sent Labuschagne back to the pavilion. Shortly after, Broad trapped Khawaja on the knee roll, with the review going in England’s favor.
The post-lunch session witnessed Broad’s fiery spell, with two wickets in his first two overs after the break. Mitchell Marsh decided to counterattack, launching Broad for a towering straight six, but his innings was cut short as he inside-edged onto his stumps. With Moeen Ali off the field due to injury, Root was England’s only spin option, and he was briefly dispatched for a straight six by Carey before the batsman fell to his next delivery.
Also, Read: ENG vs AUS Ashes 5th Test Day 2 Highlights
At this stage, England sensed the possibility of a significant lead, but Smith and Cummins had other plans. Their gritty partnership brought Australia back into contention as they chipped away at the deficit. Murphy’s explosive innings added to England’s woes, allowing Australia to take the lead and breathe a sigh of relief.
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