On this day, July 2, 2022: Steve Smith stars as Australia beat England by 43 runs in a thriller at Lords in the 2nd Ashes Test. This match was played at the iconic Lords Stadium and it was the second test of the Ashes series between England and Australia. David Warner and Usman Khawaja put up a fifty-run partnership for the opening wicket. Australia had a good platform on the back of a half century from David Warner but England lost both their openers with 98 runs on the board.
Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne put up a good partnership for the third wicket. Marnus scored 47 runs before getting dismissed. Travis Head played a counter attacking knock of a half century as the momentum shifted comprehensively. Steve Smith completed his century as Australia went past 400 in the first innings. Josh Tongue and Ollie Robinson picked up three wickets each as Australia were bowled out for 416 in the first innings.
England openers started really well in the second innings as they put up 91 runs on the board. Crawley and Pope got a good start but fell short of half centuries. Ben Duckett smashed 98 runs before getting dismissed as England lost four wickets. Harry Brook smashed fifty as England were bowled out for 325. Mitch Starc picked up three wickets as Australia took a lead at the end of the second innings.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja once again started well putting up a half century partnership for the opening wicket. Khawaja smashed 77 runs before getting dismissed. Marnus and Steve Smith got starts and with good contributions from the lower order, Australia were bowled out for 279 in the third innings. Broad picked up four wickets in the innings and England were set a target of 371 on the board.
Chasing the target, England lost three quick wickets with just 41 runs on the board. Ben Duckett scored 83 runs and put the pressure back on Australia. Ben Stokes smashed 155 as he kept England in the game till the fag end. England were bowled out for 327 and fell short of the target by 43 runs. Australia picked up the win and Steve Smith was the player of the match.
