Credit: Google
On July 19, 2015, Australia scripted history after beating England by 405 runs in the second Test of the Ashes 2015 played at the iconic Lord’s in London. This went into record books as the Aussie side’s third-greatest Test win in terms of runs. Batting first after winning the toss, the visitors witnessed the valiance of opener Chris Rogers and vice-captain Steve Smith, who took England’s bowling attack to the cleaners. Rogers went on to notch up his fifth red-ball ton while Smith recorded his maiden 200 in the match. Smith concluded his innings after scoring 215 off 346. His knock was studded with 26 boundaries (25 fours and a maximum). Riding on their sensational batting display, Australia declared their innings after posting 566/8 on the board.
Replying to the colossal total, England got dismissed on 312 in the first innings. In the second innings, Australia came to bat again and declared their innings after posting 254/2. This time, David Warner shone with his bat and produced an innings of 83 off 116. Smith also scored 58 off 48. Eventually, Australia delivered a humongous target of 509 runs to the hosts.
England got outclassed while chasing mammoth score of 509 runs vs Australia
Following the target of 509, England’s batting-unit faltered and capitulated at a score of 103. Their veterans Alastair Cook and Ian Bell departed after scoring only 11 respectively while young stalwarts Joe Root, Ben Stokes, and Jos Buttler also failed to counter the Aussie side’s disciplined bowling.
Veteran Mitchell Johnson spearheaded Australia’s fast-bowling attack from the front and took three wickets in the innings, while Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon got two wickets apiece. Mitchell Starc bagged one scalp. Smith got the player of the match (POTM) award for his breathtaking batting performance.
