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Ashes 2019: Australia hold on for dramatic Lord’s draw

The Lord’s Test had it all, with honours shared between Australia and England.

Peter Lalor and Adrian McMurray
17 min read
7:18PMAugust 18, 2019.
Updated 10:54AMAugust 19, 2019
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Pat Cummins and Travis Head guided Australia through to a draw in the dramatic second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Picture: AFP
Pat Cummins and Travis Head guided Australia through to a draw in the dramatic second Ashes Test at Lord’s. Picture: AFP

Australia have held on to draw the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. See how the dramatic final day unfolded below.

Peter Lalor 4.33am: Aussies hold on for dramatic draw

Australia have hung on to a valuable draw, holding out a pressing England attack in the half light on the last day at Lord’s.

The visitors were six down when stumps were drawn at 7.25pm BST.

Jofra Archer was taken out of the attack when umpires ruled it was too dark for him to continue, robbing him of the opportunity to bowl two more two overs at the tail.

He had already done terrible damage, knocking Steve Smith out of the game and probably out of the third Test.

Marnus Labuschagne was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jofra Archer. Picture: Getty Images
Marnus Labuschagne was struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jofra Archer. Picture: Getty Images

Archer (3-23) struck Smith’s replacement, Marnus Labuschagne, on the grill with second delivery he batsman faced.

Labuschagne was called in after Smith failed a concussion Test in the morning and responded with a battling 58 off 100 balls having come to the wicket at 3-44.

His innings ended in controversial circumstances with Joe Root claiming a catch that was given out on the field but looked uncertain on replay. Labuschagne left the middle shaking his head but had done enough to get the side out of trouble and advance his cause for the third Test.

MORE: Gideon Haigh on how Steve Smith’s substitute Marnus Labuschagne saved the day | Cricket must act on safety | Groggy Smith in doubt for Leeds

Australia have a 1-0 lead in the series and will take that to the game that begins on Thursday but the team has several problems.

David Warner looked disconsolate on the balcony after his fourth single figure score of the series.

Australia's David Warner. Picture: AP
Australia's David Warner. Picture: AP

Cameron Bancroft is not going all that much better with scores of 8,7,13 and 16.

Smith is almost certain not to play.

Australia rattled again when Labuschagne was given out, losing Matthew Wade and Tim Paine in quick succession, but Pat Cummins (1no) and Travis Head (42no) held out the attack for the last seven overs.

England missed a chance to win the match when Jason Roy in slips dropped a straight forward chance from Head when he was on 22.

Adrian McMurray 4.25am: It’s a draw

Well! The umpires call it mid-way through the last scheduled over. Cummins (1no)and Head (42no)take Australia through to the draw. From Stokes’ ton, Labuschagne’s crucial innings, his dismissal, to Denly’s catch, Smith’s fitness and another punishing spell from Archer, there’s plenty to discuss ahead of Leeds.

Adrian McMurray 4.18am: Cummins drama

Leach resumes at the other end, first ball, Cummins is dropped at silly point! Burns puts one down. Three balls later, there’s an lbw shout! It’s sent up to review, but was missing off by a long, long way. Just 12 balls to go, England still need four wickets.

Adrian McMurray 4.13am: Spin only

Four overs to go, England need four wickets. The umpires have deemed it’s too dark now for Archer to bowl now. Denly is handed the bowl. Let’s finish with some spin.

Adrian McMurray 4.01am: Denly takes a screamer

WICKET! Paine is gone. Unnecessary shot but WOW — Denly has dived through the air at square leg to pull off a remarkable catch. Archer takes another wicket, Australia 6-149 with Cummins joining Head (38no) in the middle. Seven overs to go.

Adrian McMurray 3.49am: Wade departs

WICKET! Oh no … Wade is on his way after just five balls. He gloves to Buttler — no issues with the catch this time. Leach claims another scalp! Well, from looking comfortably like a draw, now it’s up to Paine and Head to hold on here. Wicket maiden for Leach, Australia 5-138. There are nine overs remaining … they couldn’t do it … could they?

Adrian McMurray 3.42am: Marvellous Labuschagne innings ends

WICKET! Labuschagne is on his way, caught by Root. He went for the sweep, it bounces off Buttler at short leg and the England captain dives to take it! But the umpires want to have a look … that one looked like it could go either way, but they’ve said it was a fair catch with his fingers underneath. Not that Marnus was on board with the decision … he has a few words for Root as he walks off. Wade to the middle, with 11 overs remaining. Australia 4-138.

Adrian McMurray 3.33am: Into the final hour

We’re into the final hour now, with Australia needing to see out the next 15 overs for the draw. They need 149 runs for victory, while England need seven wickets. The result (or lack thereof) seems obvious, but perhaps this Test has one more twist left in it.

Labuschagne brings up 50! He’s shaken off that earlier Archer blow to put together a composed innings — he's saved Australia here and is making a case of Headingley.

With 13 overs remaining Australia are 3-124, requiring 143 runs for victory.

Adrian McMurray 3.07am: Roy’s howler

England’s hero with the bat today, Stokes, is introduced. Root’s call almost pays off immediately, but Labuschagne is dropped on 35! Roy drops what should’ve been one of the more straightforward catches in the slips. Head goes on to add another two boundaries, and there’s 100 up for the tourists. We’ve got 19 overs to go. Australia 3-104.

Adrian McMurray 3.00am: Aussies running the overs down

Big shout for lbw on Labuschagne, and given the time remaining, Root sends it for a review! It was outside off, nowhere near it.

The Aussie batsmen collect another boundary each as they battle to the end here. The lbw appeals are becoming more frequent — and louder. England know time’s running out … Labuschagne 35no, Head 22no, Australia 3-96.

Adrian McMurray 2.35am: Aussies see off Archer … for now

Head moves off the mark with a boundary, finding space through square leg off Archer. Speaking of that man, he’s finished his spell sitting on 2-26.

There’s little respite for the Aussies though, as Broad is brought back in.

It’s getting pretty dark and the lights are on. Australia 3-73, 27 overs left.

Adrian McMurray 2.05am: Horror start to final session

Here we go — the final session. The very first over, WICKET! Leach traps Bancroft lbw, nice and low.

Travis Head joins Labuschagne — can they pull this one out of the fire? Australia 3-47 and you better believe Archer is waiting at the other end.

Adrian McMurray 1.57am: Spotted at Lord’s

Look who’s in attendance today …

You might remember him from such videos as …

Peter Lalor 1.45am: Aussies battle through to tea

David Warner’s terrible time at the Ashes continues. The opener out for his fourth single figure innings of the tour as Australia lost early wickets at Lord’s.

The visitors are 2-46 and must survive another 34 overs to save the Test match. England lead by 221.

Archer is proving too much for the Australians.

Warner (5) edged him to gully in the fourth over — he is yet to make the fifth over of a Test in the series.

Khawaja (2) nicked one through to the keeper from the same bowler.

Marnus Labuschagne was hit in the grille by a rearing bouncer on the second delivery he faced from the bowler.

Labuschagne is only batting because a ball from Archer has left Steve Smith concussed and unable to bat.

Adrian McMurray 1.12am: Smith’s replacement hit by Archer

WICKET! Khawaja lasts just six balls, Archer getting his second. Thick edge to Bairstow. Khawaja has a chat with Bancroft, considers the review but walks. Labuschagne to the middle now. And on his second ball … he’s been hit as well! My word, that was 147km/h straight to the grille.

He gets up straight away, smiling as he’s run through the concussion protocols. His helmet’s replaced. How bizarre — Smith’s concussion replacement also hit. The crowd applauds as he continues. Australia 2-20.

Marnus Labuschagne of Australia is struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jofra Archer. Picture: Getty Images
Marnus Labuschagne of Australia is struck on the helmet by a delivery from Jofra Archer. Picture: Getty Images

Adrian McMurray 12.56am: Warner’s lean run continues

WICKET! Warner gone for just 5, Archer the man this time. Burns takes a handy catch at gully from the outside edge. Disappointing from the man very much out of touch at the moment. Here’s hoping he rediscovers his best with the bat soon. Brilliant start for England, Australia 1-13, needing 254 for victory.

Adrian McMurray 12.47am: The chase begins

Here we go! Warner and Bancroft to the middle, Broad first up for England. Bancroft begins with a single on the very first ball of the innings. Warner shows some real promise with four off his first, but Broad so very nearly gets him again the very next ball — a screamer of a delivery, that just missed the edge and flew over middle. Wow.

Archer starts at the other end, tidy first over. Australia 0-6.

Peter Lalor 12.28am: England declare

England has set Australia 267 runs with 48 overs left in the match.

The home side declared on 5-258 after a scrappy performance by the Australians on the final day.

Ben Stokes made the most of the front running, reaching 115no from 165 deliveries before Joe Root called the batsmen in.

Joe Root declares. Picture: Getty Images
Joe Root declares. Picture: Getty Images

Australia begins its innings with Marnus Labuschagne in the side as substitute for Steve Smith who has been ruled out with concussion.

Smith has 25 centuries, a career average of 63 and a series average of 126. Labuschagne has never scored a Test century and averages 26.

Adrian McMurray 12.24am: Stokes brings up his century

Jeez, a few weird shots from Stokes on 99, but he brings up his ton with a single through square leg off Lyon. Fantastic knock, he’s gone from “Test mode” last night and earlier today to a more freeflowing “ODI mode” today to push that lead out quickly. England 5-242, Stokes 100no, Bairstow 29no. A declaration can’t be far off.

Peter Lalor 12.12am: Smith reveals concussion deterioration

Steve Smith says he will think about wearing stem guards on his helmet, but sounds resigned to missing the third Test in Leeds which starts on Thursday.

The batsman, who is averaging 126 in the series, was ruled out of the last day at Lord’s with delayed onset concussion.

“I started to feel a little bit of a headache coming on last night, probably as the adrenaline got out of my system,” he said. “I was able to get a good sleep in, which is somewhat rare for me, but woke up feeling a little bit groggy and with a headache again, so had some tests done and upon some further assessments deemed to be a mild concussion unfortunately and have been ruled out for the rest of this Test match.”

Read more here

Adrian McMurray 12.10am: Runs galore

Bairstow and Stokes — in particular — go nuts, the latter hitting consecutive sixes and another two fours to move into the 90s. Comical moment when Hazlewood collects Stokes … didn’t look too comfortable, but I’m sure that box was doing its work. He was heard over the stump mics yelling “Ohhh in the d..k!”

England's Ben Stokes reacts as he gets hit by the ball during play on day five. Picture: AFP
England's Ben Stokes reacts as he gets hit by the ball during play on day five. Picture: AFP

England now 5-224, with Stokes 91no and Bairstow 20no.

Peter Lalor 11.58pm: Lord’s member banned: report

A report in The Cricketer claims a Lord’s member has been banned for attacking Steve Smith as he walked through the Long Room after his innings yesterday.

Witnesses said a 30-year-old called him a “cheat” and a “disgrace” as he returned to the rooms.

Adrian McMurray 11.37pm: Review squandered amid DRS meltdown

The very next over, there’s a huge shout for lbw on Stokes! Lyon reckons he’s got him, but umpire Aleem Dar disagrees. It’s sent for review, and there’s some issues with the ball-tracking technology. The IT crew sort that out relatively quickly — not before Warner and his teammates have a bit of a laugh, making the “TV” gesture (was that some sort of plug for LG?).

After all that it was missing down leg. No reviews left for Paine and his men.

England 5-168, that lead now out to 176 runs.

Adrian McMurray 11.24pm: Cummins gets the breakthrough

Play resumes in the second session, Cummins brought back into the attack. He begins with a maiden, as Lyon continues down the other end. The last ball of Cummins’ second over — WICKET! Huge top edge from Buttler falls straight to Hazlewood at long leg, and he’s on his way for 31. England 5-161, the lead 169 runs. Bairstow makes his way to the middle.

Adrian McMurray 10.35pm: The steady hand England needed

That’s lunch! Stokes has brought up 50 in 106 balls — just the steady hand the hosts needed. Buttler too has been plugging away, up to 31no as the session ends. Stokes finishes the session on 51no with this partnership contributing 86 runs. England now 4-157, their lead up to 165 runs. The Aussies need a quick wicket after lunch, otherwise time will be very much against them.

We’ve got the lunch menu as we have had every day this week. Roast beef, chicken stir-fry and a mushroom/spinach risotto await the players — sounds good to me!

Adrian McMurray 10.20pm: England press on

Hazlewood and Lyon continue, a few absolutely outrageous deliveries not resulting in a wicket. They’re getting closer to the breakthrough, but Stokes and Buttler are digging in. The English pair grab a boundary each from a Hazlewood over, Buttler avoiding Khawaja in the field to improve his total. Some handy work with the bat, particularly from Stokes. Siddle’s introduced to immediate effect — no wicket but a maiden. This is turning into a great contest, but not what Australia would want at all. England 4-145, leading by 153 runs.

Adrian McMurray 10.00pm: Snicko confusion

Stokes survives an lbw shout and review. Hazlewood reckons he’s trapped him but it was pitched outside leg. Confusing moment with snicko as he hits his pad with his bat, but didn’t matter in the end anyway. A review lost for the tourists. No early wicket for Australia as Buttler moves to 17no, Stokes 36no, England 4-123. They lead by 131 runs.

Peter Lalor 9.28pm: Smith in doubt for third Test

Steve Smith has delayed concussion and looks likely to miss the third Test.

He is the first international player to be withdrawn from a Test under protocols introduced at the beginning of this series.

The match referee has approved Marnus Labuschagne as a replacement.

“Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with “a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess.”,” Cricket Australia said in a statement.

“Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck during his innings yesterday was ‘much better’.

“As part of the Cricket Australia concussion protocol, repeat concussion testing of Steve Smith was also performed this morning and demonstrated some deterioration from his testing which is consistent with the emergence of the symptoms he was reporting.

“On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw and the Australia team will lodge an application for a concussion substitute with the ICC match referee in line with the ICC protocol.”

Steve Smith. Picture: AFP
Steve Smith. Picture: AFP

Cricket Australia’s research reveals around a third of players will report delayed effects from concussion.

As most recoveries take a week his chances of playing the third Test which begins on Thursday are slim.

Smith,who has scores 144, 142 and 92 in his three innings, will be a devastating loss for the team.

“In terms of Steve’s availability for the third Test, this will be considered over the coming days but the short turnaround to the next Test is not in his favour. Steve’s fitness will be assessed on an ongoing basis,” Cricket Australia said.

“Steve will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday.

“Despite the unfortunate nature of what has happened, the positive is that the concussion protocol, including the availability of the concussion substitute, which has been recently brought in has served its purpose. A player is no longer under pressure to take the field when he or she displays symptoms of concussion and a side is not disadvantaged having lost a player to a blow to the head or neck.

“Cricket Australia is proud to have been leaders in this area, having introduced concussion substitutes in domestic cricket and worked with the ICC to introduce them in international cricket.”

The loss of Smith is a terrible blow to the Australians and could have a similar impact on the series as the ankle injury to Glenn McGrath that swung the 2005 series in England’s favour.

Adrian McMurray 9.19pm: Smith out with concussion

We’ve got confirmation: Smith is out of this Test due to delayed concussion.

This from Cricket Australia: “Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with ‘a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess.’ Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck during his innings yesterday was ‘much better’.”

The Aussies will lodge an application for a concussion substitute.

As for the next Test, CA says he “will be considered over the coming days but the short turnaround … is not in his favour.”

Peter Lalor 9.15pm: The latest on Smith

Steve Smith has not taken the field with the team. He was due to take a concussion test this morning.

Marnus Labuschagne is fielding in his place. There is no official word on his condition as yet.

Under Cricket Australia’s rules he cannot play if he is suffering a delayed concussion but he may also be feeling the effects of a blow to the arm which required scans.

Adrian McMurray 9.10am: Smith missing as play resumes

We’re back underway! Cummins to begin, with Stokes (16no) and Buttler (10no) resuming. But there’s no Smith in the field … there are unconfirmed reports that he’s been ruled out with concussion. Our man at the ground, Peter Lalor, is chasing that one up. At any rate, Labuschagne is out there still.

Adrian McMurray 8.47pm: Start time confirmed

We’re on: play will begin at 9.10pm AEST, lunch is set for 10.30pm AEST. That lost hour will make it that little bit harder for a result, but after yesterday, anything’s possible really. There will be 88 overs squeezed in.

Adrian McMurray 8.30pm: Not long to wait

That pitch inspection will be at 8.40pm AEST. Not too much longer to wait.

Meanwhile, here’s one for fans of Star Wars, Steve Smith, or both.

8.20pm: Pitch inspection soon

Adrian McMurray 8.00pm: Play delayed

We should be underway now, but the rain is still falling. There’s been a bit of this since Wednesday … we’ll keep you posted.

Peter Lalor 7.50pm: ‘My heart skipped a beat’

The covers are on at Lord’s this morning and people are still shaking their heads in disbelief at the events of the day before.

Jofra Archer spoke before play about the horror of seeing his IPL teammate Steve Smith collapse after he hit him during play yesterday.

England's Jofra Archer. Picture: AP
England's Jofra Archer. Picture: AP

The quick, who bowled one of the most hostile spells the game has witnessed in recent years, hit his Rajasthan captain on the arm and then felled him with a blow to the neck.

He said his “heart skipped a beat” when Smith went down and it was “never the intention” to hit him.

“I was trying to get him out really,” Archer said. “We had a short leg, we had a leg slip. He was kind of working the ball off his hip.

Australia's Steve Smith and England’s Jofra Archer. Picture: AFP
Australia's Steve Smith and England’s Jofra Archer. Picture: AFP

“Honestly I don’t know what I was thinking at the time. Seeing someone go down, you don’t ever want to see anyone getting carried off in a stretcher or you don’t want to see anyone missing a day or another game. Especially what happened a few years ago as well. It’s never a nice sight.”

Smith is due to undergo a concussion test before play despite being cleared in similar tests yesterday.

Justin Langer believes he will be unsettled by the blow.

“When you get hit, it’s always in the back of your mind. no doubt, every batter — any batsman who tells you it’s not is a liar,” he said. “But, he’s also the sort of person who will do everything from now until the next time he bats, whether it’s mentally — visualising or practising — to be right.

“He loves batting, we saw that masterclass he did. He just loves batting and nobody is going to stop him batting. So he’ll practice it, he’ll work it out and hopefully he’ll get back into it. The fact he came out and batted again, he’ll be right to go.”

Ricky Ponting dismissed notions there would be any lingering effects.

“He won’t have any fear because it’s just what you do every day,” he told Cricket Australia’s website. “You face bowlers in the nets every day and you get hit every now and then. But certainly nothing changes in your mindset.”

Steve Smith. Picture: AFP
Steve Smith. Picture: AFP

The incident and the booing from a small section of the crowd when Smith left the ground and when he recommenced his innings, sparked a firestorm of condemnation on social media and among respected former players.

The behaviour was criticised by Mark Taylor, Mitchell Johnson, Michale Vaughan and most commentators.

Even players union, the Australian Cricketers Association, bought into the debate, condemning those elements.

“Cricket deserves much better than that. And Lords, the home of cricket, deserves much better than that also,” the association’s chiefs Alistair Nicholson and Greg Dyer said in a joint statement.

“What we witnessed was bravery from an outstanding young man. It should be commended not vilified.

“Over the English summer, generally the crowds have been terrific and really added to the contest. But when someone is hurt, yet the boos continue, it’s time to call ‘enough.’

“At any rate, the players have already served the toughest penalties in the history of cricket. Surely it is time to move forward.”

The controversy around booing comes the same week Adam Goodes revealed the bigotry of football crowds has completely killed his love for the game.

Meanwhile, the day is set up for a potentially thrilling finish.

Ben Stokes. Picture: Getty Images
Ben Stokes. Picture: Getty Images

England has four wickets in hand and a lead of 104. The upper hand is theirs with Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler at the wicket, but the game shifts quickly in the modern era and four results are possible for either side: a win, a loss, a draw or a tie in the manner of the one at Lord’s in the World Cup final.

There are no super overs in Test cricket.

The rain is expected to clear by the time of the scheduled start of play, but a delay seems inevitable.

7.30pm: Cricket greats slam booing of Smith

Ian Healy has slammed the “disgusting” behaviour of a small group of fans who booed Steve Smith after he was hit on the neck by a bouncer at Lord’s.

And English captain Michael Vaughn, former Australian skipper Mark Taylor and legend Shane Warne also voiced their disapproval as did Australian cricket’s players’ union.

Read more here

Adrian McMurray 7.15pm: Rain about on day five

Welcome to the final day in this remarkable Test! Of course, we lost the entire first day and most of the third. But when it hasn’t rained, it’s been enthralling. Unfortunately, the covers are on at Lord’s ahead of the scheduled start time of 8pm AEST. The good news? It’s meant to clear shortly.

The Australian’s Will Swanton has generated plenty of debate with his column on the Archer-Smith duel.

“Here’s what Jofra Archer did wrong before, during and after the frightening delivery that knocked Steve Smith off his feet and rekindled those awful memories of the last ball Phillip Hughes ever faced,” he writes. “Nothing. Absolutely nothing.”

What did you make of it all? Sound off in the comments below.

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