Ashes 2023: All the highlights and drama from day 2 of the Second test at Lords

Australia are getting used to spectacular low catches causing controversy, and Steve Smith’s to dismiss Joe Root was no exception. DANIEL CHERNY has his day 2 highlights.

Day two started with a Steve Smith century and ended in drama aplenty. Here’s what you missed overnight:

Steve Smith catches Joe Root late on day 2. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

GRASSED, ROOT?

Having had Ollie Pope caught on the boundary by Smith, Cameron Green looked to have struck with a bouncer for the second time in quick succession when Joe Root gloved one to wicketkeeper Alex Carey with the former England captain on one. But with Root trudging off, umpire Ahsan Raza signalled a no-ball, Green’s fifth in just five overs. But Root soon fell for 10 as part of a concerted short-ball barrage from the Aussies, with an umpire review finding that a low diving catch from Smith had been completed, Mitchell Starc breaking through after copping stick for much of the day.

Root goes! 👋

A great catch from Smith and admirable persistence from Starc gets Australia their fourth. #TheAshes 2nd Test | Live, on Channel 9 & 9Now.#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/puajXk5oD6

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) June 29, 2023

Harry Brook was given a life and remains not out at stumps. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

BROOK COOKED

With England playing breathlessly aggressive cricket, Harry Brook pulled Pat Cummins to square leg. It was a rapid chance and popped out of the lands of Marnus Labuschagne, Brook given a life on 25 on an afternoon played at one-day cricket tempo.

A hard-hitting Brook picks out Marnus, but the ball pushes through his hands. #TheAshes 2nd Test | Live, on Channel 9 & 9Now.#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/yPtUtCFILU

— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) June 29, 2023

Ben Duckett was dismissed on 98. Picture: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

DUCK, GOOSE

Ben Duckett had batted brilliantly and looked poised for a maiden Ashes century when he top edged Josh Hazlewood to be caught at fine leg by David Warner, gone for 98. Warner celebrated with gusto, turning to the crowd, fists pumped.

Nathan Lyon’s 100 consecutive Test run could be over. Picture: Stu Forster/Getty Images

LYON DOWN

Nathan Lyon is 35, playing his 100th consecutive Test and was showing no signs of slowing down. In the second over of England’s innings he stopped a Zak Crawley drive with an excellent diving stop, prompting David Warner to jog 30 metres from the slip cordon to commend his teammate. But not long after tea, Lyon dashed to greet a Duckett pull off a Cameron Green short ball. Lyon stopped short though, hobbling off the ground.

SLIP UP

Smith had already posted a century at Lord’s and this would have made his day all the sweeter. Smith was on the prowl at leg-slip, anticipating a reverse sweep from Crawley in Nathan Lyon’s first over. Crawley duly delivered on 34, but Smith couldn’t hang onto what was a very tough chance. Lyon got his man though as Crawley danced down the wicket to be stumped down the leg-side by Carey for 48.

Ollie Pope wasn’t able to field with injury but was still able to bat at number three for England. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

PAPAL MYSTERY

England vice-captain Pope didn’t field during the first session after hurting his shoulder diving on day one. However as the injury was an external one, he was free to bat in his usual spot at first drop, appearing after Crawley’s dismissal.

TON UP

Pat Cummins’ batting had been in a downward spiral in recent years, but the skipper looks to be back with a vengeance. Having memorably guided his side home along with Lyon at Edgbaston, Cummins batted strongly again on Thursday, finishing 22 not out to take his series average beyond 100.

Mitchell Starc was back opening the bowling. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

STARC DIFFERENCE

Back in the XI, the question remained as to whether Starc would take the new ball for Australia, having been bumped from that role during the World Test Championship final. The theory offered by the Aussie camp at the time is that the Dukes ball had been swinging more after some of the lacquer had worn off, meaning it was better for Starc to bowl first change. That theory was canned by Thursday, with Starc opening the bowling with Cummins and Josh Hazlewood entering the attack in the 11th over.

Originally published as Ashes 2023: All the highlights and drama from day 2 of the Second test at Lords