ASHES 2023

'Common sense>>>Bazball' - Fans react as Australia survives Ben Stokes' smack to take 2-0 lead in Ashes 2023

Australia defeated England by 43 runs in the second Test at Lord's to take a 2-0 lead in the 2023 Ashes series.

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Akshay
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2nd Ashes Test

2nd Ashes Test (Source: Twitter)

2nd Ashes Test 2nd Ashes Test (Source: Twitter)

Australia defeated England by 43 runs in a thrilling encounter at Lord's to go 2-0 up in the five-match Ashes series. In a chase of 371, the Aussie bowling attack folded the 'Bazball' assault for 327 after surviving a fightback from skipper Ben Stokes. The English all-rounder was not at his best in the series until Day 5 of the second Test, but he stoked the fire inside to give Pat Cummins and Co. a late scare.

Australia needed six wickets to win, while England needed 257 on the final day. The hosts got off to a good start with Stokes and opener Ben Duckett, but Josh Hazlewood made a huge breakthrough by dismissing the left-hander for 83. England fans would not have had much tension with Jonny Bairstow teaming with Stokes, but a controversial dismissal of the former gave them another setback.

However, Australia's denial of the 'spirit of the game' somehow awakened the lion in Stokes, who put up a scorching effort to single-handedly turn the momentum in England's favour. The visitors would have had smiles on their faces when they dismissed Duckett and Bairstow, but Stokes gave them the vibe of a historic hunt at 'Headingley'.

Stokes' knock was one of the greatest in the final innings?

The Southpaw was batting on 62* off 126 balls when Bairstow walked off the field. But he smashed Cameron Greene for three consecutive sixes in the next 16 balls to complete his 13th Test century. Stokes was involved in two century-plus partnerships, one with Ben Duckett and the other with Stuart Broad. His valiant effort of 155 off 214 went in vain but will always be remembered in the hearts of all cricket fans.

Steve Smith was adjudged Player of the Match for his brilliant first-innings century which took Australia to a huge total of 416. In response, England only managed to score 325 runs, with half-centuries coming from Duckett (98) and Harry Brook (50).

Australia are currently favourites to win the series, but Alex Carey's controversial run-out of Bairstow will have their sights set on a strong comeback in the next match. The third and most crucial Ashes Test, from the perspective of England, will be played at the Headingley beginning on July 6.

Here's how fans reacted to Australia's win in the second Ashes Test:

Australia Ben Stokes England Ashes