The fifth and final Test match between England and Australia witꦐnessed a power-packed Day 2 at the Kennington Ovalꦿ in London on Friday (July 28). The play started with Australia resuming their innings from their overnight score of 61/1 and England making a strong comeback with the ball.
In reply to England’s first innings total of 283 runs, Australia managed to finish Day 2 at a score of 295 with a lead of 12 runs before being bundled out by the hosts. Although the Aussie top-order showed great resilience and determination, they failed to score big. Usman Khawaja seemed good and well set initially, but he also departed on 47. It was the pair of Steve Smith and Pat Cummins who demonstrated their clas🏅ꦛs and played a significant role in building the Australian innings despite wickets falling at regular intervals.
Also WATCH: Marnus Labuschagne departs seconds after extraordinary mind game from Stuart Broad
Steve Smith and Pat Cummins help Australia fightback:
Smith yet again displayed his skills in the tough situation and accumulated 71 runs before being dismissed off Chris Woakes’ delivery. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins provided valuable support with a solid knock of 36 runs. Todd Murphy showcased his talent too and 🅷scored valuable 34 runs for the Aussie team batting lower down the order.
For England, Woakes continued to impress and added overall three wickets to his tally. All Stuart Broad, Mark Wood and Joe Root chipped in and picke൲d up two scalps each as well.
The match seemed finely poised, with both teams having their moments of brilliance in batting and bowling. Eng𒅌land now would look to post a mammoth score when they step onto the field to bat on Day 3. On the other hand, the Aussie side would also be determined to put up a strong performance with ball and restrict the English team.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
England were magnificent today ..
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan)
Always a sign of how challenging the conditions are to bat in & how well the bowling is wh𓃲en Steve Smith starts getting into his stance at both ends
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07)
MOST TEST RUNS AMON𝕴G TOURING PLAYERS AT THE OVAL 🏏 🇦🇺
617 — Steve Smith (AUS)
553 — Sir Donald Bradman (AUS)Smudge just loves batting at The Oval 🙌 👉
— Fox Cricket (@FoxCricket)
An action-packed Day 2 of 5th Test ends and the contest remains evenly🌜 💫poised ��
Scorecard:
— betvisa68.com (@CricketTimesHQ)
So, a cracking day in the Ashes Day 2 at Oval. The pendulum swung to and fro and in the end Australia were bowled out at Stumps for𒐪 295 taking a slender lead of 12 runs. Steve Smith scored 71. Captain Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy scored valuable 30s down the order to take
— AYAN CHATTERJEE (@ayan95_ayan)
's innings finished when (38) was cleverly caught on the ropes by his opposite number, , who was forced to throw the ball up as he back-pedalled out of play but was quick enough to get back and complete the catch.
— Robert Smith (@OnyaDon)
Australia had bo business getting a lead from that position todd murphy just chained everything by a great innings.
Pat cummins has to trust him with the ball he bowled well in the 1st innings too.🎐.♛ Looks a great cricketer..— The Lobster (@CricessOP)
Man I just love what a guy!
— Castro1021 News (@castro1021Newss)
Since coming into the team for the 3rd test, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes have taken 27 of a possible 50 Aussie wickets at an average of 19.
Forget bazball and scoring rates, it's those 2 players that have completely transformed the team.— DanKennett.bsky.social (@DanKennett)
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