Lehmann admitted he was disappointed with Watson’s batting problems after last week’s back-to-back lbw dismissals meant the 34-year-old Queenslander has been out in that fashion 14 times in 35 Ashes innings, and has hinted he could make changes for the second Test, which begins in London on Thursday. Australia was favoured, but a comprehensive English win by 169 runs in the first Test at Cardiff, has rattled the team from Down Under.
Advertisement
Despite some concerns about Moeen Ali’s fitness, Alastair Cook is likely to lead an unchanged England side and keep the aggressive style of play the team showcased in the first game.
Not since Geoff Marsh (125 not out) and Mark Taylor (141 not out) took their side to 301 without loss against England on the first day of the fifth Test at Trent Bridge in 1989 had Australia produced such a commanding display with the bat on the opening day of an Ashes match.
England captain Alastair Cook said his side’s thoughts were with Haddin.
There had been encouraging signs ahead of last week’s first Test. A new positive attitude had lifted the spirits during a One-Day global series against World Cup runners-up New Zealand, but still, changing formats and going up against a strong Australia team, they remained huge underdogs.
The Bristolian will be keeping score in a Test for the first time after being selected by the Association of County Cricket Scorers.
If Moeen is unable to bowl, his place would go to Adil Rashid, the Yorkshire legspinner who is uncapped at Test level.
Smith made 129 not out and Chris Rogers helped himself to 158no as the tourists moved relentlessly to 337 for one at stumps.
Smith is busy as ever and Rogers is taking it cool.
RUGBY LEAGUE – Cameron Smith says he is preparing to put the Alex McKinnon saga to bed once and for all, confirming he will meet face to face with former Newcastle forward to reconcile their differences.
“We had a couple of half chance”, Anderson said.
Australia quickly learnt that showing better application with bat and ball would pay more dividends than trying to get under the skin of their opponents with their skills with the tongue.
Initially overcast skies offered a hint of swing movement.
Cricket – England v Australia – Investec Ashes Test Series Second Test – Lord?s – 16/7/15 Australia& …
Rogers, who flashed Anderson’s third ball of the match just over the slips, maintained the form which brought him 95 in Cardiff and he and Smith carried Australia to 104 for one at lunch.
But with Australia determined not to let the off-spinner settle, Warner slog-swept Ali’s first ball for four.
And for England this was a reality check of what will be required to regain the urn following their 5-0 whitewash defeat in Australia two winters ago. Jonathan Trott flew home after the match due to a stress-related illness and England had to rethink their batting order, with Root promoted to No3 for the following Test in Adelaide.
Advertisement
By early evening he had converted to three figures – his fourth Ashes hundred – with 17 fours from 209 balls.
