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2nd Ashes Test, Day 1: England vs Australia - As it happened...
Chris Rogers and Steven Smith slammed centuries on the opening day of the second Ashes Test and stitched a record 259-run stand for the second-wicket partnership to put Australia on top.
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London: Chris Rogers and Steven Smith slammed centuries on the opening day of the second Ashes Test and stitched a record 259-run stand for the second-wicket partnership to put Australia on top.
Over 90 | Score 337/1 (Chris Rogers 158*, Steven Smith 129*)
And as we expected it to be, Chris Rogers and Steven Smith walked off the field to a rousing reception from the crowd. It has been a commendable effort from both the batsman who have put the visitors in a commanding position and the team would be extremely proud with the way they rebuilt the innings post Warner's dismissal.
England weren't too bad, it's just that these two gentlemen didn't give them many chances to get a grip of the second Test. The partnership is now worth 259 runs, a massive one which England would want to break as soon as possible on the second day.
Over 80 | Score 297/1 (Chris Rogers 136*, Steven Smith 112*)
After completing his century, Rogers did more scoring than Smith. Alastair Cook & Co would be very disappointed with the way they have performed on their home ground. The partnership is now worth 221 runs, and these two look all set to bat through the 90 overs.
Over 70 | Score 254/1 (Chris Rogers 103*, Steven Smith 103*)
He was batting much slower that Rogers at one stage, but Smith was the first one to complete a century as he pulled the first ball of James Anderson's 14th over past midwicket for a boundary. One over later, Rogers too drove the first ball from Anderson, past him to complete his century. These two have come up with a superb fightback for the Aussies and body language from the English cricketers says it all.
Over 65 | Score 224/1 (Chris Rogers 89*, Steven Smith 87*)
While Rogers scored 8 runs in the last ten overs, Smith got very close to him and did most of the scoring in the last ten overs. This partnership is now worth 11 runs and the Aussies look all set to witness two brilliant tons here!
Over 55 | Score 189/1 (Chris Rogers 81*, Steven Smith 60*)
Both these players continue to frustrate the English bowlers with what has been an incredible partnership for the visitors. Michael Clarke and the entire Australian camp would be extremely proud of the way these two have put them on the top. The same English bowlers, who picked wickets at regular intervals in the first Test match have looked clueless today.
Over 45 | Score 153/1 (Chris Rogers 64*, Steven Smith 41*)
Alastair Cook is short of ideas at the moment. None of the English bowlers have managed to trouble these two, who are batting as if it was an Australian wicket. As per his own standards, Smith is batting slow, but that could be because he is determined to hit a century here. The partnership is now worth 75 runs and the visitors are in total control of the game.
Over 35 | Score 126/1 (Chris Rogers 52*, Steven Smith 27*)
Rogers and Smith once again continue to punish the English bowlers, something which would be bothering Alastair Cook a lot. Australia are on the driver's seat and it would very difficult for the hosts to once again put their backs against the wall. Cook would be expecting his premier bowlers - James Anderson and Stuart Broad - to get him a few crucial breakthroughs.
Over 27 | Score 104/1 (Chris Rogers 43*, Steven Smith 16*)
Barring the wicket of David Warner, Australia have dominated the proceedings today. Rogers is looking all set to play another formidable knock, while Steven Smith, who scored 66 runs in the first Test, will be desperate to deliver up to his potential. These two have so far added unbeaten 26 runs for the second wicket. Cook & Co will have plenty to discuss during the lunch break.
Over 20 || Score 90/1 (Rogers 39, Smith 8)
After the fall of David Warner's wicket, Chris Rogers and Steven Smith have steadied to the Australia innings. Smith has played 10 deliveries for his 10 runs, which included a four off Smith off the third delivery of 19th over. It was probably the shot of the match, a sublime cover drive, using the feet.
Rogers is on 39 from 68 balls, including four fours. His innings, so far, has been about application and purpose.
Cook, meanwhile, has utilised five bowlers in Anderson, Broad, Mark Wood, Ali and Ben Stokes, with the lone wicket coming from Moeen's spell.
Over 15 || Score 78/1 (Rogers 35, Smith 0)
Moeen Ali struck in the first over, in the last delivery. Good captaincy from Cook to introduce the slower bowler.
Drinks break proved lucky for England. David Warner, who was looking to increase the tempo, got carried away and came down to take charge. But his shot ended up, offering an easy catch at covers to James Anderson.
David Warner c James Anderson b Moeen Ali 38 (42b)
Prodigious Steven Smith is next. The 26-year-old would love to improve his recent form, though
Drinks
Over 14 || Score 68/0 (Rogers 34, Warner 29)
Time for a quick Drinks, Australia are firmly placed at 68 without losing a wicket. After a slow start, David Warner has joined his opening partner Chris Rogers, attacking the English bowlers. Warner has four hits to the fence, while Rogers has six.
And before the start of the match, legend Ricky Ponting rang the customary gong at the Lord's, signaling the start of five day match at the home of cricket...
Over 10 || Score 34/0 (Rogers 23, Warner 10)
Second maiden over of the match, from Stuart Broad to Rogers, in the tenth over. Anderson had the first maiden in the seventh over, to Warner. But all-in-all, this has been Australia's show so far at the Lord's.
In the last five overs, England bowlers have somewhat controlled the flow of runs and the credit should go their discipline and control.
In between, this is the first time both the sides have the same captain for 12 consecutive Ashes Tests. Earlier, the record was between Mike Atherton and Mark Taylor.
Over 5 || Score 23/0 (Rogers 17, Warner 5)
Chris Rogers and David Warner in a bid to laid a strong foundation of Australia! The duo have so far stitched an unbeaten 23 run stand for the opening wicket partnership at a good run-rate.
England skipper Alastair Cook is using the express services of James Anderson and Stuart Board, albeit without much success.
Over 1 || Score 8/0 (Rogers 8, Warner 0)
James Anderson started the proceedings, with two dot balls to Chris Rogers. But the Aussie opener got a lucky four, over the slip cordon, then a dot later another four through the covers. Eight good runs to off the first over of the match.
Match officials
Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (Sri Lanka) and Marais Erasmus (South Africa)
TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka)
Reserve umpire:Alex Wharf
Playing XI's
Moeen Ali is fit and England are unchanged, which means no debut for Adil Rashid.
England: Alastair Cook (capt.), Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson
Mitchell Marsh and Peter Nevill making their respective debuts. Shane Watson and Brad Haddin out.
Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke (capt.), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewoo
Australia win the toss and bat first. Michael Clarke said, they want to use the very good looking Lord's pitch first.
Clarke calls heads and decides to bat first #Ashes pic.twitter.com/XKddOTGwAd
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 16, 2015
Peter Nevill, the debutant looks comfortable in his new baggy green, and in Steve Waugh's company.
Steve Waugh with Australia 's 443rd Test cricketer Peter Nevill #Ashes pic.twitter.com/RPHud42uZ7
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 16, 2015
Peter Nevill warming up for the debut
Michael Clarke and Greg Blewett make their way across Lord's to The Pavillion. It's game day. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/HeShD3vi8p
— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 16, 2015
Probables
England XI: Alastair Cook, Adam Lyth, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Adil Rashid, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, James Anderson
Australia XI: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Steven Smith, Michael Clarke, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon
PREVIEW:
This could probably the biggest story of English summer, if England manage to continue their splendid form and win the 2015 Ashes series at home. They have won the opening Test match at Cardiff, unexpectedly; and the real challenge starts today at the Lord's.
Australia, having whitewashed the last Ashes series, will not sit back back and absorb the punches English players are throwing at them. Despite concerns of poor form from his players, Australia skipper Michael Clarke will do everything in his capacity to revive the series with win at the home of cricket.
Pre-match rumblings have been all about all-rounder Shane Watson's form and that of Brad Haddin's unavailability. But the Aussies are a proud cricketing nation, and must have already identified what went wrong in the series opener.
For England, the only concern, is about the fitness of Moeen Ali. If the all-rounder is unavailable, uncapped Adil Rashid will join the party. Everything other thing, from batting, to fielding, to morale, seems in perfect condition for England under an refurbished Alastair Cook.
This will be 36th Ashes meeting at the Lord's. England have managed to win seven of those, against Australia's 15.
In between, Arjun Tendulkar was at the nets, helping out English batsmen ahead of the match. But unlike his famous father, Arjun was only bowling.
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