Xtra Time Web Desk: England opener Ben Duckett played a crucial role in the hosts fightback against Australia on the second day of the second men’s Ashes Test at Lord’s on Thursday. After Australia were dismissed for 416, with Steve Smith scoring his 32nd test century, England’s openers Zak Crawley and Duckett provided a solid start, putting on a partnership of 91 runs. Crawley was stumped two runs short of his half-century, but Duckett continued his impressive innings, surpassing 50 before tea. Unfortunately, Duckett fell just short of his third Test century.
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Following Duckett’s dismissal, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes built another valuable partnership, with Brook remaining unbeaten on 45 and Stokes on 17 at the close of play. England finished the day at 278-4, trailing by 138 runs. Australia’s spinner Nathan Lyon suffered a calf injury and his fitness for the remainder of the match was uncertain.
Earlier in the day, Smith continued his excellent form from the previous day and completed his 32nd Test century. However, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, and Josh Tongue took crucial wickets to limit Australia’s first-innings total. Tongue dismissed Smith, while Ollie Robinson finished off the tail.
England’s response with the bat showed resilience and determination, but the match remains finely balanced heading into day three.