“I do not believe they will alter their philosophy. I observed hints of Plan B in the first Test. Consider Ben Stokes’ performance in the second innings. During a Sony Sports-organized media interaction, Jason Gillespie stated, “He scored 30 odd runs (43 runs, to be exact), but he was reticent for a while, especially against Nathan Lyon.”
Prior to the first Test at Edgbaston, much speculation surrounded the effectiveness of England’s ‘Bazball’ strategy against Australia’s potent bowling attack. Ben Stokes and company continued their aggressive style of cricket, which has paid dividends over the past year. Nonetheless, Australia managed to eek out a two-wicket victory. Certain segments of the cricket community criticised the Bazball strategy for being a bit irresponsible.
After Australia scored 416 in the first innings of the second Test at Lord’s, England batted well on Day 2 and reached 278/4 in 61 overs. However, during the morning session of Day 3, the hosts lost their last six wickets for only 47 runs, giving Australia a commanding 91-run advantage. The fact that the majority of batters tossed away their wickets has only intensified the criticism directed at Bazball.
Jason Gillespie, a former Australian pacer, stated that England may not alter their style of play, but he observed Ben Stokes employing Plan B during the second innings of the first Test, when he was more cautious than usual, particularly against Nathan Lyon.
“I would argue that there was a Plan B; he didn’t just attempt to hit sixes off every ball. He defended well, but also rotated his attacks. Herein lies the potential for Bazball to evolve. If a bowler is bowling exceptionally well, it is futile to keep swinging your bat and trying to hit fours and sixes off every delivery. If you do it, you will get out.”
Australia in command at lunch on Day 3 of the Second Test.
In the morning session of Day 3 of the second Test at Lord’s, Australia managed to dispatch the English batsmen for 325 in their first innings. Mitchell Starc was the most effective bowler, taking three wickets. After sustaining a calf injury on Day 2, Australia’s premier spinner Nathan Lyon has been ruled out of the current Test and, most likely, the remainder of the Ashes. In his absence, Australia would be ecstatic with their Day 3 bowling performance.
After dominating England, the Australian openers had to navigate six overs before lunch. David Warner and Usman Khawaja performed admirably, as Australia was 12/0 at lunch with a 103-run advantage.
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