Steve Smith and Travis Head challenge England at Lord’s Cricket Ground.

Australia dominated the first day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s with a strong batting performance led by Steve Smith. Smith remained unbeaten throughout the day, supported by Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head, as they propelled Australia to a formidable position. However, Joe Root’s two quick wickets offered England a glimmer of hope.

At the end of the day’s play, Australia had reached 339/5, scoring at a rate of over four runs per over, defying England’s expectations of seamers ruling the game. Usman Khawaja and David Warner had provided a solid start, and then Smith and Labuschagne built a partnership of 102 runs for the third wicket. It was Head’s aggressive innings, scoring 77 runs off just 73 balls, that pushed Australia past 300 runs before the second new ball was due. By the time Head was dismissed, Australia were scoring at a rate of 4.2 runs per over.

Both teams had their shortcomings, as England lacked pace on the pitch, dropped catches in the slip cordon, and struggled with no-balls. The decision to bowl first at Lord’s seemed logical given the favourable seaming conditions, but England failed to exert control and make scoring difficult for Australia. Their bowlers, including James Anderson and Stuart Broad, were not as effective as expected.

Despite England’s deficiencies, Australia’s progress seemed assured. Warner and Khawaja tackled the opening spells well, with Khawaja playing cautiously and leaving deliveries outside off-stump. However, a delivery from Josh Tongue nipped back and dismissed Khawaja, followed by Tongue beating Warner’s drive and dismantling his stumps. Meanwhile, Smith showcased his batting prowess, finding boundaries with ease and navigating the bowlers skillfully.

Labuschagne’s wicket gave England a brief moment of celebration, but Head’s aggressive play quickly shifted the momentum back in Australia’s favour. Overall, Australia looked in control throughout the day, taking advantage of favourable conditions and England’s lacklustre performance.