Australia took a narrow 12-run lead in their first innings after overcoming a batting collapse on Day 2 of the fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test at The Oval. The day was filled with drama, controversies, and crucial partnerships that set the tone for an exciting match.
England started the day on 61 for 1, and it was Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne who took the score to 91 before Labuschagne fell for a slow 9 off 82 balls, thanks to a brilliant catch by Joe Root at first slip off Mark Wood’s delivery.
Khawaja fought valiantly but fell short of converting his start, dismissed for 47 off 157 balls by Stuart Broad’s straight and full delivery. Broad continued to make an impact, catching Travis Head’s edge and sending him back for just 4 runs. James Anderson joined the party, dismissing Mitchell Marsh for 16 as the batter chopped the ball onto his stumps.
Joe Root, known more for his batting, made a vital contribution with the ball by claiming the wicket of Alex Carey for 10. Carey’s aggressive shot was caught by Stokes at short cover, marking Root’s 100th Test catch. Mitchell Starc’s misjudged pull off Wood added to Australia’s woes as they found themselves at 185/7.
However, amidst the tension and England’s hopes of securing a substantial lead, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins steadied the innings with a crucial 54-run partnership for the eighth wicket. Smith faced a controversial moment when a throw from George Ealham appeared to catch him short of his crease while attempting a risky second run. Keeper Jonny Bairstow dislodged a bail before gathering the ball, leading to a contentious decision by the third umpire, who ruled Smith not out.
Another look at that incredibly close call – Steve Smith survives that throw from G̶a̶r̶y̶ ̶P̶r̶a̶t̶t̶ George Ealham! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/GJNTo6nDqF
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 28, 2023
Smith went on to score 71, reaching his half-century with some impressive drives off Stuart Broad. Cummins played a valuable supporting role and survived an LBW decision through DRS review. England finally removed Smith, who top-edged a flick off Woakes to the keeper.
However, Todd Murphy’s entry added more challenges for England, as he aggressively struck three sixes and took Australia closer to England’s total. Murphy’s 34 and Cummins’ 36 ensured Australia ended their innings with a slender lead of 12 runs.
The day’s play witnessed passionate debates over the controversial Smith run-out decision, leaving the Oval crowd divided. Despite the decision going in favour of Australia, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting later admitted that the third umpire had made the correct decision based on the available angles.
The game remained delicately poised with Australia’s hopes of securing a 3-1 series win still alive, while both teams expressed their views on the day’s proceedings. England’s Jimmy Anderson praised his team’s bowling effort, but the lack of scoring intent from Australia was criticised. Nevertheless, it was a gripping day of Test cricket that left fans eagerly anticipating the rest of the match.
As Day 3 approaches, both teams will be strategising to gain an advantage in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the Ashes series. The fate of the coveted urn hangs in the balance, with both Australia and England determined to leave their mark in this historic contest.
With the second day of the fifth test ending in a close battle, it has placed Englas as the favourites with the top cricket betting sites to tie the series 2-2.
