Ashes 2023: Stuart Broad fumes after Brendon McCullum signals out from Lord's balcony
England dug a hole for themselves on Day 3 as Australia dominated proceedings with some well-planned cricket.
As Day 3 of the second Ashes Test began at Lord's, both England and Australia had a great chance to seize the initiative. However, England captain Ben Stokes departed on the second ball of the day, and things changed drastically in favour of the Aussies. The tourists picked up England's remaining wickets for just 47 runs and took a crucial 91-run lead. With the help of some smart batting, Australia exerted more pressure on England, extending their lead to 221 runs before the umpires called for Stumps earlier than usual due to heavy rain.
With eight wickets in hand and a healthy lead already on the board, Pat Cummins and Co. are in the driver's seat to go 2-0 up in the Ashes.
During the third session on Day 3, Broad bowled the 38th over of Australia's innings to Marnus Labuschagne. The experienced seamer got the fourth ball of the over to nip back and hit Labuschagne in front of the stumps. However, the umpire was unmoved. Broad could not convince his captain to go for the review. A few moments later, the right-arm bowler stopped in his tracks when he saw coach Brendon McCullum pointing his forefinger to suggest that England would have got a wicket had they reviewed the call.
Broad was not amused as he turned around and let out his frustration. England were in desperate need of wickets, and in that scenario, a missed opportunity will sting for sure. However, that did not cost the hosts too much, as Labuschagne was dismissed after scoring 14 more runs.
Nathan Lyon ruled out of Lord's Test
Australia's star off-spinner, Nathan Lyon, suffered a devastating calf injury while fielding on Day 2 of the ongoing Lord's Test. On Day 3, the Australian camp reported that the bowler had a "significant calf strain" and won't play any further part in the Lord's Test. His fitness will be assessed after the end of this Test, and a call will be taken regarding his availability for the next three Tests.
"Nathan Lyon has been diagnosed with a significant calf strain," a statement from Cricket Australia said on Friday.
"He will require a period of rehabilitation after this match is concluded. A decision regarding his availability for the remainder of the series will be made at the conclusion of the game."
So, Australia will have to look to score some extra runs in their second innings as they won't have the services of their premier spinner going forward in the second Test.
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