Ashes 2023: ENG vs AUS 2nd Test Preview, Playing XI, Live Streaming Details & Updates

England will be eyeing a comeback in the second Test against Australia, commencing on June 28 at Lord's.

Published - 27 Jun 2023, 16:07 IST | Updated - 27 Jun 2023, 17:46 IST

3 Min Read

Was Ben Stokes' premature declaration the turning point? Are England not bothered about the outcome of the series? A thrilling finish to the Ashes opener at Edgbaston raised a few alarm bells in the English media, with questions being asked about the home side's reinvigorated approach in red-ball cricket.

Despite the critics having a field day against England's gung-ho approach, coach Brendon McCullum defended his troops, vowing to up the ante even further in the upcoming Test at Lord's. While the nature of the defeat deflated the English players, Ben Stokes was in the firing line for some of his questionable decisions.

England's decision to declare their first innings on the very first day, leaving a few runs in the tank, was the obvious talking point. Meanwhile, recalling an undercooked Moeen Ali to the Test team also backfired on the home side as the veteran all-rounder sustained blisters on his fingers.

However, their opponents, Australia, will be on cloud nine after clinching victory from the jaws of defeat in the series opener. It was the Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who led from the front in his first-ever Ashes assignment on English shores.

Meanwhile, the Aussies will be concerned with the lack of runs from their star batter Marnus Labuschagne, who recently lost his top spot in the Test rankings for batters. The second Test at the iconic Lord's proposes to be yet another engaging contest between the two fierce rivals, commencing on June 28.

Pitch and Conditions

England's veteran pacer James Anderson will be licking his lips after reading the weather forecast during the second Test at Lord's as overcast conditions are expected to be prevalent at the venue with slight drizzles every now and then. The pitch is expected to assist the seam bowlers and will also provide some help for the slower bowlers as the match progresses.

Probable Playing XI For ENG vs AUS

England

Ben Stokes' team has opted for an all-out seam attack for the second Test, resting Moeen Ali in favour of young pacer Josh Tongue for the second Test. Only time will tell if England have made the right decision or are getting carried away with their relentless approach under McCullum.

England Playing XI for 2nd Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Josh Tongue, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson

Australia

Australia have got a few concerns of their own as Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland endured an underwhelming outing in Birmingham. Their lacklustre performance with the ball might have opened the doors for Mitchell Starc's return for the Lord's Test.

Australia Probable Playing XI: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland