Twitter Reactions: Jofra Archer's six-wicket haul helps England take a crucial 69-run lead
Sam Curran was also highly impressive with the ball.
It was an action-packed second day in the fifth Test of the Ashes 2019. At the close of play, England seemed to have gained an upper hand as they have a good lead at the moment. Jofra Archer picked up a six-wicket haul – his second in his short Test career. The Australian team, as usual, was dependent on Steve Smith once again. Their batting seemed to be too brittle and they failed to gain an advantage over the opposition.
Jos Buttler, the overnight batsman with an unbeaten score of 64, couldn’t make it big. He added another six runs to his tally before Pat Cummins dislodged his stumps. However, Jack Leach made a handy contribution of 21 runs before he was dismissed by Mitchell Marsh. With this wicket, the all-rounder completed his five-wicket haul – his first in Test cricket. England was bowled out for 294 runs in the first innings.
Steve Smith comes to the rescue despite Jofra’s heroics
David Warner’s poor Ashes series continued as he got out for yet another single-digit score. He was involved in a controversial dismissal and it was Jofra Archer who got his number. The pacer also dismissed Marcus Harris for 3 runs. Later, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith were involved in a good partnership. 69 runs were put up by these two before Jofra Archer trapped the former LBW for 48.
The middle-order of the visitors looked extremely fragile in this innings as well. Matthew Wade was dismissed by Sam Curran on 19. Mitchell Marsh threw his start away and got out to a sheepish shot. Tim Paine only scored 1 run while Pat Cummins got out for a first-ball duck. Steve Smith, however, kept going strong and came to the rescue.
He had his share of luck as he was dropped by Joe Root in between. But, for his standards, he couldn’t make the most of it. Chris Woakes got him LBW for 80 runs which is also his lowest score in this Ashes. Australia was bundled out for 225 runs and conceded a 69-run lead.
The England openers had to survive four overs towards the end of the day. Joe Denly nicked one but Marcus Harris made a mockery of that catch at gully. Thus, they managed to finish with 9/0 and with a lead of 78. Twitterati majorly spoke about Jofra Archer and Steve Smith on Day-2.
Here is how Twitterati reacted:
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