After India vs South Africa, we witness yet another fast-moving day at the Hobart Test – Ashes. The 5th test on its second day sent 17 batsmen back to the pavilion, with Australia dominating the game.
Having bowled England out for 188, Australians gained a lead of 115 runs from their first innings. The second innings score for Australia pushed the lead to 152 runs while losing 3 wickets. England hopes to be in the game by taking three quick wickets of Australian veterans. Steve Smith is still on strike, standing with the responsibility and experienced skills, which shall be advantageous to him as tomorrow afternoon with the 19-over old ball shall ease the lead over 200.
England faced a better end than day 1, taking three wickets in the second innings but failed to score runs from the bat, having bowled out for just 188. Keeping in mind England’s batting struggle, Australia might be happy with a decent lead and shall allow the visitors to bat early, to finish the game with dominance.
Pat Cummins had a major contribution in the 17 wicket day, as his 45-4 helped Australia to grab the game-winning opportunity. Captain Root and Woakes were the only players for England, who were able to score over 30 runs as the pacers dominated the game. Quick pacers with the pink ball are always exciting to watch, and it gets more bizarre when the pink ball is in the hands of Starc. Start too managed to take 3 wickets.
David Warner goes back to the pavilion with yet another duck score in the same match, struggling to perform. Usman Khawaja does not excite the fans, giving away his wicket cheaply, yet again. Marnus was the third wicket for Australia who just scored 5 runs. With Smith on strike, Day 3 happens to start with the hosts in favour.
Brief scores for Day 2 were – Australia got all out for 303 in the first innings which included Head’s ton and Green’s crucial 74. Marnus was the key player as he initially took the responsibility of taking out the Australian team from 12-3. With England coming in to bat, Australian pacer and captain of the hosts, Pat lead with an example- taking 4 wickets, bowling England out for just 188. Australians once again came out to bat in this fast-moving Test game and lost 3 quick wickets, with the openers not making much of an impact, followed by the man in form Marnus Labuschagne. Australia at the end of Day 2, is now leading by 152 runs, with Smith batting at 17 runs. Day 3 might be a decider as only 17 wickets are left, and we have already witnessed 17 wickets of loss today.
