Former South African skipper AB de Villiers heaped praise on Australian skipper Pat Cummins for his strategies against the attacking English batters in the 1st innings of the second test, which gave them the reward in the final session of the game.
Australia had the upper hand in the game after finishing day one on 339 for 5, as they came on Day 2 to completer their 1st innings with 416 runs in the 1st innings. England openers positively started their innings as they attacked the Baggy Greens pacers to score runs at a quick pace, but lost wickets at regular intervals to finish Day 2 on 287-4 at the end of Day 2.
Taking his social media account, AB de Villiers lauded the captaincy skills of the Australian skipper Pat Cummins as he implemented brilliant short-ball tactics against English batters, as they looked uncomfortable against the Australian pacers giving more opportunities to opponent trying to play the same “Baz Ball” cricket.
“When a fast bowler, who’s also the Captain, and can hold the bat himself realises that no one is fully in control or comfortable against the short ball. Even the best in the world feel uncomfortable with quality short bowling to the right field placing”.
De Villiers credited Pat Cummins for attacking the English batters, as their skipper Ben Stokes took a back step against Australian bowlers playing defensive cricket, as he put a full stop to England’s run flow on the final day.
“Credit to Cummins for taking this route, but more importantly, persisting with it. Aus has opened it up here while Eng looked like dominating procedures. Smart Cricket. Very entertaining,” AB de Villiers tweeted.
Ollie Pope played a rash shot to get dismissed followed by which England lost two quick wickets of Ben Duckett and Joe Root in the middle failing to utilize the opportunity to score big runs on the conditions that favoured the batters at Lord’s.
Harry Brook and Ben Stokes will look to rebuild on the third day to reduce the lead with Jonny Bairstow being the only pure batter left in the batting for the England side.
On the Other hand, Australia will look to pick up some early wickets on the morning session of Day 3 to put the pressure back on the England side, but they will be without the services of their primary spinner Nathan Lyon, who is likely to miss out the remaining game due to an injury.