The second day of the first Ashes test ended with the game in balance. England were rolled out for 430, as they added 87 runs to their overnight score. The assault from England was mainly led by the aggressive Moeen Ali, who made a fine 77 off just 88 balls. The Australians looked shaky in the first few overs before David Warner and Chris Rogers got going. Warner however, was caught in the slips as he went for a drive on the bowling of James Anderson. Steve Smith was foxed by the man with the golden arm, Moeen Ali. Chris Rogers was unfortunate to miss out on a ton as he was dismissed for 95. Towards the end of the day, Watson remained unbeaten as the game is headed towards a thrilling third day.
We now have a look at the top 5 highlights of the second day’s play:
1. Moeen Ali’s counter=attack in the first session:
Australia would have been a tad too disappointed as they allowed England to amass 87 more runs to their overnight total. That was mainly due to the belligerence of Moeen Ali, who played fearlessly and played some attractive strokes. His knock of 77 could be the difference in the game if it turns out to be a close affair. It was solely the courtesy of Ali’s aggressive knock that England could reach beyond 400.
2. Dismissing Warner soon after lunch:
David Warner and Chris Rogers looked a bit rusty at the start, but soon they got their juices flowing after striking a few boundaries. The two southpaws were looking set to notch up a big opening stand before Jimmie Anderson struck for England. Anderson got rid of Warner, who went for the drive on a ball pitched on good length. Alastair Cook completed the formality by taking a good catch in the slip cordon.
3. Rogers unfortunate to miss out on a ton:
Even as David Warner was dismissed, his partner Chris Rogers looked in great touch. He scored at a brisk rate and played some pleasing strokes. Rogers though, was profusely unfortunate as he was dismissed for 95 by Mark Wood. Rogers looked set for a three figure mark, but he was caught behind on 95.
4. Moeen Ali’s twin strikes:
Moeen Ali is indeed the man with the golden arm. The cunning offie struck twice to dismiss the two pillars of the Australian batting lineup. First, he got rid of the dangerous Steve Smith as he cramped him up for room on the leg stump. Smith thus offered an easy catch to Alastair Cook. Ali then got the better of Michael Clarke as he bowled a 50 mph delivery and Clarke offered him an easy return catch.
5. Voges’ wicket gets England back in the hunt:
Voges seemed to be well set to steer Australia towards safety. However, Ben Stokes had other plans! Stokes bowled a delivery pitched wide outside the off stump. Voges was tempted by the delivery and went for the drive. The ball went straight to James Anderson who was stationed at short extra cover. The trap set for Voges had indeed worked and England stormed back into the game.