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The Ashes: Second Test review

Australia have taken a stranglehold on the Ashes series after coming out on top in another thrilling Test Match at Lord's.

The Aussies now lead the Ashes series 2-0 and are priced at 1.14 to go on and win it outright, with England available at 13.00, while a drawn series is available at 10.00.

The second Test turned out to be a fiery encounter that went right down to the wire, with England captain Ben Stokes threatening to guide his side to an historic win.

However, after Stokes lost his wicket, Australia swept up the tail to win by 43 runs and take a commanding lead in the series.

There is no time to rest with the third Test at Headingley set to get underway on Thursday, but before we look ahead, let’s take a look at what we learnt from the second Test.

WhatEngland v Australia, third Test
WhereHeadingley, Leeds, England
When6th July - 10th July, 2023
How to watchChannel 7, Foxtel, Kayo
OddsEngland 2.60, Australia 2.10Draw 5.00

Australia coped without Lyon

What made Australia’s win at Lord's even more special was the fact they did it in the most part without star spin bowler Nathan Lyon.

Lyon suffered what has been described as a ‘significant calf tear’ on the second day and was unable to bowl from then on.

He did manage to hobble out and bat on day four and put on a crucial 15 runs alongside Mitchell Starc.

The loss of the off-spinner was always going to be a challenge as England attempted to win the match, but the Baggy Greens showed they can get the job done without him.

Lyon has since been ruled out of the rest of the series and Australia will now look at other spin-bowling options for Leeds, with Todd Murphy expected to get the nod.

Smith back to his best

Star batter Steve Smith disappointed in the first Test at Edgbaston when managing just 22 runs over his two innings.

However, he returned to his very best with an impressive century in the first innings at Lords.

Smith made an impressive 110 runs off 184 deliveries to help set his side up for the victory. Without his runs the Ashes series would be level.

He is priced at 4.75 to be the Top First Innings batter at Headingley.

Starc shines on return

Left-arm paceman Mitchell Starc was left out of the side for the first Test, but returned in devastating fashion for the second.

Starc was a constant threat to the England batting line-up and finished the match with six wickets to his name, making him Australia’s leading bowler.

He took the crucial wickets of Joe Root, Harry Brook and Stokes in the first innings and cleaned up Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope and Josh Tongue in the second.

Starc now looks sure to retain his place in the side for the third Test and is priced at 6.00 to be the Top First Innings bowler.

Ashes rivalry hits fever pitch

We look set for an intense final three Test matches as tempers were in danger of boiling over at Lord's on the final day.

England were left fuming after Alex Carey reacted quickly to dismiss England batsman Jonny Bairstow, who stepped out of his crease at the end of Cameron Green’s over.

Australia did not technically break any rules and Bairstow was given out, but England claimed the dismissal was not in the spirit of the game.

Sparks were flying during the remainder of the match and they look set to continue at Headingley.

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