Stokes heroics takes England to brink, Aussies go 2-0 up: 2nd Test (Lords)

England skipper Ben Stokes delivered a breathtaking innings of 155 runs off 214 balls but Australia managed to hold on for a narrow win at Lords.

After rebuilding following early setbacks, Stokes unleashed a brutal onslaught to notch his 13th Test century and give England a fighting chance in their 4th innings chase.

However, Stokes’ heroics were in vain. Australia, led by strong top-order contributions and disciplined bowling from Cummins, Starc, and Hazlewood, held their nerve and defended a target of 371.

England ultimately fell short by 43 runs, giving Australia a 2–0 lead in the series.

Australia 416 (Smith 110, Head 77, Warner 66, Root 3-19, Tongue 3-98) and 279 (Khawaja 77, Broad 4-65) beat England 325 (Duckett 98, Brook 50, Starc 3-88) and 327 (Stokes 155, Duckett 88, Cummins 3-69, Starc 3-29, Hazlewood 3-80) by 43 runs.

June 2023.