# Ashes 2nd test 1st day: Australia smashes 339 in rain-interrupted 1st day thanks to Steve Smith’s unbeaten 85 

URL: https://technosports.co.in/ashes-2nd-test-1st-day-australia-smashes-339/  
Published: 2023-06-29  
Updated: 2023-06-29  
Author: Mayukh Bhattacharjee

Ashes’ 2nd test is up with a lot of excitement, and Australia is standing 339/5 after the first day. The England captain won the toss and sent the Aussies to bat first in a favorable bowling condition. However, in the rain-interrupted, the visitors are looking strong thanks to Steve Smith’s unbeaten 85. 

### **Ashes 2nd test 1st day: Australia stands at 339/5, Steve Smith unbeaten for 85 **

Coming down to bat first in this Ashes test, openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja built a solid partnership of 73 runs under a tough bowling attack from the English. Each of them had given a chance to the opponent fielders. Root dropped Khawaja in sleep in a very difficult opportunity, and Ollie Pope missed a sharp chance to catch Warner. 

Warner hammered a solid 66. After Josh Tongue dismissed the openers, [Marnus Labuschagne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marnus_Labuschagne) took over the change and scored 47. Travis Head, on the other side, smashed a stormy inning of 77, helping his team stand at a solid position. The Australian batters were patiently successful in handling the challenging spells from James Anderson and Stuart Broad. 

Smith came to the crease when the Aussies were 96-2, and it was a treat for the fans to watch his batting. Head and Smith accelerated the scoring and gave the exact assistance Australia needed. 

![](https://technosports.co.in/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Ashes-2nd-test-day-1-1024x569.jpg)
*Credits: The Indian Express*

### **Positive end for England on first day of the second test of the Ashes**

Later in the day, Joe Root gave his team a much-needed boost by picking up the respective wickets of Head and Green in the same over.  

After a tiring day despite massive efforts in front of the Aussie bowlers, the last two wickets by Root will be a bit refreshing for the hosts. As the second day commences on Lords, fans will be geared up for massive excitement and twists that the test match is yet to unfold.

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