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

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 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. 

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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