England vs Australia LIVE: Cricket scorecard and Ashes updates as Joe Root makes Lord’s breakthrough

Sonia Twigg and Michael Jones

Rookie seamer Josh Tongue struck twice in his first Ashes appearance, but the rest of the England attack drew a blank as Australia took control on day one of the second Test at Lord’s.

Tongue justified his return to the side as he bowled with pace and purpose at the home of cricket, clipping Usman Khawaja’s bails as he left the ball on the stroke of lunch and later ramming one through David Warner’s defences to remove him for 66.

But they were isolated moments of joy for the home side, who asked Australia to bat in awkward conditions only to see them post 190 for two at tea. Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were both ominously set at the break, having contributed just 35 in four innings in their side’s series-opening victory at Edgbaston.

The day began with a botched protest from Just Stop Oil supporters: just one over into the innings, two men invaded the field carrying bags of orange paint dust but where bundled off the pitch with the notable assistance of England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who lifted one of the activists off his feet and personally delivered him to security staff on the boundary edge.

Follow the score and latest updates from Lord’s below:

England vs Australia: Second Ashes Test, day one updates

Steve Smith recaptures ominous form as England toil at start of second Ashes Test

Wednesday 28 June 2023 20:03 , Karl Matchett

Steve Smith reclaimed the form that saw him terrorise England back in 2019, with an unbeaten 85 as the hosts were left to toil in the field on the first day of the second Ashes Test.

The Australian great tore apart England four years ago, scoring 774 runs at an average of 110.54, and there was a glum feeling around that he might have re-discovered that vein of form, after hitting just 22 runs across two innings in the first Test at Edgbaston.

He will resume tomorrow, with Australia 339 for five and fully in command of the match, despite Ben Stokes’ positive reaction to winning the toss and electing to bowl.

There was a moment for the meme-makers when after just one over of the Lord’s Test some Just Stop Oil protestors invaded the Lord’s pitch holding orange paint.

Full report from Lord’s, by Sonia Twigg:

Smith recaptures ominous form as England toil at start of second Ashes Test

Australia 339-5 (83) (Steve Smith 85*, Alex Carey 10*)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:49 , Karl Matchett

“Obviously, an amazing day for us, could’ve been three down and made it an unbelievable day,” Marnus Labuschagne told Sky Sports.

“But still, you’re going to take that when you get sent in on a wicket that we thought had a fair bit in it.”

He hit 47 off 93 balls before being caught by Bairstow off Robinson’s ball.

Australia 339-5 (83) (Steve Smith 85*, Alex Carey 10*)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:41 , Karl Matchett

England bowled themselves into trouble on day one of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, before two wickets in an over from part-timer Joe Root offered a late morale boost.

Desperate to produce a statement of intent after their tense two-wicket defeat at Edgbaston, the hosts failed to make the most of Ben Stokes winning the toss in helpful conditions as Australia reached the close on 339 for five.

It could have been much worse for the hosts but Root, asked to carry the spin burden alone due to concerns over Moeen Ali’s injured index finger, halted the tide just as it threatened to carry England away.

Travis Head had clattered 77 at better than a run-a-ball when he was stumped racing down the track at a delivery that started wide and turned even further from the bat, then all-rounder Cameron Green threw his wicket away for a duck in a vain attempt to slog Root down the ground.

Two cheap wickets in four balls did not completely mitigate two-and-a-half sessions of deeply uninspired work from a lethargic seam attack, but it did halt a 122-run stand between Head and Steve Smith that was quickly heading towards game-changing territory.

Smith remains at large on 85 not out and with the chance to bat England out of the match on day two.

Ex-Essex player Jahid Ahmed: Racism probe being dragged out to protect accused

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:35 , Karl Matchett

Former Essex player Jahid Ahmed believes an investigation into his allegations of racism is deliberately being dragged out to protect one of the accused.

Ahmed, who spoke out in the week that a damning report highlighted entrenched racism in English and Welsh cricket, is convinced investigators want him to get to the point where he becomes exhausted by the process and gives up.

The 37-year-old came forward in 2021 to talk about his time at Essex from 2003 to 2009, saying he was called a “curry-muncher”, told he stank of curry and likened to a terrorist in the days after the July 7 London bombings in 2005.

The club commissioned an independent review, led by Katharine Newton KC, into those allegations plus claims of racism from two other former players, Maurice Chambers and Zoheb Sharif. Almost two years on, Ahmed says he has lost faith in the process.

Ex-Essex player Jahid Ahmed: Racism probe being dragged out to protect accused

Ashes Test delayed by Just Stop Oil as Jonny Bairstow hauls protester off Lord’s pitch

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:25 , Karl Matchett

England wicket-keeper Jonny Bairstow dragged a Just Stop Oil protester off the pitch just minutes into the start of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Bairstow picked up the protester and carried him off the field to applause at Lord’s before going into the pavilion to change his shirt.

The protester released a batch of orange paint near the wicket after running onto the field, causing a delay of several minutes as grounds staff repaired the pitch.

Ashes Test delayed by Just Stop Oil as Jonny Bairstow stops protester

Prime Minister praises ‘swift hands’ of Jonny Bairstow in halting Lord’s protest

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:14 , Karl Matchett

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised the “swift hands” of Jonny Bairstow after England’s wicketkeeper carried a Just Stop Oil protester off the Lord’s pitch on the first morning of the second Ashes Test.

Bairstow took matters into his own hands when two men from the activist group ran on to the field armed with orange paint dust in a clear attempt to halt the match.

Gloveman Bairstow, a keen rugby league player in his younger days, ran to meet one of the protesters and lifted them off their feet before carting them over the boundary edge.

Having handed them over to the stewards, Bairstow headed to the pavilion to change his orange-stained whites, but his quick thinking may well have prevented a much lengthier delay to proceedings had the paint made it as far as the wicket.

Prime Minister praises ‘swift hands’ of Jonny Bairstow in halting Lord’s protest

STUMPS! Australia 339-5 (83) (Steve Smith 85*, Alex Carey 10*)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England will have a new ball at their disposal in the morning, but they’ll need to snuff Australia out quickly. With the pitch already gripping, you fancy that Nathan Lyon will be a major threat later in the Test, and anything around 450 will put the tourists firmly in charge.

That’s if we get any play first up tomorrow, of course - the forecast isn’t particularly optimistic around the scheduled start.

Marnus Labuschagne reacts to Australia’s day

Wednesday 28 June 2023 19:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Sometimes here at Lord’s, it takes you a bit to get used to,” Labuschagne, who made 47, tells Sky Sports. “Obviously it is an amazing day for us - we could have been three down, which would have made it an unbelievable day, but still, you’d take that on a day like this and a wicket we felt had a fair bit in it.

“We didn’t have many batting meetings. Everyone knows their plans. Steve came out with a lot of intent, and then Trav has been doing this for nearly two years now, moving the game on.

“Obviously I didn’t get the big score I’d have liked, but it was nice to contribute and get us in the position where Travis could take us on.”

STUMPS! Australia 339-5 (83) (Steve Smith 85*, Alex Carey 10*)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

I do think this pitch will prove pretty good for batting, but there has been seam and swing throughout the opening day and England will be a little disappointed by their efforts today. They were a touch flat for much of it, failing to find intensity with the ball and in the field, resulting in another couple of missed chances. Ben Stokes may rue his approach to Travis Head - it was a fine counter-punching knock from Australia’s lively middle-order dasher, but could the England captain have given Joe Root an early go against the left-hander, or tried a short ball ploy sooner?

STUMPS! Australia 339-5 (83) (Steve Smith 85*, Alex Carey 10*)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It looked a good toss to win for England under leaden skies this morning, but it has been a day dominated by Australia’s batters, making the most of an even pace pitch to score freely despite tough conditions. The openers laid the platform, with David Warner making a lovely 66, before Steve Smith shared sizeable partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head to build Australia’s total.

Joe Root’s late double strike, prising out Head just as the attacking left-hander looked to accelerate a ton before drawing a wayward hoick to mid-off from Cameron Green, gives England a sniff, but Australia are ahead in the game.

STUMPS! Australia 339-5 (83) (Steve Smith 85*, Alex Carey 10*)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australia 339-5 (83), Smith 85, Carey 10, Broad 0-72 (18)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Broad retrieves his baton and tries to spark the Lord’s orchestra into action. There are no instruments allowed at the Home of Cricket, so it’ll have to be some warbling from those champagne lubricated throats as a few with dinner plans start to make their way towards the exit.

Four slips - up close given the lack of carry, with Jonny Bairstow taking one on the hop - wait for a late error. There isn’t one forthcoming. Six dots to Alex Carey to conclude a day that Australia will have enjoyed rather more than England.

Australia 339-5 (82), Smith 85, Carey 10, Robinson 1-86 (21)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A yelp from the England cordon as Steve Smith’s outside edge is employed. It’s a full length from Ollie Robinson, enticing the drive, but it’s low and in the gully gap and away for four.

It’ll be Stuart Broad from the other end to finish things off for the day.

Australia 333-5 (81), Smith 80, Carey 9, Root 2-19 (8)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alex Carey is happy enough to get a good stride in and dead bat as Joe Root tosses a couple up. An arm ball to finish is also well negotiated...

And Ben Stokes does take the new ball with six minutes until stumps. Ollie Robinson, in rhythm, to have first crack - how England would love another...

Australia 332-5 (80), Smith 79, Carey 10, Robinson 1-80 (20)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Broad inspects the old ball at mid-on before tossing it to Ollie Robinson, the two seamers exchanging views with a promising sheen on one side still offering a bit of movement. Surely they’ll opt to get the new one out of the box?

Perhaps not! Alex Carey’s airy drive results in an inside edge as England’s fielders coo, but it is safely scuttling down to fine leg for a single. It’s still moving, though.

The fourth umpire is striding out - the new ball is due...and turned down! Joe Root hands his cap to Ahsan Raza and will continue.

Australia 329-5 (79), Smith 78, Carey 9, Root 2-18 (7)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A slip and a leg slip to chirp in each of Steve Smith’s ears as Joe Root shuffles in. He’s looked so in control today, Australia’s number four, at a ground he likes.

A single brings Carey on strike, with a slip his only close-in company with the other catchers set for more attacking strokes in deference to the keeper’s modus operandi against the tweakers. A pleasant drive is cut off by Ben Duckett at cover.

Still no sign of Ollie Pope out there, by the way, which will be a major concern for England. Rehan Ahmed has had to put plenty of miles in his young legs today.

An arm ball closes the over from Root, and probably a rather effective spell, too.

Australia 327-5 (78), Smith 77, Carey 8, Robinson 1-77 (19)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A charming bit of timing from Alex Carey, calm and in control as he pushes an Ollie Robinson ball straight of mid-off. Josh Tongue lollops after it, but the batters stroll back for three.

Robinson seeks an inswinger, switching around the seam to try and attack Steve Smith’s pads, but not quite finding the movement he desires. A short nip-backer threatens to cramp Smith a touch, but he deftly drops it into the offside for a run having curtailed his pull.

Australia 323-5 (77), Smith 76, Carey 5, Root 2-16 (6)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Root persists with that around the wicket angle. Alex Carey is typically good against spin, particularly proficient sweeping, and rocks back confidently here to cut England’s offie for a single to pinch the strike.

England hustling through to try and get to that new Dukes.

Australia 320-5 (76), Smith 75, Carey 3, Robinson 1-73 (18)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That Root double strike rather changes the complexion of the day. England would love to burgle another before the close - four overs until the second new ball, which I expect they’ll have a quick go with before stumps at just before ten to seven BST.

WICKET! Cameron Green (c) Anderson (b) Root for 0, Australia 316-5

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:24 , Karl Matchett

And another falls! Incredible stuff - two wickets in the over and Root is celebrating again as Green lashes one high and horrible, a routine catch for Anderson.

Alex Carey comes in and lets the last ball drift wide. Quite the over for England.

WICKET! Travis Head (c) Bairstow (b) Root for 77, Australia 316-4

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:21 , Karl Matchett

Joe Root comes in - and his second ball claims a stunning and vital wicket!

It spins away and definitely catches an edge, Jonny Bairstow doing the rest to catch and clatter the wicket for good measure.

Travis Head gone for 77 and an important partnership broken up.

Australia 315-3 (74), Smith 73, Head 77, Robinson 1-69 (17)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:13 , Mike Jones

Travis Head’s aggression has forced a change of bowling. Ollie Robinson comes on to replace Josh Tongue.

Steve Smith works the first ball away for a single before Head leans into a fine drive through cover for a couple. Robinson bowling right now means he won’t be taking the new ball which will be left for Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad.

It’s available in six overs time.

Australia 312-3 (73), Smith 72, Head 75, Root 0-12 (4)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:09 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith pushes Joe Root into the legside and takes a single to bring the dangerous Head back on strike.

Head dances down the track and lifts Root over mid-on for four more runs. That’s his 14th boundary in this innings.

Root limits the damage with some smart, defensive bowling to close out the over.

Australia 307-3 (72), Smith 71, Head 71, Tongue 2-88 (18)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:06 , Mike Jones

This is poor and predictable from Josh Tongue. He’s bowling short to Travis Head who waits on the back foot and smokes him to the boundary at long-on for four.

He then takes a single with a powerful pull to deep midwicket.

Smith is then hit on the pads, right in front of the stumps, and England decide not to review after the decision goes against them.

With Head back on strike Tongue bowls it short (shock) and the left-hander nails him to the legside boundary. Wonderful batting.

Australia 293-3 (71), Smith 70, Head 62, Root 0-7 (3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 18:02 , Mike Jones

Joe Root comes back into the attack and it worked away from five runs shared between Smith and Head. Ben Stokes will have an eye on the new ball which is available in nine overs time.

Australia 288-3 (70), Smith 66, Head 61, Tongue 2-78 (17)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:58 , Mike Jones

There’s 55 minutes left in the day. Things could yet get worse for England as these two close in on another 100 partnership. Travis Head’s strike rate is over 100.

Glorious! Steve Smith punches Tongue, on the up, through the covers for four more runs.

Australia 283-3 (69), Smith 62, Head 60, Broad 0-72 (17)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:53 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson get together to try and work out how to get England a wicket.

Head spanks Broad for two boundaries before lifting one over the onside for a single.

Nine runs from the over.

Australia 274-3 (68), Smith 62, Head 51, Tongue 2-73 (16)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:47 , Mike Jones

Shot! Steve Smith gets into the perfect position to drill Josh Tongue back down the ground for four runs. He’s been a bit quiet on the run scoring count recently but wakes himself up with this shot.

50! A short ball from Tongue is hooked away wonderfully by Travis Head. The field gave away the tactic and Head was waiting for it.

Runs are coming freely once again for Australia.

Australia 264-3 (67), Smith 57, Head 46, Broad 0-63 (16)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:44 , Mike Jones

Stuart Broad throws one wide and Travis Head goes for it. He almost pulls his arm out of the socket with how hard he throws himself at the ball.

It’s so wide though that Head misses his drive.

He then leans over to the offside and pushes the ball into midwicket to collect two.

Australia 261-3 (66), Smith 56, Head 44, Tongue 2-63 (15)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:36 , Mike Jones

Four runs! Josh Tongue decides move to a short ball tactic for Travis Head and wraps him on the gloves.

HEad manages to get out of the way though and he guides the ball down the fine leg for four runs!

Australia 257-3 (65.3), Smith 56, Head 40, Tongue 2-59 (14.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:34 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith’s missed out on a couple of available drives thanks to mistiming his strokes. He won’t be overly fussed though and is content to keep collecting the runs where he can.

A push into the offside brings another one.

Australia 256-3 (65), Smith 55, Head 40, Broad 0-60 (15)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:32 , Mike Jones

A leading edge from Travis Head flies into the gap and brings him a single.

Steve Smith then shuffles across his stumps and flicks the ball to fine leg for another single. He’s content to collect these simple runs.

Head pulls Broad away for two more to move into the 40s.

Australia 252-3 (64), Smith 54, Head 37, Tongue 2-58 (14)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:27 , Mike Jones

Australia’s 250 comes up after singles for both Smith and Head.

Head arguably looks the more dangerous as he’s striking at over a run a ball. He’s also started to take on the short ball which he only tends to do when he feels comfortable.

Australia 248-3 (63), Smith 52, Head 35, Broad 0-56 (14)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:24 , Mike Jones

Stuart Broad is brought back into the attack and draws a false shot out of Travis Head who plays and misses at the ball.

Head isn’t bothered by that though and smokes Broad to the point boundary before whacking him into the legside for four more!

Incredible batting. This partnership is up to 50 already.

Australia 236-3 (62), Smith 52, Head 27, Tongue 2-54 (13)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:18 , Mike Jones

Josh Tongue is back into the attack. Smith pulls him into deep square leg for a single.

Travis Head then rocks back and punches the ball through the gap at point off the back foot. Lovely shot.

Six runs come for Tongue’s return.

Australia 230-3 (61), Smith 51, Head 25, Robinson 1-66 (16)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:14 , Mike Jones

Fifty for Steve Smith! He pushes Ollie Robinson in the covers and takes three runs to record yet another Ashes half-century.

Plenty of runs come from the over. Eight in total.

Australia 222-3 (60), Smith 46, Head 20, Anderson 0-29 (15)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:07 , Mike Jones

Travis Head has shot away, much like Steve Smith did. He’s got 20 runs from 20 deliveries and has made the England bowlers pay for some loose stuff.

A full ball is driven into the covers by Head but doesn’t catch past the fielder.

Australia 221-3 (59), Smith 45, Head 20, Robinson 1-58 (15)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 17:03 , Mike Jones

Close! Travis Head doesn’t move his feet and drags the ball past his own stumps with an inside edge that brings him two runs.

He follows it up with a crunch through the offside for four to move onto 16 from 16 balls.

More runs for Head! Robinson gets one to shape back to the left-hander and Head whacks him through midwicket for another four.

Australia 211-3 (58), Smith 45, Head 10, Anderson 0-28 (14)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:59 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith moves with five runs of a half-century but pushing Jimmy Anderson away for a single.

Close! Travis Head flails at a good length delivery from Anderson. He’s trying the big, booming drive but skews it to backward point where it bounces short of Rehan Ahmed.

WICKET! Travis Head (c) Bairstow, (b) Root for 77, Australia 316-4

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:55 , Karl Matchett

Joe Root comes in for this over - and second ball brings a fallen wicket!

The slightest touch and Travis Head is caught behind by Jonny Bairstow, falling for 77. An important one to get out the way for England.

Australia 204-3 (56.3), Smith 44, Head 5, Robinson 1-43 (13.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:52 , Mike Jones

Short, wide, slow and four! Ollie Robinson pushes too wide to Travis Head who gets off the mark with a wonderful shot through cover for a boundary.

He then flicks one into the legside to get off strike. Smith is also on point with push to square leg.

Australia 198-3 (56), Smith 43, Head 0, Anderson 0-26 (13)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:50 , Mike Jones

There might just be a bit of pressure mounting on the Australian batters now. Anderson sends down another tight maiden at Steve Smith.

Can England get another quick wicket here?

Australia 198-3 (55), Smith 43, Head 0, Robinson 1-37 (13)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:46 , Mike Jones

It’s a wicket maiden for Ollie Robinson. This has been a great start to the evening session for the hosts. Can Jimmy Anderson find a way to get Steve Smith out too?

Wicket! Marnus Labuschagne ct Jonny Bairstow b Ollie Robinson 47 (93), Australia 198-3 (54.2)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:42 , Mike Jones

Gone! Ollie Robinson bowls a corker at Marnus Labuschagne. It swings away, straightens off the pitch and catches the edge before flying through to Jonny Bairstow who clings onto the catch.

Australia 198-2 (54), Smith 43, Labuschagne 47, Robinson 0-37 (12)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:40 , Mike Jones

England have done alright since the tea break. Ollie Robinson and Jimmy Anderson have hit some nice lengths and they’ve haven’t allowed Australia to get away from them.

Australia 198-2 (54), Smith 43, Labuschagne 47, Anderson 0-26 (12)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:37 , Mike Jones

Jimmy Anderson is shaping the ball nicely, moving it away from the right handers. It seems as though he’s biding his time for the inswinger.

Labuschagne dabs one into the offside for one.

Australia 196-2 (53), Smith 43, Labuschagne 46, Robinson 0-37 (12)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:34 , Mike Jones

Marnus Labuschagne turns Ollie Robinson over to square leg and takes another single which also brings up the 100 partnership between these two.

It’s the ninth time they’ve achieved that feat in test matches.

Australia 195-2 (52.3), Smith 43, Labuschagne 45, Robinson 0-36 (11.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:32 , Mike Jones

Appeal from England. An ugly leave from Steve Smith drills him on the pads after Ollie Robinson gets one to jag back at him. He’s left it on length and Ben Stokes decides it’s going over the top so doesn’t review.

Smith then drops one into the legside and takes one.

Australia 194-2 (52), Smith 42, Labuschagne 45, Anderson 0-24 (11)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:30 , Mike Jones

Jimmy Anderson starts with a maiden. There’s a bit of away swing there for him though so things could get interesting is the Australians decide to be a bit more aggressive.

Australia 194-2 (51.1), Smith 42, Labuschagne 45, Anderson 0-24 (10.1)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:26 , Mike Jones

James Anderson has the ball in hand for the next over. He’s still finding his best rhythm but at least kept things tight earlier on.

A loosener is thrown wide and Marnus Labuschagne leaves it alone.

Australia 194-2 (51), Smith 42, Labuschagne 45, Robinson 0-35 (11)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:25 , Mike Jones

Here we go. Steve Smith shuffles down the pitch and receives a bouncer from Ollie Robinson. Smith evades it easily enough but it’s a sign of more aggression from England.

Just the four runs from the over.

Evening session: Australia 194-2 (50.1), Smith 42, Labuschagne 45, Robinson 0-35 (10.1)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:22 , Mike Jones

Ollie Robinson will open up for England for the final session of the day. A short ball is leapt on by Steve Smith who pulls Ollie Robinson away to the square leg boundary for four runs!

Tea: Australia 190-2

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:13 , Mike Jones

How does Kevin Pietersen think England’s day has gone so far?

"It's absolutely not good enough. Think Australia are declaring today? No chance,” he said at the tea break.

"Ask anybody watching here, these fans, are you happy with what you've seen today? I don't think I'm wrong, I don't think there's a single England fan who's happy."

Tea: Australia 190-2

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:08 , Mike Jones

(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)
(Getty Images)

Australia 190-2 (50), Smith 38, Labuschagne 45, Tongue 2-48 (12)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 16:01 , Mike Jones

A couple of runs come from Josh Tongue’s final over before tea. Australia are going well.

Australia 188-2 (49), Smith 38, Labuschagne 44, Root 0-2 (2)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:57 , Mike Jones

Smith works Root into the legside for a single before the offspinner bangs in a sharp short ball that Labuschagne weaves underneath. Root’s bouncer was 75 mph, just shy of Ollie Robinson’s average pace today.

Smith and Labuschagne each collect a single from the over and a wayward ball down leg runs away for four byes.

Australia 182-2 (48), Smith 37, Labuschagne 43, Tongue 2-47 (11)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:54 , Mike Jones

Three maidens in a row for England. Shane Warne used to say that three maidens in a row would bring a wicket. Will he be proven correct right now?

Australia 182-2 (47), Smith 37, Labuschagne 43, Root 0-0 (1)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:50 , Mike Jones

Joe Root is going to have to do the donkey work for England’s spinning department this week. Ben Stokes brings him on for his first ball over the day.

He comes round the wicket to Steve Smith and finds a good length straight away. His first over is a maiden.

Australia 182-2 (46), Smith 37, Labuschagne 43, Tongue 2-47 (10)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:48 , Mike Jones

A maiden over for Josh Tongue! He’s finding a nice rhythm in this spell with Smith and Labuschagne waiting for the bad balls to go after.

They don’t get any in this over.

Australia 182-2 (45), Smith 37, Labuschagne 43, Broad 0-48 (13)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:43 , Mike Jones

Marnus Labuschagne gets off strike with a push for three. Broad thinks he’s got through the over but over steps off the last ball and is forced to delivery another one.

Steve Smith keeps it out with no trouble.

Australia 178-2 (44), Smith 37, Labuschagne 40, Tongue 2-47 (9)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:38 , Mike Jones

Marnus Labuschagne strokes Josh Tongue’s last delivery away for three runs to move into the 40s. This partnership needs breaking as both these batters have the ability and mental fortitude to bat for a seriously long time.

Australia 173-2 (43.3), Smith 36, Labuschagne 37, Tongue 2-42 (8.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:35 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes’ short spell is over as he brings Josh Tongue back into the attack. Tongue has been the most threatening bowler for England today.

Can he upset the Aussies once again?

Smith keeps out the first three balls of his return.

Australia 173-2 (43), Smith 36, Labuschagne 37, Broad 0-44 (12)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:32 , Mike Jones

One of the replays is crystal clear in showing that Marnus Labuschagne hit the ball first. Stuart Broad isn’t happy though.

He sends down a maiden though.

Australia 173-2 (42.4), Smith 36, Labuschagne 37, Broad 0-44 (11.4)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:29 , Mike Jones

Review! Marnus Labuschagne is hit on the pads and England appeal again.

‘If he’s not hit it then it’s straight’ says Jonny Bairstow from behind the stumps as Ben Stokes sends it upstairs for a review after the umpire gives it not out.

Australia 173-2 (42), Smith 36, Labuschagne 37, Stokes 0-31 (3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:26 , Mike Jones

Ominous signs for England as Steve Smith is starting to get into his full flow. He twice nails Ben Stokes to the boundary and collects nine runs from the over.

This partnership is worth 77 runs from 78 balls.

Australia 164-2 (41), Smith 28, Labuschagne 37, Broad 0-44 (11)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:20 , Mike Jones

Labuschagne survives! He’s standing quite a way out of his crease and is pinned right at the top of the pad, ball-tracking shows that the ball was going over the stumps.

Another great review from Australia.

To celebrate Labuschagne drills Broad down the ground for four runs.

Australia 160-2 (40.4), Smith 28, Labuschagne 33, Broad 0-40 (10.4)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:18 , Mike Jones

Review! Marnus Labuschagne leaves the ball alone from Stuart Broad inswinger. This one moves it a lot but hits him quite high on the bat.

The umpire raises the finger and Labuschagne reviews the decision immediately.

Have England got their third wicket or will Labuschagne survive?

Australia 160-2 (40), Smith 28, Labuschagne 33, Stokes 0-12 (2)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:13 , Mike Jones

Australia’s run-rate since Smith and Labuschagne came to the crease is a little shy of 5.5 runs per over. Overall, they’re scoring a tick over four runs an over.

England are losing control of the match due to some impressive batting.

Stokes continues and gets one to move away from Smith who plays inside the line rather flamboyantly. The England captain follows up a wayward over with a maiden.

Australia 160-2 (39), Smith 28, Labuschagne 33, Robinson 0-31 (10)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:08 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith drives a slow 78mph delivery from Ollie Robinson through the covers for two runs which becomes three because of a no-ball too.

Kevin Pietersen is on Sky Sports commentary blasting England’s bowlers. He wants them to have “more pace, more nip and to bowl better areas.”

It’s hard to disagree.

Australia 154-2 (38), Smith 25, Labuschagne 31, Stokes 0-12 (1)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 15:03 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes finally brings himself on and angles the first ball into Marnus Labuschagne’s pads who works him away for two. The delivery is also a no-ball.

Stokes is struggling as another no-ball comes down before Labuschagne takes him apart with consecutive boundaries to move into the 30s.

This is another developing partnership for Australia. 12 runs from the over.

Australia 142-2 (37), Smith 25, Labuschagne 21, Robinson 0-25 (9)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:57 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith is trying to cut out the swing and seam that Ollie Robinson is getting by coming down the pitch and leaving the ball. Ollie Robinson isn’t the quickest bowler so there’s little danger of getting bounced out.

Instead Robinson is consistent with his lines and lengths.

Another maiden goes by.

Australia 142-2 (36), Smith 25, Labuschagne 21, Broad 0-40 (10)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:54 , Mike Jones

Four more! Marnus Labuschagne leans into a lovely flick through square leg and works the ball away to the boundary for four more runs.

The last ball of the over hits Labuschagne on the pads as he leaves the ball alone. It’s coming back down the slope but isn’t doing enough and Ben Stokes decides against a review.

Australia 138-2 (35.3), Smith 25, Labuschagne 17, Broad 0-36 (9.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:51 , Mike Jones

After a quick break for a drink, Marnus Labuschagne leans into a cover drive and collects four runs off Stuart Broad. Ben Stokes chases after it but can’t keep the ball in play.

An over-correction from Broad brings Labuschagne four more as he flicks him through midwicket for another boundary.

Australia 130-2 (35), Smith 25, Labuschagne 9, Robinson 0-25 (8)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:45 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith is muttering away to himself, feeling for the ball outside his off stump and looks focused as he tries to work the ball away for a quick single.

Word has also come through that Ollie Pope is being sent for a shoulder assessment.

Ollie Robinson gets through a maiden.

Australia 130-2 (34), Smith 25, Labuschagne 9, Broad 0-28 (9)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:41 , Mike Jones

There’s still some debate about that Steve Smith review as the commentators heard a noise too, what that was though isn’t clear. What is clear is that Smith didn’t edge the ball.

He takes one off the final delivery and keeps the strike.

Australia 129-2 (33.3), Smith 24, Labuschagne 9, Broad 0-27 (8.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:40 , Mike Jones

Review! Stuart Broad thinks he’s got Steve Smith. He fizzes one past the outside edge and there’s a big noise, England are confident and the umpire raises the finger.

Smith reviews immediately and ultra edge plus the replays show he didn’t hit it. Smith survives.

Australia 129-2 (33.2), Smith 24, Labuschagne 9, Broad 0-27 (8.2)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:37 , Mike Jones

Stuart Broad comes on to a loud round of applause. He floats a half-volley to Steve Smith who nails him through extra-cover for a glorious four runs.

Smith is picking up where Warner left off.

Broad goes wide and full again but it’s the same result. A drive from Smith and four runs. Scary stuff.

Australia 121-2 (33), Smith 16, Labuschagne 9, Robinson 0-25 (7)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:35 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith races to 16 from just 13 deliveries and he’s only played on with any aggression. There are too many easy singles on offer from England.

Maybe they just want to bowl at Marnus Labuschagne?

The Aussie No. 3 sees out the over with ease as Ollie Robinson flings one down the leg side and gives away four byes.

Australia 113-2 (32), Smith 13, Labuschagne 9, Tongue 2-42 (8)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:29 , Mike Jones

Gorgeous shot! Steve Smith picks up the length wonderfully and hooks Tongue away to the boundary for four runs.

He then eases the ball through midwicket and runs hard, calling Labuschagne through for three more.

Australia 106-2 (31.3), Smith 6, Labuschagne 9, Tongue 2-35 (7.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:28 , Mike Jones

A characteristically strange leave from Steve Smith sees the ball rattle into his pads but it’s flying down the legside and Josh Tongue isn’t interested in an lbw shout.

Two more deliveries are angled into the pads and Smith pushes the ball to Stuart Broad at mid-on.

Australia 106-2 (31), Smith 6, Labuschagne 9, Robinson 0-21 (6)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:25 , Mike Jones

Edge! Marnus Labuschagne fishes to feel the ball outside the off stump and connects with the edge of his bat. Luckily for him the ball beats the field and sails down to the boundary.

Australia 102-2 (30.3), Smith 6, Labuschagne 5, Robinson 0-17 (5.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:23 , Mike Jones

The hundred comes up for Australia! Steve Smith works Ollie Robinson into the legside for two before flicking him down to fine leg and getting another one.

He’s started quickly as England look to target his pads.

Australia 99-2 (30), Smith 3, Labuschagne 5, Robinson 0-14 (5)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:22 , Mike Jones

Jimmy Anderson’s spell is over as Ollie Robinson is brought back into the attack. England could do with another couple of wickets here.

That will make the decision to bowl first worth it.

Australia 99-2 (30), Smith 3, Labuschagne 5, Tongue 2-35 (7)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:21 , Mike Jones

Steve Smith is away off his first ball. He pushes Tongue down the ground for three runs.

Wicket! David Warner b Josh Tongue 66 (88), Australia 96-2 (29.5)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:19 , Mike Jones

What a ball! If the one to dismiss Usman Khawaja was good then this one is amazing. Josh Tongue pushes one slightly fuller, gets an unholy amount of swing on the ball which then jags back into David Warner.

The pace is sharp too and Warner is beaten all ends up as the stumps burst open. Incredible.

Australia 92-1 (29.3), Warner 66, Labuschagne 5, Tongue 1-32 (6.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:17 , Mike Jones

Close! Warner goes after a wide one from Tongue and gets a huge under edge on the ball. It zips agonisingly close to his stumps as it races away to fine leg and brings Warner two runs.

Australia 90-1 (29), Warner 64, Labuschagne 5, Anderson 0-24 (10)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:15 , Mike Jones

Labuschagne has made a couple of adjustments today. He’s taking guard on middle and off, hanging slightly deeper in his crease and playing the ball late.

It’s working for him so far.

Australia 89-1 (28.3), Warner 63, Labuschagne 5, Anderson 0-23 (9.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:12 , Mike Jones

Nice from Warner. He guides Anderson through gully for four runs after the fielder at backward point can’t stop the ball from racing away.

England need to get him out. If Warner bats for the majority of the day, Australia will be in a fantastic position.

Australia 84-1 (28), Warner 59, Labuschagne 5, Tongue 1-30 (6)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:09 , Mike Jones

Josh Tongue is coming wide of the crease and is trying to angle the ball into the pads of Marnus Labuschagne. There’s a bit of extra bounce there due to the pace of Tongue which the Aussie No. 3 will need to be wary of.

Anything wide though is being left alone.

Labuschagne edges one to backward point where Ollie Pope leaps across the deck to stop the ball. David Warner calls Labuschagne through for a single.

Pope seems to have injured his shoulder and has departed the field as Warner ends the over with a lovely four through cover.

Australia 79-1 (27), Warner 55, Labuschagne 4, Anderson 0-19 (9)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:03 , Mike Jones

That mini-break for rain hasn’t interrupted Anderson’s flow as he returns with a maiden and a couple of deliveries that could easily have found the outside edge of Warner’s bat.

Australia 79-1 (26.3), Warner 55, Labuschagne 4, Anderson 0-19 (8.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 14:01 , Mike Jones

Barely a break at all. The players are back on the pitch and Jimmy Anderson is bowling.

David Warner swipes at a wide one and misses out on a cut shot. England are interested as Warner continues to look to score.

Rain stops play!

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:55 , Mike Jones

Here’s another interruption due to rain.

It’s not heavy but it’s persistent and it’s quite dark out there. The umpires are taking the players off but this doesn’t feel like the break will be too long.

Australia 79-1 (26), Warner 55, Labuschagne 4, Tongue 1-25 (5)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:54 , Mike Jones

Oh lovely! A good over from Josh Tongue ends with a loose stroke from Marnus Labuschagne. He has a feel at the ball outside his off stump but it straightens past the edge of the bat and goes through to Jonny Bairstow.

Australia 79-1 (25.2), Warner 55, Labuschagne 4, Tongue 1-25 (4.2)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:50 , Mike Jones

Tongue is getting the ball to zip through to Jonny Bairstow. His paces are good and the youngster is just starting to find his line.

A short ball sees Labuschagne pushed onto the back foot but he plays it well and drops the ball into the leg side without too much trouble.

Australia 79-1 (25), Warner 55, Labuschagne 4, Anderson 0-19 (8)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:48 , Mike Jones

A block into the offside allows the batters to sprint through for one bringing David Warner back on strike.

Warner pushes through cover and takes two. Things are looking ominous for England as Warner seems incredibly confident.

He leaves the ball on length off the final delivery and it bounces wide of the stumps.

Australia 76-1 (24.3), Warner 53, Labuschagne 3, Anderson 0-16 (7.3)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:46 , Mike Jones

James Anderson will continue for England. Ben Stokes has put a leg slip in place with the message to target to the stumps.

Anderson directs one into off stump from a wide line. Labuschagne plays it late and finds the edge but it falls short of Zak Crawley at second slip.

The third ball of the over is full and Labuschagne drives it through the covers for two.

Australia 74-1 (24), Warner 53, Labuschagne 1, Tongue 1-25 (4)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:42 , Mike Jones

Labuschagne gets off the mark! An inside edge takes the ball down to fine leg and brings him a run. David Warner’s first run after the lunch break is driven but scuffed into the deck and straight to the fielder.

Afternoon session: Australia 73-1 (23.2), Warner 53, Labuschagne 0, Tongue 1-24 (3.2)

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:41 , Mike Jones

Marnus Labuschagne is Australia’s new batter. He needs a score after a difficult game at Edgbaston. Lord’s was the venue four years ago where Labuschagne came on as a concussion sub for Steve Smith.

He hasn’t looked back since.

Labuschagne leaves the first delivery from Josh Tongue who gets the afternoon session started.

Sir Andrew Strauss excited by Ashes opportunity to turn Lord’s ‘Red for Ruth’

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:34 , Mike Jones

Sir Andrew Strauss hopes turning Lord’s ‘Red for Ruth’ during this week’s Ashes Test can help his charity support thousands more families as they deal with the impact of a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The former England captain set up the Ruth Strauss Foundation in memory of his late wife, who died in 2018 from a non-smoking lung cancer, and has worked alongside the cricket community to raise funds and awareness for the past four years.

Day two of England’s second Test against Australia will once again see Lord’s awash in red, with players from both sides joining fans and pundits in marking the occasion in colourful fashion.

Sir Andrew Strauss excited by Ashes opportunity to turn Lord’s ‘Red for Ruth’

Rishi Sunak praises Jonny Bairstow

Wednesday 28 June 2023 13:28 , Mike Jones

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak praised England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow, who carried a Just Stop Oil protester from the pitch at Lord’s.

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said: “These sorts of selfish, guerrilla tactics that target events bringing joy to millions are exactly why the Government brought in new powers so the police can take swift action.

“The Prime Minister is pleased play was able to resume quickly and thanks security staff, the swift hands of Jonny Bairstow and other England players who stepped in.”

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website

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