The Ashes
1st Test, Day 2, Edgbaston
(Playing as Australia)
Australia wasted little time wrapping up England's first innings, dismissing them for 290 early in the morning. Jonny Bairstow, resuming on 86, fell to Josh Hazlewood without adding to his overnight score, nicking an inside edge to the keeper.
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The visitors started their innings positively, with Usman Khawaja anchoring the top order with a well-crafted half-century. By the end of the second session, Australia were steady at 127-3, looking to build a solid foundation.
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However, the hosts dominated the third session, claiming four crucial wickets to halt Australia's momentum. Despite the collapse, Steve Smith stood firm, remaining unbeaten on 81 at the close of play. Australia ended the day at 222-7, setting up a gripping contest for Day 3.
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The Ashes
1st Test, Day 3, Edgbaston
(Playing as Australia)
Australia’s tailenders, led by Steven Smith, began the hunt for a lead. Smith was in excellent touch, crafting a superb century. However, just as Australia looked set to build a more substantial total, Ben Stokes struck, removing Smith at a crucial juncture. The tail didn’t last long, and Australia was bowled out for 257, giving England a slender 33-run lead.
England’s reply started cautiously, ending the first session at 61-2. Australia had made early breakthroughs, but the hosts were still in a relatively strong position.
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Australia came back strongly in the second session. Their bowlers were relentless, claiming 5 wickets to reduce England to 144-7. The Australian attack was on top, and with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood at the crease, England was struggling to accelerate. Their lead was hovering just under 180 runs, and it looked like Australia could get the job done quickly.
However, England fought back thanks to some resilient lower-order batting. Woakes, in particular, played a brilliant knock, making 50 runs and frustrating the Australian bowlers. Stuart Broad provided solid support with an unbeaten 36*. Together, they pushed England's lead past the 250-run mark, giving them a much more challenging target.
Australia now faces a challenging target of 258 to go 1-0 up in the series. It’s set to be a thrilling chase with the Australian top order needing to step up in what promises to be a dramatic finish to the first Test.
Who do you think could be the key for Australia in this chase? The final chase promises to be a dramatic finish. Who will emerge as the hero?