INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: Australia emerged victorious in the second Ashes Test at Lord's in an extraordinary final day on Sunday, defeating England by 43
runs and taking a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-Test series, despite the swashbuckling innings of England captain Ben Stokes.Stokes
unleashed a breathtaking assault on the Australian bowlers, smashing an impressive 155 runs
Stokes' aggressive batting, including nine sixes and nine fours, raised hopes of a repeat of his memorable match-winning performance against
Australia at Headingley four years ago.However, Stokes' valiant efforts were ultimately in vain
When England needed 70 runs for victory, he skied a delivery from Josh Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who had earlier stumped Jonny
Bairstow for 10 in a controversial manner, as Bairstow had momentarily left his crease.The crowd voiced their disapproval with loud boos,
but Stokes responded by launching three consecutive sixes off Cameron Green's bowling to reach his century
At lunch, he remained unbeaten on 108, with England requiring another 128 runs to level the series.Stokes continued his aggressive onslaught
after the break, hitting Hazlewood for a six and surviving a dropped catch by Steve Smith at deep square leg
The crowd erupted in delight when Smith, known for his safe fielding, let the ball slip out of his grasp.As Mitchell Starc returned to the
attack, Stokes welcomed him with two more maximums, building a remarkable century partnership for the seventh wicket with Stuart Broad, who
contributed 11 runs to the partnership.The England fast bowler played a key role as the drama grew, surviving a series of short-pitched
deliveries and trying to rile Carey at every opportunity by holding his bat in the crease at the end of the over and staring intently at the
stumps.Stokes dabbed Green for two to pass 150 off 197 balls before attempting to clear the ropes again and giving Carey a simple catch
before leaving the arena to a standing ovation.Australia's relief was palpable and the end came quickly.Ollie Robinson was caught by Smith
off Pat Cummins for one, and Broad's long vigil ended when he was pouched in the deep by Green off Hazlewood for 11.Josh Tongue and James
Anderson gamely added an unlikely 27 runs, but Hazlewood bowled the former for 19 to dismiss England for 327 and seal victory for the
Australians who celebrated gleefully as they walked off to more boos from the crowd at the home of cricket.Ben Duckett earlier contributed a
polished 83, sharing an excellent partnership of 132 with Stokes to drag England back into the match after they had slumped to 45-4 on
Saturday.After two pulsating matches, Australia have a firm grip on the Ashes with England needing to win the remaining three games of the
series to take back the urn.The third Test at Headingley starts on Thursday
(With inputs from Reuters)
