Another Australian batting collapse has all but conceded any chance of the visitors claiming a respectful outcome at the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
The Aussie first innings, a sad affair eerily reminiscent of last week’s collapse at Trent Bridge, got off to a decent enough start after England posted what Graeme Swann described as a “disappointing” 361.
Openers Shane Watson and Chris Watson rattled off 42 before the former vice-captain was dismissed lbw, setting off one of the ugliest flops in Australian Test history as the rest of the side fell to be eventually given all out for the addition of just 86 more runs.
“Yep, done and dusted,” summer up new coach Darren Lehmann after the close of play.
“We showed glimpses but we’ve got to bat better. It was more one-day batting than Test match batting. We believe the plans are right. Our shot selection was poor today, simple as that. I think eight out of the 10 were self-inflicted to be perfectly honest.”
The less than reputable English media is having a blast ripping an Australian batting attack that has just twice registered scores of 300 runs or more in the past 11 innings. Star batsman Michael Clarke has averaged 17 from his past five innings, including two ducks, but is just one of many down on form. Usman Khawaja failed to grab his opportunity after being called up for the second Test and there were no more heroics from 19-year-old Ashton Agar- run out for a score of two.
Australian received some solace in the bowling performance of Peter Siddle, who claimed three wickets before stumps on day two and left England in the awkward position 3-31.
Siddle claimed the wickets of Alastair Cook, Jonathon Trott and Kevin Pietersen for just four runs and while Lehmann isn’t ready to concede, the prospect of catching England’s growing lead (at 264 and counting) seems unlikely.
“You’ve always got a chance,” said Lehmann. “Funny game, cricket. I’ve seen big totals chased down and it’s certainly a good wicket. It’s not a 128 wicket.”
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