England wrap up Second Ashes Test by 347 runs

Tags: Australia tour of England 2013, England Vs Australia 2nd Test at London - Jul 18-22, 2013, Graeme Peter Swann, Usman Tariq Khawaja, Michael John Clarke

Published on: Jul 22, 2013

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England wrapped up a comprehensive win of 347 runs in the Second Ashes Test at Lord’s. The hosts are now 2-0 up in the 5-match Test Series. Asked to chase an improbable target of 583, Australia was shot out for 235.

By BV Swagath

England wrapped up a comprehensive win of 347 runs in the Second Ashes Test at Lord’s. The hosts are now 2-0 up in the 5-match Test Series. Asked to chase an improbable target of 583, Australia was shot out for 235. England had to work hard though with the tourists lasting 90.3 overs. The damage for the Aussies was done on Day 2 after they were bundled out for a paltry 128 to concede a heavy first innings lead.

The hosts surprisingly decided to continue batting on Day 4 despite a lead of 566. England wanted to give overnight centurion Joe Root to score a maiden double century. However, Root fell 20 short of that landmark trying out an adventurous paddle scoop off Ryan Harris. England who also lost Jonny Bairstow before Root, had declared their innings at 349 for 7 in 114.1 overs. The declaration came immediately after Root’s dismissal.

By Lunch, the Australian top order departed at 48 for 3 in 22 overs. Anderson provided the opening by trapping Watson lbw to a delivery that had nipped back in the 7th over. Chris Rogers was bowled leaving a straighter one from Graeme Swann in the 10th over. Phil Hughes was out lbw to the same bowler in no time.

Australia got through a fighting partnership between Usman Khawaja and Skipper Michael Clarke. The pair added 98 runs before Clarke was caught edging a turning off break from Joe Root to leg slip. Clarke scored 51 from 85 balls with 7 fours. By Tea, England got the wicket of Usman Khawaja (54 from 133 balls with 7 fours) who was forced to edge a turner from Root to gully.

After Tea, Tim Bresnan consumed Steven Smith (caught behind with a faint inside edge) and Ashton Agar (given caught behind in a loose drive following a review) to leave the Aussies on the mat at 154 for 7. Graeme Swann wrapped up the match after that taking two more wickets while Anderson got rid of a stubborn Peter Siddle who lasted 62 balls. Pattinson was the last man to be dismissed but not before he had frustrated England with a 91-ball 35.

Joe Root was the Man of the Match although the real hero was Ian Bell for his rescue act on Day 1. Graeme Swann made most of the extremely dry pitch to take a match-haul of 9 for 122. The third Ashes Test begins on August 1st at Old Trafford.

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