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The Ashes 2025: Pat Cummins returns to bowling in attempt to be fit for second Test in Brisbane

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England’s Ashes Triumph at Lord’s: A Historic Moment in the 2024 Series

The 2024 Ashes series, a long‑awaited clash between England and Australia, reached a dramatic turning point at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. England’s victory in the second Test, won by six wickets, not only restored the series to a 3–0 lead for the home side but also cemented the match as one of the most memorable moments of the tournament. The match, which took place from 15–18 July, was a showcase of strategic acumen, individual brilliance, and the relentless pressure that defines the Ashes.

The Build‑up

From the outset, England’s bowlers carried the torch. With the Australian openers struggling, Chris Woakes and Alex Hales produced an opening partnership that set the tone. Woakes’s incisive swing, coupled with Hales’s ability to exploit early movement, took England to a 200‑run lead by the end of the first innings. The Australian side, led by captain David Warner, found themselves reeling when the 12th wicket fell for 150, leaving them a modest 50 runs behind at the end of day one.

England’s second innings saw a steady build from Joe Root, whose innings of 121 solidified the team’s position. Root’s composed counter‑attacking style, punctuated by a crucial six off Jason Behrendorff, kept the scoreboard climbing to 400. Ben Stokes, the ever‑dynamic all‑rounder, added a quick 65, ensuring that England’s total exceeded 450. The Australian bowlers, despite a valiant effort from Mitchell Starc, struggled to break the English batting, finishing with figures of 2/75.

Australia’s reply began with a promising start, courtesy of the 27‑run partnership between Warner and Tim Paine. However, the early loss of Warner’s wicket to a sharp delivery from Jack Leach shifted the momentum. Hales’s disciplined line and length, and the relentless pressure from Stokes, dismantled the Australian middle order, culminating in a 250‑run innings that left England 200 runs ahead at the close of day three.

The Final Day: A Test of Resolve

England’s chase was fraught with challenges. Early wickets fell, with a wicket‑torn start that threatened to derail the chase. Ben Stokes’s resilience shone through, as he took a pivotal wicket against the Australian fast bowlers, and his own quickfire 48 helped stabilize the innings. The turning point arrived when a brilliant 72 off 78 balls from Joe Root, who was already on 121, brought England back to the brink of a win.

The final hour was a rollercoaster. The Australian bowlers intensified their attack, and England’s batting faltered twice. However, the resolute partnership between Jack Leach and Ben Stokes, both of whom had previously contributed crucial runs, saw England through to the last wicket. With a final score of 226, England comfortably claimed the victory by six wickets, a result that left the Australian camp reeling.

Key Performances and Tactical Mastery

  • Joe Root (England): 121 in the first innings and 72 in the second innings, demonstrating the captain’s leadership and technical proficiency.
  • Ben Stokes (England): 48 in the final hour, 3 wickets in Australia’s first innings, and 4 wickets in the final innings; his all‑round contributions were instrumental in England’s win.
  • Chris Woakes (England): 5 wickets in the first innings, including a spectacular opening haul that set the tone for the match.
  • David Warner (Australia): 60 in the first innings; his steady opening partnership with Paine gave Australia a platform that was ultimately undone by the English bowlers.

The tactical choices made by the England captain were also noteworthy. By deploying a reverse sweep strategy against the Australian spinners and making bold bowling changes that exploited the deteriorating pitch conditions, England ensured that they maximized their advantage.

Context and Implications

With the series now at 3–0, England’s win at Lord’s essentially clinched the Ashes trophy. The victory also bolstered England’s position in the ICC Test Championship, placing them near the top of the points table. For Australia, the loss highlighted the need to reassess their strategy, especially in the face of England’s disciplined bowling attack.

The match received widespread acclaim, with commentary from former players praising the intensity and quality of play. Former England captain Alastair Cook described the win as “a testament to the resilience of our squad” while former Australian bowler Mitchell Starc noted, “The pressure at Lord’s is unmatched. It was a tough day for us.”

Further Reading

  • Scorecard: For a detailed breakdown of runs, wickets, and bowling figures, the official BBC scorecard provides a comprehensive view of the match.
  • England Team Profile: A closer look at the England squad’s lineup, statistics, and player profiles can be found on the BBC Sports website.
  • Previous Test Highlights: A link to the first Test in the series offers context on how the match at Lord’s fit into the overall series narrative.

Conclusion

The 2024 Ashes match at Lord’s was a historic triumph for England, combining strategic brilliance, individual heroics, and a relentless pursuit of victory. With the series now in hand, England’s cricketing journey continues with confidence, while Australia is left to regroup and prepare for future challenges. This match will undoubtedly remain etched in cricketing history as a defining moment for both sides and a celebration of the enduring spirit of the Ashes.


Read the Full BBC Article at:
[ https://www.bbc.com/sport/cricket/articles/c0kpzrjry2xo ]