The Ashes, 2nd Test Tips & Previews, 28th June

OK, has everyone recovered? Even you, England fans?

The 2023 Ashes Series could not have started more thrillingly if it had tried, with the Aussies hitting back at ‘Bazball’ and recording an incredible two-wicket victory at Edgbaston.

Pat Cummins (44*) and Nathan Lyon (16*) were the heroes for Australia with a 55-run stand on the final day, while Usman Khawaja wielded his willow like it was Excalibur en route to Man of the Match-winning scores of 141 and 65.

The Australian bowling attack all had their moments throughout the match, but Lyon was once again the main destroyer with a pair of four-wicket hauls. After going wicketless in the first innings, Cummins bounced back with a match-defining 4/63 in the second dig.

This is not to say the English weren’t fantastic to watch, with Bazball creating an excitement rarely seen in the Test arena. Led by Joe Root’s 118*, they plundered 393 runs on the first day before doubling down with 273 in 66 overs.

Questions will be raised about the English bowling attack with 40yo Jimmy Anderson managing just one wicket alongside a run-leaking Moeen Ali. Stuart Broad flew the flag magnificently with six poles for the game, but he had too few teammates willing to pick up the slack from the other end.

Looking ahead to Lord’s, there’s no doubt that David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith and Cameron Green will want to get in on the run-scoring action after all failed to meet expectations at Edgbaston. If the pitch is as flat and lifeless as the 1^st Test, this lot won’t be out of the action for long.

The biggest question being asked is; can the English maintain Bazball?

The high-octane style of play will undoubtedly come off for the English at some point throughout the series, but with Josh Hazelwood, Scott Boland, and Cummins bowling as with as much discipline as they are, we don’t think it will happen at Lord’s.

Australia to go 2-0.

Suggested Bets: Australia to win at $1.95