Australia stands on the precipice of retaining the coveted Ashes urn after a devastating late spell from veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon put England in deep trouble on day two of the second Test at Lord's. The hosts, needing 371 runs to win, finished a rain-affected day at 4/114, still requiring a further 257 runs with their top order already back in the pavilion.
Lyon's Masterful Spell Turns the Screws
With England appearing relatively comfortable at 1/62 in their second innings, the match turned decisively in a single over from Nathan Lyon. The 35-year-old, playing in his 100th consecutive Test, produced a moment of magic to dismiss the dangerous Ollie Pope for just 3 runs. He followed that up by trapping England's hero from the first innings, Joe Root, lbw for a mere 18, leaving the home crowd stunned.
Lyon wasn't finished there. He returned later to snare the key wicket of England captain Ben Stokes, caught smartly by Cameron Green at leg slip for 17. His final figures of 4/42 from 20 overs were a testament to his control and guile on a pitch offering increasing turn. Lyon's intervention has placed Australia firmly in the box seat to go 2-0 up in the five-match series.
Australia's Batters Set Up Commanding Lead
The day began with Australia resuming their first innings at 5/339. Wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who was unbeaten overnight, went on to craft a superb and patient 66 from 99 balls, forming crucial partnerships with the tail. Captain Pat Cummins provided valuable support with 22, helping push the total to a formidable 416.
This gave Australia a significant first-innings lead of 91 runs, a psychological and tactical advantage that put immense scoreboard pressure on England from the outset of their second dig. The Australian bowlers, led by Lyon and well-supported by Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, exploited that pressure perfectly.
England's Uphill Battle to Save the Test
England's chase started disastrously when Zak Crawley was dismissed for 3. While Ben Duckett (34) and Harry Brook (29*) showed some fight, the loss of Pope, Root, and Stokes in quick succession has left their hopes hanging by a thread. Brook remains at the crease alongside the nightwatchman, but the task ahead is monumental.
With more rain forecast over the weekend, time could become an additional enemy for England. They must now rely on a monumental rearguard action from their lower order to salvage a draw, a prospect that looks increasingly unlikely against a disciplined and confident Australian attack. A victory for Australia at Lord's would mean they retain the Ashes, regardless of the results in the final three Tests.
The stage is set for a potentially historic third day at the Home of Cricket. Australia needs just six more wickets to secure a famous victory and take a giant stride towards keeping the Ashes urn on Australian soil, while England faces a battle for survival.
