Chris Woakes back England's big-hitters Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler to rescue hopes of Lord's victory
England are looking to their undefeated pair of Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler to rescue their second innings and set up a potential victory push after a riveting fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
England closed the day on 96 for four in their second innings, a lead of 104 runs.
“Of course we can win the game – all three results are still possible,” England fast bowler Chris Woakes said. “I still think it is an evenly matched game. We are pleased we will not be batting last on that pitch but we still need to build that lead and make sure we feel safe to try and bowl them out.
“We have got 98 overs, so more time than you think, and it’s hard to put a number on it but we have got to bat sensibly. We have two guys who can accelerate quickly so, as always, the morning session will be crucial.”
If England lose, they will slip to 2-0 down in the series, a position from which no team has won the Ashes since Australia in 1936-37. But England will hope that a lead in the region of 250 will give them a strong chance of victory and squaring the series ahead of the third Test, which begins at Leeds on Thursday.
“Hopefully, we can bat well in the morning and with Jonny and myself to come, we bat deep,” Woakes said. “Hopefully at some point we can have a go at the Australians.”
The day was most memorable for a pulsating duel between Jofra Archer – who reached 96mph – and Steve Smith. Archer hit Smith on the back of his neck with a bouncer that left Smith falling down on the turf and needing to retire hurt when he had 80, promoting fears that he had sustained concussion.
After passing several tests by Australia’s doctor, Smith returned 46 minutes later before falling lbw to Woakes for 92 – the first time that Smith has not reached a century this series.
“It took a serious spell of bowling from Jofra to kind of get Steve out of his bubble,” Woakes said. “It was incredible to be a part of it out on the field.”
Woakes said that he was “immediately worried” after the blow Smith received. “Ashes cricket is played hard and tough but you still don’t wish injury on anyone,” he said.
Smith earlier received a blow to his left arm from Archer. In England’s second innings, Smith did not take the field because of a precautionary X-ray on his arm. These tests revealed that Smith did not have a fracture and he is expected to bat in Australia’s second innings if needed.
“It was a terrible blow and looked terrible at the time,” Australia’s head coach Justin Langer said. “We weren’t sure what would happen. The mind obviously goes into overdrive with the concussion rules and substitutes. Thankfully he is OK and in very good spirits.
“He went through all the concussion tests and analysis and there was no way we would have let him come back out otherwise.”
