England fast bowler Jofra Archer and Australian batsman Steven Smith’s tussle showcased an intriguing fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s in London on Saturday.
Archer’s sharp pace and steep bounce struck Smith on the forearm. The batsman copped a dangerous blow to the side of the neck soon thereafter and retired hurt.
The prolific right-hander returned to the crease later, but failed to collect a fourth-successive Ashes series century in the United Kingdom. Instead, he perished lbw to seamer Chris Woakes for 92. The Australian had gathered 144 and 142 in last week’s series opener at Edgbaston in Birmingham – and 143 in 2015’s final Test.
Pictures: Archer fells Smith at Lord’s
England moved to 96-4 in reply to the opposition’s 250 all out. The hosts’ first innings had yielded 258 all out. Middle-order batsman Jos Buttler and all-rounder Ben Stokes will resume on Sunday and attempt to grow a burgeoning 104-run lead.
Australia’s performance in the field was not without blemish. Slip fielder David Warner dropped a second and third catch, after a first on day two. Opener Rory Burns was the fortunate recipient – and seamer Peter Siddle the unlucky bowler – on two occasions.
Siddle bit back with the important dismissal of Burns and middle-order batsman Joe Denly, though, after fast bowler Pat Cummins had removed opener Jason Roy and captain Joe Root with successive deliveries.
Roy’s inability to convert a fine stretch of form on limited-overs level into success in Test cricket is increasingly evident, while Root fetched a maiden first-ball duck in the longest format.
A 50th draw in 139 Tests at Lord’s remains a likely result, after rain washed out Wednesday entirely and most of Friday. The Australians, though, might forge a 2-0 series lead. They won the Birmingham opener by 251 runs, thanks largely to Smith’s twin tons and Lyon’s nine wickets.
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