The swashbuckling 155 that England’s captain Ben Stokes scored during the second Ashes test went in vain as Australia took a commanding 2-0 lead in the five-match series by winning the second test at Lord’s by 43 runs on an eventful closing day on Sunday.
After the contentious removal of Jonny Bairstow, Stokes began a blazing onslaught, hitting nine sixes and nine fours to boost expectations of a repetition of his spectacular innings that won the match against the Australians at Headingley four years ago.
However, with just 70 runs required for victory, he skied Josh Hazlewood to wicketkeeper Alex Carey. Carey had earlier angered him by stumping Bairstow for 10 after the batsman abandoned his crease at the conclusion of an over. Carey was able to take the catch.
Stokes received a loud round of boos from the fans, and in response, he reached his century by hitting three sixes in an over bowled by Cameron Green. At lunch, Stokes remained undefeated on 108, and England needed another 128 runs to tie the series.
After the break, he maintained his onslaught by smashing Hazlewood for six runs before being caught by Steve Smith at deep square leg. The fans erupted in jubilation as the former Australia captain, who often has one of the safest pairs of hands, allowed the ball to slip through his fingers.
As Mitchell Starc returned to the attack, Stokes greeted him with two more sixes as he and Stuart Broad shared a century-run stand for the seventh wicket, with Broad contributing 11 runs.
The England fast bowler was essential in the development of the plot as it progressed, as he was able to withstand a number of short-pitched deliveries while also attempting to stir up Carey at every available chance by keeping his bat in the crease at the conclusion of the over and peering closely at the stumps. Carey was irritated by this behavior.
Before exiting the arena to a standing ovation, Stokes gave Carey an easy catch after attempting to clear the ropes for a second time. This allowed Stokes to reach 150 out of 197 balls and cross the milestone.
The end came swiftly, much to Australia’s relief, and it was over very quickly.
Ollie Robinson was pouched in the deep by Green off Hazlewood for 11, and Broad’s protracted vigil came to an end when he was caught by Smith off Pat Cummins for one.
Josh Tongue and James Anderson gamely contributed an improbable 27 runs, but Hazlewood dismissed the former for 19 to eliminate England for 327 and seal victory for the Australians. The Australians celebrated happily as they walked off to further boos from the crowd at the home of cricket in the United Kingdom.
Ben Duckett had previously produced a polished 83 runs, and he and Stokes had a great combination of 132 runs to help haul England back into the match after they had collapsed to 45-4 on Saturday. This was done after England had fallen down in the competition.
Australia has a tight grasp on the Ashes after two exciting matches, and England has to win the final three games of the series in order to win back the urn that contains the ashes.
On Thursday, play will begin at Headingley for the third and final test.