Australia solidified their grip on the ongoing second Ashes Test at Lord's after a solid performance, both with the ball and bat, on a rain-hit Day 3. The Baggy Greens first bundled out England for 325 runs, picking the last six wickets for just 47 runs, and then translating their superb display with the ball into a terrific performance with a bat in testing conditions. led by Usman Khawaja's unbeaten knock of 58 runs, Australia ended Day 3 at 130/2 and took their lead to 221 runs.
For employing a bizarre tactic against Australia's short-ball barrage, England batters were widely criticised by pundits on Day 3. Former England captain Michael Vaughan came with some harsh words for the England batters, who played some 'shocking shots' and gifted their wickets away to Australia.
"Shocking shot," Vaughan said on BBC Test match special while reflecting on Harry Brook's dismissal.
"England clearly like losing. Yesterday they gifted Australia three wickets. They arrive on day 3, the pitch is doing a bit more. To see the wicket and Australia now know they are bowling to the tail.
"England need to be realistic. They cannot mix entertainment with stupidity," Vaughan said.
Vaughan said that the top 3 English batters played good shots for the major part of their innings but once Australia switched to shorts-ball warfare, the Three Lions shot themselves on the foot by their reckless approach.
"For the first 188 runs, England played good cricket with proper shots," Vaughan continued.
"Australian bowlers got no help as the ball was not doing anything, so they resorted to short balls. What came next was pure stupidity," he added.
With two full days remaining in the Test match, Ben Stokes & Co. once again have their backs up against the wall. The Baggy Greens, who already enjoy a 1-0 lead in the series, are in a commanding to double their lead.
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