New Delhi | Australia have taken a 2-0 lead in Ashes 2021-22 with a massive win by 275 runs in the pink-ball Test in Adelaide. England batters showed some resistance on Day 5 but ultimately could not salvage a draw, making it hard for them to make a comeback and regain the Ashes. Marnus Labuschagne got the Man of the Match award for scoring a century and a half-century in the Test.
No Stokes show
Opposite to his natural instinct, wicketkeeper-batter and vice-captain Jos Buttler went on a blocking spree. Buttler delayed the inevitable till the third session of Day 5. While Ollie Pope lasted just few overs in the first session, Ben Stokes and Buttler tried to keep the Australian bowlers at bay. Nathan Lyon got the important breakthrough by getting Stokes’ wicket. The all-rounder added just eight runs to his overnight score as chasing the total was not on the cards right from the start.
Buttler, Woakes make England fans hope
Chris Woakes and Buttler frustrated Aussie bowlers for a long time and did not let any more wickets fall in the first session. While Buttler continued to block, Woakes did the bulk of scoring in the 61-run partnership for the seventh wicket. The partnership lasted for 31.2 overs. Woakes missed his seventh half-century by six runs. He scored 44 runs from 97 deliveries including seven boundaries before Jhye Richardson cleaned it up.
After Woakes’ wicket, Buttler tried stitching another partnership with Ollie Robinson. The tailender survived for 39 deliveries to score his eight runs but once again Lyon played his role and got the breakthrough on last day’s pitch.
Unfortunate end
Stuart Broad joined Buttler in the middle and the latter continued with his defensive approach. They took the game into the third session. While no bowler was able to get past Buttler’s defense, his inning came to an unfortunate end. In an attempt to defend a delivery from Richardson he went too deep into the crease and got out hit wicket. He faced 207 deliveries to score 26 runs. He scored just two boundaries during his inning. However, he did deny several singles to keep the lower order batters off strike.
Veterans Broad and James Anderson prolonged England’s innings for few more overs but Richardson bowled a short ball that was too much to handle for Anderson. He completed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
