London, July 17: Andrew Strauss kept his side of the bargain here yesterday and, for four hours or so, Australia bowled just about as badly as they can. But England will still go into the second day of the second Ashes Test today knowing that an opportunity to dominate has been missed.
Strauss stressed that the lessons of Cardiff would be learnt. And while the captain and Alastair Cook were putting together a wonderfully secure stand of 196 – a first-wicket record for England against Australia at Lord’s – it seemed as though the home side could not help but cash in.
Yet, after losing six wickets for 137 runs, England finished up last night on 364 for 6, not much better off than they were a week ago when making an unsatisfactory 336 for 7 on the first day of the first Test despite six batsmen reaching 30.
–Agencies