Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted his group had endured an uncomfortable time earlier than successful the second Ashes take a look at in opposition to England at Lord’s by 43 runs on Sunday.
England had appeared useless and buried at 45-4 of their chase for 371 runs to stage the collection however Ben Stokes’ majestic knock of 155 and Ben Duckett’s 83 lifted them to 301-6.
Australia began to look ragged within the subject earlier than dismissing Stokes and knocking over the tail cheaply to maneuver 2-0 up within the collection and firmly heading in the right direction to retain the Ashes.
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“Another wonderful game, right down to the wire,” Cummins stated. “Stokesy gave us a few heart-stopping moments and the crowd seemed to enjoy it.”
Cummins performed within the 2019 Ashes take a look at at Headingley when Stokes made 135 not out to encourage England to a rare one-wicket victory.
“Of course, he played another great innings and I’m glad we got him out when we did,” Cummins stated.
“Having a world-class player like Ben on the top of his game, you start thinking ‘that boundary looks short’ – I was glad to have 200 on the board.”
Australia was hampered by the absence of their primary spinner Nathan Lyon who was unable to bowl after struggling a calf pressure.
Stokes struck 9 sixes and 9 fours on a withering assault however Cummins stated Australia had not panicked.
“Just trying to stay patient, have the fields out,” he stated. “He did well to keep getting himself on strike but we were happy with them going at two an over.”
Cummins performed down the furore surrounding the dismissal of Jonny Bairstow, stumped by wicketkeeper Alex Carey after leaving his crease on the finish of an over.
Disgruntled MCC members verbally abused Australia gamers as they walked by way of the pavilion on the lunch interval.
“Emotions were running high and words were unfortunately exchanged by a small number of members,” the MCC stated in a press release.
Cummins stated he had accepted the apology.
“They were quite aggressive and abusive towards some of our players, which I know the MCC weren’t too happy with,” Cummins stated. “The MCC came and apologised for the behaviour of some of the members.”
Australia solely must keep away from defeat in one of many three remaining checks to retain the Ashes.
“We couldn’t be in a better position,” Cummins stated.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com