Australia have seen the beginning of this film earlier than.
England, beginning day 5 of an Ashes Test with an unbelievable process forward of them, however with Ben Stokes nonetheless on the crease.
Just as there have been parallels between Edgbaston final week and the 2005 Test on the identical venue, this Lord’s Test has all of the potential makings of Headingley in 2019.
Four years in the past, England have been chasing 359 for victory within the fourth innings at Headingley. This time, it is 371.
Back then, England resumed on what can be the ultimate day on 3-156. This time, it is the marginally unhealthier place of 4-114.
A win for Australia at Headingley would have ensured they retained the Ashes, A win at Lord’s on Sunday will give them a 2-0 lead, a degree which England have by no means recovered from.
Crucially, on each events, Stokes has nonetheless been on the crease. He was two not out in a single day in Headingley, and is unbeaten on 29 this time round at Lord’s.
There are even similarities in Stokes’ preparations. Both time he has been battling harm, earlier than placing in a marathon spell in Australia’s second innings.
At Headingley in 2019 it was 24.2 overs. At Lord’s on Saturday, it was 12.
“Whenever he is ready to go, when he’s up for a fight, he’s in the contest,” England batting coach Marcus Trescothick mentioned.
“Everybody around the world is wary of him when he’s in that frame of mind.
“Of course, that is the place we’re sitting on the minute, considering there’s nonetheless a chance to win the sport,.
“We’ve seen many games over the years that have drawn out in that conclusion and we’ve come out on top.”
The story of Stokes and Headingley in 2019 is well-known. From his commanding 135no to the 76-run last-wicket stand with Jack Leach to win the match for England.
Australia, although, can have purpose to imagine Lord’s in 2023 shall be totally different.
While they’re with out injured spinner Nathan Lyon on the final day, they’re solely two wickets away from England’s tail with Jonny Bairstow the subsequent man in at No.7.
Unlike in 2019, Joe Root has already been dismissed cheaply, and the less-experienced Ben Duckett is the person beginning the day alongside Stokes.
“Our confidence is extremely high and so it should be,” Lyon mentioned.
“We have a world-class bowling attack. We know Stokesy is there and Jonny Bairstow still to come and Benny Duckett is out there at the moment.
“But I really feel like if we will do the fundamentals and discover a plan that may work on the market on that wicket (we shall be fantastic). Confidence-wise, the boys must be excessive.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
