Ashes 2023: Play of the day from ENG vs AUS second Test, Day 4

The breathtaking action continued in the second Test of Ashes 2023 on Day 4 at Lord’s as Australia resumed their second innings on 130/2, leading by 221 runs. Usman Khawaja (58*) and Steven Smith (6*) took the innings forward and added 64 runs for the third wicket. Seeing Australia running away with the game, England quickly changed their tactics and began a barrage of short balls at the set batters, which immediately worked as Smith (34) and Khawaja (77) got dismissed to short balls.

Travis Head, who scored a quick-fire 77 (73) in the first innings, walked in at number five and once again decided to take on the bowlers. However, he was unsettled by the continuous short ball attack and even got a reprieve getting dropped by James Anderson. But the southpaw could not make the most of it as he fell prey to a bouncer by Stuart Broad.

Head tried to defend one but ended up playing it in the air to short leg, where Joe Root dived to his left to complete a brilliant catch. As a result, the 29-year-old departed for just 7 (16), and Australia lost their fifth wicket on 197.

Watch the dismissal here:

Stop that Joe Root! 😱#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/IYHnLq5q69

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 1, 2023

Earlier in the day, England's bowling looked completely lifeless as Khawaja and Smith continued to build on the first-innings lead. The duo looked unperturbed by at the crease as England bowlers looked tired running in. However, as soon as they decided to attack Australia with short balls, the home crowd found their voice with Usman Khawaja pulling one straight to fine leg.

Smith’s patience also gave up as he got out in a similar fashion. After losing three quick wickets, Alex Carey and Cameron Green took Australia to lunch. The Pat Cummins-led side were 222/5 leading by 313 runs in the second innings.

Australia will have to think twice before declaring their innings at any stage, as England have chased totals with absolute ease under Ben Stokes’ leadership.