Mitchell Starc’s second ball on Day 3 set the tone for Australia in Lord's Test: Glenn McGrath

Australia are in the driving seat in the second Test of Ashes 2023 as both batters and bowlers have played some sensational cricket, stamping their authority at the iconic Lord’s. Notably, the home team started well with the bat but on Day 3, they faced the wrath of Aussie quicks as England lost six wickets for 47 runs in the morning session. The Ben Stokes-led side eventually posted 325 runs in the second innings, which can bother them in the remaining days.

Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc was one of the star bowlers for Australia on Day 3. The ace pacer dismissed Ben Stokes in the first over of the day, which as per former cricketer Glenn McGrath, was very crucial. He believes that getting the wicket of the England skipper set the tone for the visiting team as Australia are leading by 221 runs at the end of third day’s play.

“The second ball of the day set the tone, that was a vital early wicket. Good bowling by Mitchell Starc, it just extracted a bit more out of the pitch,” McGrath said on the BBC Test Match Special.

“I don't think Mitchell Starc likes bowling short, sometimes it finishes your action. Getting that wicket and then seeing how Harry Brook played, they would have seen he wouldn't like it. He's going to cop a fair bit more, if you look unsettled and don't like the short ball, you'll get it more,” the 53-year-old added.

Meanwhile, after having a rough day, England will be hoping to bounce back stronger on the penultimate day of the second Test. The morning session will be very crucial as it can eventually decide the fate of the game. The home team will have to pick up quick wickets to keep themselves in the game, otherwise, Australia have the capability to take the game away from England. 

After a humiliating 4-0 defeat in the last edition of the Ashes, England changed their way of playing, revolutionized Test cricket, and have been very successful in the longest format. However, back-to-back defeats against their arch-rivals can prove to be demoralizing, and thus, the team is expected to give their all in the remaining two days.