‘They didn't bat like a side who is ahead of the game’ - Eoin Morgan questions Australia's game plan on Day 2 of 3rd Ashes Test

Former England skipper, Eoin Morgan thinks that the Australians didn’t bat like the side that was ahead in the game, on Day 2 of the Headingley Test. The Pat Cummins-led side ended play on Day 2 in the ongoing third Test of the Ashes 2023 on 116/4, after bowling out England for 237. The visitors were bowled out for 263 runs in their first innings. 

When the Aussies came to bat in their second innings, after bowling the opposition out and having a 26-run lead, their star opener David Warner was dismissed by Stuart Broad cheaply. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne stood at the crease for a while but Labuschagne and Steve Smith were dismissed by Moeen Ali in a very short span of time. Khawaja looked steady but was caught behind on Chris Woakes' delivery for 43.

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While reflecting on Australia's game plan on Day 2, Morgan mentioned that they should have driven advantage home as the Pat Cummins-led side was clearly ahead in the game.

“I subscribe to the view that when you are on top you really try and hammer it home,” said Morgan while speaking to Sky Sports.

"We have become accustomed to this Australia side be so positive over the years that immediately when they try to play the long game or defensively, you are like 'What is going on here?' I was a little bit surprised. You can be gritty and chip away at the scoreboard and I don't think Australia did that,” he further added. 

"They didn't bat like a side who is ahead of the game because that is where I see them at the moment," concluded the cricketer-turned-commentator.

Now with Travis Head and the first-innings centurion, Mitchell Marsh at the crease, the visitors will surely look to add to their lead of 142 runs. England currently are trailing in the series by 0-2, and if the Aussies go on to win this game they will win the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.