England vs Australia, 2nd Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

The arch-rivals England and Australia will take the field at the Home of Cricket from Wednesday in the second Ashes Test. The visitors won the series opener by a mammoth 251-run margin courtesy twin tons from Steve Smith and they will be keen on continuing a good job. England, on the other hand, would want to forget the previous game where they missed James Anderson who injured after bowling only four overs on the first day.

Australia have a happy headache of having too many quality pace bowlers in their ranks. With the slope coming into play at the Lord’s, Mitchell Starc looks set to play as James Pattinson has been left out of the 12-man squad which Australia announced. The rest of the team is expected to be the same. The hosts look set to hand over a much-awaited Test debut to Jofra Archer while Sam Curran is also likely to replace the struggling Joe Denly.

Match Details:

The second Ashes Test between England and Australia will be played at Lord’s in London.

The match starts at 11:00 AM local time (3:30 PM IST) (10:00 AM GMT).

This game will be live on Sony Six and Sony Six HD in India. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Weather Report:

The start of play is likely to be delayed with the rain expected to come down between 9 AM and 12 PM. There is 61% chance of rain in the morning while the heavens are likely to open up at 4 PM as well. The forecast for the following days is also not promising and the conditions might be overcast right through the game.

Pitch Condition

The surface had something in it for the bowlers for the England-Ireland encounter played last month. While it looked dry on the eve of the match, the early morning showers and the overcast conditions will help the fast bowlers swing the red cherry. Jofra Archer will come in handy for England while Pat Cummins and Starc can pose the threat with the new ball. The team winning the toss is expected to bowl first.

Average first innings score: 176 (last five Test matches at the venue) (Team batting first)

Average second innings score: 304 (last five Test matches at the venue) (Team batting second)

Probable Playing XIs:

England

Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Chris Woakes, Sam Curran, Jack Leach, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad.

Bench: Joe Denly.

Australia

David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Wade, Tim Paine (C & WK), Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon.

Bench: Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Marnus Labuschagne, Michael Neser, Mitchell Marsh, Marcus Harris.

Team News

(Will be shared when there is an update)

Top Picks

Last time Australia played at Lord’s, Steve Smith scored 215 and 58 runs in two innings. The visitors also won that game by a mammoth 405 runs.

Chris Woakes has an exceptional record at Lord’s as well and returned with the figures of 6/17 in the second innings against Ireland last month.

Chris Woakes at Lord’s in four Tests

With the bat: 

Runs: 274

Average: 68.50

100s: 1

Best score: 137*

With the ball: 

Wickets: 24

Average: 9.75

5-wicket haul: 3

Best figures: 6/17

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Steve Smith, Chris Woakes, Joe Root

Vice-Captain Options: Ben Stokes, Matthew Wade, Jofra Archer, Travis Head

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Matthew Wade

Batsmen – Steve Smith (C), Joe Root, Rory Burns

All-Rounders – Travis Head, Ben Stokes

Bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes (VC), Jofra Archer

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Jonny Bairstow

Batsmen – David Warner, Steve Smith (VC), Cameron Bancroft, Jason Roy

All-Rounders – Ben Stokes

Bowlers – Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Pat Cummins, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes (C)

Expert Advice:

With the overcast conditions expected to greet both the teams, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to have six bowlers in your team.

Woakes is a must in any team looking at his all-round performance at Lord’s. He will most probably bat at seven and scored 137* last year against India. He could be made C or VC of your team.

Probable Winners:

Australia have a good record at Lord’s but England can also fight back to level the series.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.