Ashes 2019, Day 2: Rory Burns puts England slightly ahead of Australia.
Rory Burns notches up his maiden Test century as England gain a slight grip over the 1st Ashes Test of 2019.
ASHES: FIRST TEST, DAY TWO
ENGLAND: 267/4 in 90 overs
Rory Burns: 125*(282) | Joe Root: 57(119)
James Pattinson: 2/54
MATCH SUMMARY
Ashes 2019, First Test- Day 2: Rory Burns maiden Test century puts England marginally ahead of the opposition.
59.5, Rory Burns moves into the ’90s with a boundary. He is playing on 92(190).
70.3: The ‘CENTURY’ moment for Rory Burnsas he gets to his maiden test century off 224 deliveries.
34 balls faced for 8 runs; 10 balls on 99*. Two stats which symbolizes the kind of pressure, Rory Burns and all the other 21 gentlemen feel representing their respective countries.
Starting the day off on 10/0, England required a good start from the openers to put Australia under the pressure. It becomes a whole lot important if your team needs to bat 4th in a test match.
However, Jason Roy didn’t listen to us nor to his own instincts. He was looking fidgety from the word go and was picked up by Pattinson, trying to poke at a teaser of a delivery.
THE BURNS-ROOT FIGHT BACK
Both, Root and Burns took some time to get their eyes in, but quickly got back to their normal self.
Joe Root was adjudged caught behind off Pattinson in the 21st over, but, after the call was challenged by Root, DRS showed that the ball’s deflection was caused by the bail, and not of Root’s willow.
Rory Burns then helped himself to his first Ashes fifty off 110 balls, on his Ashes debut. In the 34th over, Root was again adjudged LBW, and thanks again to DRS, the decision was reversed after a huge inside edge was displayed.
Root’s fifty seemed like ominous signs for Australia as the premier batsman looked in pristine touch. However, Root did only what Root can do, fumble big time after getting to a 50. Likewise, Root fell to a moment of brilliance from Peter Siddle, who caught and bowled the Englishman.
BURNS’ MAIDEN TEST CENTURY
Post Root’s dismissal, Rory Burns held the England innings together even as Joe Denly and Joss Buttler couldn’t contribute anything substantial. The 28-year-old opener essayed an innings of absolute class and grit. This century of his made the audience take special note of him and his no-nonsense approach is very admirable.
The composure he displayed was of high quality, and he fought for every run as the Australians weren’t giving anything away for free. For us, his technique in seeing-off Nathan Lyon is the highlight. The off-spinner was turning it square, and Burns was absolutely clinical in the way he went to the pitch of the ball.
Sure, he missed quite a few, but Rory Burns batting the whole day is a positive sign for England Cricket, who have been hunting for a good opener since Cook retired.
Burns found an able ally in Ben Stokes who time and again shows us why he is so highly rated in the cricketing fraternity. Both the left-handers ensured that there were no more casualties.
Is Rory Burns the future of English Cricket, or is he going to falter trying to sustain success? Only time will tell, but for now, he is milking runs at will against the Aussies.
WHAT LIES AHEAD?
England are in a commanding position, and their plan should be to cash-in on the foundation, and bat Australia out of the game. Australia, however, have their task out as their only strategy would be to pick wickets. To deny England a big first-innings lead, quick wickets are crucial.
WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE ASHES CONTENT:
Ashes 2019: Steve Smith lights up Day 1 with an astounding century.
Lakshman is an 18-year-old cricket fanatic. Just like millions of fans, his love for cricket is unparalleled. He has a passion for writing, and his emotion for the sport can be seen in his words.
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