The Ashes 2013: England vs. Australia Second Test Date, Start Time and Preview

England claimed a dramatic victory by 14 runs in the 2013 Ashes First Test, but Australia’s resistance at Trent Bridge gives the Baggy Greens plenty of hope for the second encounter. Both sets of players have little time to rest on their laurels and will once again face the uncharacteristic English heat to do battle across five days in the nation’s capital.

Australia haven’t tasted Ashes victory since their home series in 2006/2007 and have failed to capture the urn on English soil since winning four tests in 2001. Despite the batting heroics of players such as Brad Haddin, James Pattinson and Ashton Agar—the 19-year-old who scored a debut record for a No. 11 of 98 runs during his first innings—the visitors came up just short in an encounter that continued to swing back and forth.

Michael Clarke will be proud of his team’s efforts so far. Even so, the Australian captain must inspire his men to victory in the Second Test. If England were to progress with a 2-0 advantage, the British summer of sporting success would surely continue. Can the Aussies get back in the game? Let’s break down the vital information.

Where: Lord's Cricket Ground, London.

When: 18-22 July, 2013 at 6 a.m ET.

Series Score: England 1-0 Australia

Broadcasters: Sky Sports (UK), GEM/Fox Sports (AUS), Willow Cricket (USA).

Preview

England have James Anderson to thank for their 1-0 advantage. The pace bowler notched up figures of 10 for 158 in a First Test that would have ended differently if it wasn’t for Alastair Cook’s decision to continue utilising the Lancashire player. Anderson battled injury and fatigue to bowl 32 overs in an effort that summed up a First Test of standout individual displays.

Decision making has proved vital so far. Cook and his team decided to use the Decision Review System on a Haddin nick that was originally ruled as not-out. Upon review, both a tiny hotspot and clink of sound granted England an opening win by the smallest of margins. Cook praised the team’s coolness under pressure, as reported by The Daily Telegraph:

"

We heard the edge, that’s why we reviewed it. But we always take a little bit of time discussing it. It’s a bit of a team tactic because obviously emotion can kick in and wanting any wicket at any time means you think it could be out. But you’ve got to give yourself five seconds thinking time.

"

The Guardian confirmed England have announced an unchanged side for the Second Test. Cook and coach Andy Flower may decide to replace Steve Finn with Tim Bresnan or Graham Onions, but the home side have decided on maintaining the same squad of players who experienced glory in the First Test.

Australia's top-order batsmen must improve if they are to leave Lord's on level terms. The so-called Invincibles were 117-9 before Agar stepped up, and they never looked like setting a total that would see the home side panic.

Although Haddin and Pattinson's remarkable staying power put Australia on the brink of victory, the narrow loss would never have happened if one of the squad's top-order batsman showed their full array of skills. England know Australia's key men remain under pressure and must bowl aggressively to stop the Southern Hemisphere side gaining any rhythm.

England are undoubtedly favourites for the Second Test. Cook has a talented squad to work with and will be confident of stubbing out any Australian fightback with tactical prowess. James Anderson will once again prove pivotal, but England's overall batting performance will see them to victory.

Ian Bell was the only person to score a century during the First Test, a statistic that is destined to alter now Australia are under intense pressure to win. With the advantage firmly in England's grasp, the home side can be expected to make lighter work of Australia during this important fixture.