England vs. Australia, 2nd Test: Day 2 Takeaways

After two days of the second Test between England and Australia at Lord’s, London, the visitors are well on top as they lead by 481 runs in the first innings.

The Baggy Green declared on 566 for eight and then reduced the home side to 30 for four before a slight recovery took them to 85 for four at the close of play.

It was certainly another enthralling game dominated by the visiting Australians, who will definitely fancy themselves to continue this form and take a series-leveling victory.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some takeaways and key moments from the day’s play, with England way behind and the away side in the ascendancy for the second straight day.

Steven Smith makes history at Lord’s

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

At the start of the second day, Australian No. 3 Steven Smith was on 129 and looking in commanding form for the visiting team.

By the end of his innings, having made 215 before being trapped leg before wicket by Joe Root, he had swept all before him and put the tourists in a near-unassailable position.

Smith’s innings lasted 346 balls and included 25 fours and one six, and it was a key factor in the Baggy Green reaching 566 for eight declared.

He became the first Australian to score a double-century in a Test match at Lord’s since Bill Brown in 1938, which is indicative of how good his innings was.

Smith is also the first Australian to score a double-century in a Test match away from home since Jason Gillespie made 201 not out against Bangladesh in 2006.

The right-hander has been in superb form and appears to be positioning himself well to be the long-term successor to Michael Clarke, both as captain and Australia’s key batsman.

Peter Nevill shows batting ability

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

Australian debutant Peter Nevill came into the team in place of wicketkeeper Brad Haddin and impressed first up with the bat after something of a minor batting collapse.

In his 59-ball innings, Nevill acted as the perfect foil for Smith and showed how capable he is at seven in the order.

He was there as Smith brought up his double-century, and while it was not an explosive innings of the kind previously played by Adam Gilchrist, it was still key.

Nevill may well be disappointed to have been dismissed for 45, especially off the part-time spin of Joe Root, but it set him up well for future innings.

He appeared to step well into the void left by Haddin.

England’s brittle top order continues poor run

Kirsty Wigglesworth/Associated Press

When Australia declared their innings closed at 566 for eight, England had just less than a session to bat before the close of play, and they found themselves in an enormous problem.

It all started in the first over, as Adam Lyth was caught behind off Mitchell Starc to leave the home side zero for 1.

Alastair Cook and Gary Ballance looked to rebuild, but when the latter was bowled by Mitchell Johnson for 23, it precipitated a worrying batting collapse.

Ian Bell and Root were both out for one run apiece, and at 30 for four, England were in trouble.

Thankfully for the home side, Cook and Ben Stokes came together and rebuilt effectively to take their team to 85 for four at the close.

England still trail by 481 runs with just six wickets in hand, so it will take an incredible effort from their remaining batsmen to avert defeat.