In Short
- The 2nd Ashes Test is set to start on June 28
- Australia are leading the 5-match series 1-0
- England have already named their playing XI
By India Today Sports DeskEngland and Australia are geared up to play in the second Ashes Test, which gets underway on Wednesday, June 28 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
The Aussies, captained by Pat Cummins, are leading the series 1-0 after they snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the opening Test at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.
Also ReadLord’s Test Preview
However, the hosts are most likely to come harder at the visitors, having lost the opening Test by two wickets. England have opted for an all-pace attack and have also dished out a green track at the Home of Cricket.
Moeen Ali, who was struggling with his finger injury, would not be a part of the Test. Rehan Ahmed, who was called in as his cover, didn’t get a chance either. England, meanwhile, brought in Josh Tongue, who made his Test debut at the Lord’s earlier this month and picked up a fifer.
The Aussies are yet to name their playing XI. Despite the seam-friendly conditions, it is unlikely that they will drop Nathan Lyon, who is on the verge of picking up 500 Test wickets. Lyon also accounted for four scalps in the Edgbaston Test.
Will rain play a part on Day 1 of the 2nd Ashes Test?
As per Accuweather, there will be a 7 percent chance of rain throughout the duration of the day’s play. The playing conditions will be cloudy and sun is not expected to be out. Temperatures will be around the 24-degree Celsius mark with the humidity mostly in the 60s.
A cool breeze will also blow across the Lord’s, making it easy for the cricketers on the field. The chances of rain increase to 19 and 60 later in the day, but it is not a matter of concern for the players.
Trace Hane
Isaac Tremblay
Jakob Auer