THE SECOND Test of the 2023 Men’s Ashes series gets underway today, with Australia leading the series 1-0 after an epic win at Edgbaston. The stakes could hardly be higher for the home team, who must win three of the next four matches to take back the coveted urn. We take you through all you need to know ahead of the first ball at Lord’s in London.

NEED TO KNOW

When: Wednesday June 28 – Sunday July 2
Where: Lord’s (London)
Watch: Channel Nine, Fox Cricket, Kayo Sports
Listen: ABC Grandstand, SEN

SQUADS

AUSTRALIA:

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner

ENGLAND:

Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Rehan Ahmed

TEAM NEWS

A typically assured English unit has already named its XI for the second Test, settling early much like before the series opener. Only one change has been made, with recently capped quick Josh Tongue replacing spinning allrounder Moeen Ali ahead of Mark Wood.

It means England goes in without a specialist or full-time tweaker, instead opting for a four-pronged pace attack. Conditions are said to be conducive to such a lineup, with the Lord’s pitch looking a grassy green top and plenty of cloud cover expected overhead.

In bowl first kind of conditions, Australia is also set to decide its lineup with the London weather in mind. There is no clarity yet on who will join skipper Pat Cummins in the pace attack, with Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland said to be the frontrunners to retain their spots.

The latter pair offer more subtle skill which may suit the seaming wicket, as opposed to the raw pace and swing of Starc. Michael Neser is also a perennial option who suits a need, with offie Nathan Lyon the obvious unchanged member of Australia’s bowling stocks.

Both sides are poised to head in with the exact same batting orders from one to seven, and all will be tested on what looks like a much more favourable strip for bowlers, as opposed to what was dished up in Edgbaston.

ENGLAND 2ND TEST XI:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, James Anderson

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Australia: David Warner

It was a game of ‘almosts’ for Warner in Edgbaston, who looked good for little substance atop Australia’s batting order. With opening partner Usman Khawaja claiming player of the match honours, the dashing left-hander had arguably less pressure to perform but will want to make a statement in this series, and soon. It could come at the home of cricket, and give Warner the license to play out until at least the next Sydney Test. There’s a fair bit of history to overcome, though.

England: Jimmy Anderson

Another legendary figure for his side who was relatively quiet in the first Test, Anderson should thrive on conditions more conducive to his style at Lord’s. The right-arm seamer couldn’t quite extract that extra something in Edgbaston – which says something of the pitch – but promises to make an impact on what looks like a conversely green wicket. His skill with the ball will likely trouble Australia’s top order, as it has done for many a year. You can’t keep a good man down.

PREDICTION

Bazball bounces back and the cream rises to the top, as England’s legendary seam duo dominates Australia’s batting stocks. This one ends quickly, but Australia’s bowlers will give the visitors a sniff.