‘Yarr puri mehnat bekar gayi’- Fans react as Australia take 2-0 lead against England in Ashes 2023

On Sunday, the World Test Champions Australia defeated England by 43 runs in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s. In pursuit of a 371-run target, English captain Ben Stokes blasted a spectacular 155 and also contributed to a pair of century partnerships. His dismissal, though, switched the momentum towards the Aussies.

There was no miracle; no spectacular escape to speak of this time. Ben Stokes, the hero of Headingley and of the 2019 World Cup final, made one of the most remarkable innings in Test cricket’s 146-year history, but on a really gloomy fifth day, he stood crouched over his bat, bemused, and got eventually defeated. The win at Lord’s gives the visitors a 2-0 series lead with three games remaining.

Aussies continue to dominate in the Ashes

England were eventually left to repent their failure to capitalise on winning the toss in cloudy circumstances, as Australia scored 416 in the first innings, led by batting sensation Steve Smith’s 110. The hosts were well-placed at 188-1 in reply, only for the rest of the batters to fall cheaply, including Ben Duckett on 98.

Jonny Bairstow’s departure before lunch not only took up most of the attention but also created a tremendous controversy. England’s wicketkeeper-batter was out for 10 after wandering out of his ground after dodging a Cameron Green bouncer, and quick-thinking wicketkeeper Alex Carey under-armed the ball onto the stumps. After the odd dismissal, Stokes appeared to be snatching a shock victory for England out of an apparent defeat. He was gone, top-edging a short ball behind to wicketkeeper Alex Carey from Josh Hazlewood.

Pat Cummins said, “We couldn’t be in a better position, while still being booed, long after the victory.”  The last day at Lord’s will go as one of the best day in Ashes history as Stokes added to his fame while the Australians were booed viciously and accused of cheating by fans. Marylebone Cricket Club even apologised to the visitors for their members physically and verbally attacking Usman Khawaja and David Warner over lunch in the holy Long Room.

Here’s how fans reacted to Australia winning second Ashes 2023 Test: