LONDON, July 18:
Alastair Cook made a brave 96 as England battled to avoid the follow-on on the third day of the second Ashes test against Australia at Lord’s today. The hosts took tea on 285 for seven, still 82 runs short of reaching that target and 281 runs behind the touring side who remained firmly on course to level the series.
Cook shared a fifth-wicket partnership of 145 with Ben Stokes, who scored 87, to lift England from the depths of 30 for four and they at last have a foothold in the match after two days of complete Australian dominance.
Having resumed on 85 for four in bright sunshine at the home of cricket, Stokes smashed Mitchell Johnson to the extra cover boundary for his eighth four to bring up his fifty off 67 balls. Cook followed him to the milestone by clipping spinner Nathan Lyon through mid-wicket for three, the captain needing 142 deliveries to get to his half-century in another courageous innings for his side. Stokes, closing in on his third test hundred, chopped a ball from Mitchell Marsh on to his stumps that kept a touch low. (Agencies)
The powerful 24-year-old left-hander struck 13 fours and a six in another demonstration of his huge potential. England took lunch on 181 for five and Jos Buttler was out for 13 soon after the interval, nicking Lyon through to wicketkeeper Peter Nevill. Moeen Ali played positively, lifting Lyon for a straight six while Cook accumulated in his usual patient manner.
The England captain, who struck 13 fours and was in sight of his 28th test century, was undone by another skidding delivery from Marsh which he dragged back on to his stumps. Moeen was unbeaten on 38 at the interval with Stuart Broad on five.
England won the first match of the series in Cardiff by 169 runs. (Agencies)
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