Twitter Reactions: Australia survive Ben Stokes’ onslaught to take 2-0 Ashes lead

England vs Australia. (Photo by IAN KINGTON/AFP via Getty Images)

After a pulsating first Test match at Edgbaston, where Australia won by two wickets, the second Test at Lord’s didn’t disappoint in bringing the thrills.

England began Day 5 at 114/4, requiring another 257 runs to get an improbable victory. Skipper Ben Stokes and opener Ben Duckett resumed proceedings and played with a lot of confidence. They stitched together a 132-run partnership to give England hope. However, once Duckett departed for 83, England began to look down the barrel once again.

Jonny Bairstow, England’s last recognised batter, failed to last long as he was stumped by Alex Carey off the bowling of Cameron Green when he left the crease while the ball wasn’t dead. This gift of a wicket could have knocked the stuffings out of any team. However, Stokes was in no mood to go down without a fight. He cut loose on the Aussie bowlers, peppering the leg-side boundary at regular intervals. With Stuart Broad for company, Stokes marched on and registered his 13th Test hundred before Lunch.

When the umpires called for Lunch, Stokes had already helped England bring the runs required down to 128. The visitors, however, were still in the driver’s seat as they needed just four more wickets to go 2-0 ahead in the series.

In the fourth ball post-lunch, Steve Smith dropped a relatively easy catch of Stokes at deep square leg. The southpaw capitalised on the lifeline offered to him and took his team closer to the target with some lusty blows. Stuart Broad also stuck around with his captain, displaying a lot of grit and determination in countering the barrage of short deliveries being directed at him.

Australia take 2-0 lead in the Ashes

With just 70 runs left, Stokes attempted to pull Josh Hazlewood for a boundary. However, all he could manage was a top edge that went up high in the air and settled into the hands of Alex Carey. The all-rounder’s mesmerising knock was lauded by everyone at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, including the Australian players.

Once Stokes departed for a 214-ball 155, it was going to be a steep task for the likes of Ollie Robinson, Josh Tongue, and James Anderson to tackle the potent Aussie bowling. The Australian bowlers relentlessly used bouncers to unsettle England’s tailenders. Mitchell Starc took the final wicket of Josh Tongue as the visitors won by 43 runs to go 2-0 ahead in the Ashes.

Here are some of the Tweets:

Sorry everyone, I turned on for my first ball of the day and Stokesy got out… as all superstitious cricketers know, it’s all my fault and I’ll go and reflect on my interfering… 🤦🏽‍♀️ https://t.co/PbeyyJ4Ht9

— Tammy Beaumont (@Tammy_Beaumont) July 2, 2023

That was as good as it gets … 155 incredible runs .. #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 2, 2023

Clarity under pressure is what sets Stokes apart. Just like Rishabh Pant for India. #Ashes

— Sanjay Manjrekar (@sanjaymanjrekar) July 2, 2023

That was something else! Take a bow @benstokes38 🙌🏽 Almost pulled off a miracle again! #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/yVlVvxn56R

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 2, 2023

May eventually turn out to be an innings in a losing cause, but Ben Stokes and his stomach for a fight is unreal. 🔥🔥🔥 #Ashes2023

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) July 2, 2023

It’s getting very interesting #Ashes2023 #ENGvsAUS

— Mayank Agarwal (@mayankcricket) July 2, 2023

Extraordinary innings from the England captain, Stokes lives for these moments. #Ashes2023

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 2, 2023

I hope you’re ALL watching this cricket!

— Kevin Pietersen🦏 (@KP24) July 2, 2023

Stuart Broad looking at the umpire at the end of every over and confirming sarcastically if he can leave the crease is next level

I’m all in for that 😎

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) July 2, 2023

@faf1307 they need you at Lords to go and handle the situation there… dont forget your white towel 😅#NotAllHeroesWearCapes https://t.co/t0ANH6VmMS

— Tabraiz Shamsi (@shamsi90) July 2, 2023

The Man, The Myth, The Legend Ben stokes 155 ❤️ #Ashes23 pic.twitter.com/FQH71liJgK

— satender (@satende60008319) July 2, 2023

Fighting knock by Ben Stokes 👏#Ashes23 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/qTUbGttIHe

— . (@Ajaykumar_183) July 2, 2023

A Standing Ovation for the captain, Ben stokes for incredible display.🙌#notout #Ashes23 #Ashes #Ashes2023 pic.twitter.com/Jk1oTIGjGP

— Yogesh Negi (@yogeshnegi45) July 2, 2023

Ben Stokes, you beauty 🔥 #Ashes23 #BenStokes #england #Australia pic.twitter.com/bCFaedBiUI

— Harsh (@harshlulla10) July 2, 2023

Greatness appreciating greatness.

Steven Smith giving Ben Stokes a pat on his back for the unbelievable knock pic.twitter.com/1n6xI1N9I1

— Naimur Hasan 🇧🇩🇯🇴 (@NaimurHasan_04) July 2, 2023

तुम कमाल हो बेन भाई 🔥💪

Ben Stokes 😊🙌#Ashes23 #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/7FoyUL3pjS

— Arpit Srivastav (@srivastav_arpit) July 2, 2023