Twitter Reactions: Bowlers dominate on Day 2 as Headingley Test evenly poised

England vs Australia. (Photo Source: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

At the close of Day 2, Australia concluded with a score of 116 runs, leading by 142 runs at Headingly in Leeds on Friday, July 7. Notably, the Ben Stokes-led England bundled out for a paltry score of 237 runs in the second innings of the third Ashes Test.

England began the day’s play with an overnight score of 68 for the loss of three wickets. However, it took Aussie skipper Pat Cummins just two balls at the start of the day to send Joe Root back to the pavilion for 19 runs off 45 balls.

Skipper Ben Stokes needed to replicate a similar performance as he did in the second Test following the regular fall of wickets. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc and Cummins breathed fire and ripped through the rival batting order to land the blows.

While Cummins registered a magnificent six-wicket haul for just 91 runs in his 18 overs, Starc added two wickets under his belt to leave the Three Lions reeling. Stokes tried hard to play a breezy knock and scored 80 off 108 balls before he was sent packing upon which England concluded with a score of 237 runs. Mitchell Marsh and Todd Murphy got one scalp each in the second innings for the Aussies.

While the Aussies clawed their way back into the contest, England on the other hand handed no respite as they counter-attacked to remain on level terms with the visitors. During the third innings, seasoned pacer Stuart Broad got the prized scalp of David Warner, who was sent packing for a record 17th time in his Test career to the same bowler.

Meanwhile, Moeen Ali, who returned to the setup, got the wickets of Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne in consecutive overs which reduced Australia to 72/3. The Aussies eventually concluded with a score of 116 runs, taking a lead by 142 runs on Day 2.

Here’s how Twitter reacted to the clash on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test:

If England had just batted with a bit more discipline they’d be on the verge of Winning the Ashes. Everything is in the balance right now. #TheAshes2023

— Owen McCusker (@owenymac79) July 7, 2023

I’ll be honest, I thought it was going to be a lot lot worse. If Wood and Woakes had a career without injuries they’d be up there with the best, sensational players

— Josh (@joshpearson180) July 7, 2023

Day 2 stumps. Australia 116/4 with 142 runs lead. Hope Mitchball and Headball will do a big partnership tomorrow and at least give them 350+ target. #Ashes #TheAshes2023

— Nikhil Pujari (@nikhilsp27) July 7, 2023

3rd Test . End Of Day 2
Tommorow Countinue
at 3:30 pm [ IST]

47′ 116/4 🧢 #Ashes2023 #AUSvsENG pic.twitter.com/ruJjpode9D

— jack 🧢 ‘ aespa ♥️ (@jackiscrazyB) July 7, 2023

Match in Balance only because of Stokes & some tail end runs.. we’ll have a result surely by Tomorrow’s end

Keep the series alive 🙏😮#Ashes #Ashes23 #Ashes2023 #ENGvAUS #AUSvsENG #ENGvsAUS #ausveng

— Mr (@mThinkr) July 7, 2023

Which Mark Wood are we after today’s cricket? #Ashes #ENGvsAUS #England #Australia pic.twitter.com/RyQfn7KGjt

— Paul (spirit of the game) Faustino (@paulfaustino22) July 7, 2023

Miracle still an option tonight #Ashes #Ashes23

— CarusoSings (@CarusoSings) July 7, 2023

Mark Wood delivers the fastest Ashes delivery at a staggering 155.3 kmph! 🚀#Ashes23

— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) July 7, 2023

This match surely England is going to win. No doubt about that. Huge performances by @benstokes38 and @MAWood33 @englandcricket #Ashes23 #WTC25 Have a feeling this Ashes Series is going to end up as an absolute box office thriller #TestCricket https://t.co/INycOQqMQd

— VYBHAV ESWARAIAH (@vybhav1428) July 7, 2023

He’s let his country down. England Expects better. #Ashes23

— Fac63 (@FAC_63) July 7, 2023

Mark Wood 🥵🛐#Ashes #Ashes23 #Ashes2023 #ENGvAUS pic.twitter.com/1pkOf4tAE7

— Dhaval Patel (@CricCrazy0) July 7, 2023

Stumps day 2
Australia lead by 141 runs….

England 55 Australia-45 for me….

Smith and Marnus will be gutted as they gifted their wickets, gonna be a long night for them.

Big day ahead…. Come on Aussie🇦🇺#ENGvAUS #Ashes23 #CricketTwitter

— paRaY_YasiR ✍️ (@ParayYasir2) July 7, 2023

Another riveting day of cricket. Have England made a comeback with that Ben Blinder? #Ashes23

— ಪ್ರದೀಪ್ Pradeep (@HaavinaHede) July 7, 2023