Ashes 2023: David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith make England toil on day one at Lord’s

Australia have taken control of the LV= Insurance Men’s Second Ashes Test at Lord’s. The tourists look set to build a big score with Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschangne fighting hard. 

On a gloomy day at Lord’s, England’s Ben Stokes won the toss and put Australia into bat. The first session belonged to the tourists, with David Warner on the front foot and Usman Khawaja digging in to move them onto a 73 run opening partnership. 

Ashes debutant Josh Tongue made the breakthrough with what would be the last ball before lunch. He got one to stay straight and he bowled Khawaja, the session was Australia’s however. 

David Warner picked up where he left off after lunch and he looked good for his 50. He looked well set to inch towards a three figure score before Tongue got him with a beauty of a ball. His stumps got a seeing to, and Steve Smith joined Marnus Labuschagne in the middle. 

There were chances early in the afternoon, but the two seasoned Australians showed their class and punished the English bowling.