Ashes 2023: England fight back on Day 2 as Joe Root and Mark Wood leave Australia 186-7 at tea at the Oval

England have fought their way back into the LV= Men’s Fifth Ashes Test at The Oval/ Australia dominated the opening day, but quick wickets from Stuart Broad and then contributions from James Anderson and Joe Root tipped the match towards England. 

Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne had a national day, scoring just over 50 runs in the first session. When Labuschagne did depart for just 9 from 82 deliveries, it inspired two quick-fire Stuart Broad wickets after lunch. 

The pitch suddenly felt like it was doing something and the middle order batters Mitch Marsh and Alex Carey were removed without really troubling the scorers.  At 172-6, Australia were still over 100 behind England’s first innings total of 283.

Mitchel Starc carried on the routine of leaving without really adding much, and he was caught by Ben Duckett after being paced out by Mark Wood. 185-7 now Australia, and still 98 runs in the deficit.

At tea, it was confirmed to have been England's session with 5 wickets falling after lunch. Australia captain Pat Cummins joined Steve Smith out in the middle.