Ashes 2023: rain comes out on top at Lords in 2019 as match drawn despite unbeaten Ben Stokes century

The second LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes Test sees the famous tour head to the famous old ground of Lords. England will be hoping to bounce back from their narrow 2 wicket loss in the series opener at Edgbaston. 

The last Ashes series in England back in 2019 also saw Lords host the second test- on this occasion Australia also had a 1-0 lead following a win at Edgbaston. In the end though, heavy rain put to an end any chance of a result. 

The whole first day was washed out, and when play did get going England batted first, scoring 258 runs. Jonny Bairstow and Rory Burns both scored half centuries for the hosts. 

Australia struggled in their reply, with Steve Smith’s 92 being the only score of over 50. Stuart Broad led the attack with 4-60 as Australia were bowled out for 250. 

England’s second innings went better than their first as they reached 258-5 before declaring in an effort to force a result. Ben Stokes scored an unbeaten 115 and was well supported with 30+ contributions from Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow. 

Despite the best efforts with the ball, Australia held firm and England could only take six of the required 10 wickets. Debutant Jofra Archer took three of these, setting himself up well for the rest of the series.