Rain interrupts England momentum as prospect of result fades away

After their defeat in the first Test Edgbaston, securing a victory at Lord’s is of paramount importance for this England side. With the first day a washout, and their underwhelming 258 in the first innings on a docile surface, they needed to start well.

Stuart Broad and debutant Jofra Archer were excellent. With combined figures of 26-9-44-3, they gave the Australian batsmen very little to work with. Cameron Bancroft battled hard, scoring just one boundary in his 66 balls at the crease before he was out lbw to give Archer his first Test wicket. Usman Khawaja feathered one through to Jonny Bairstow off Chris Woakes three balls later to leave two new batsmen at the crease. At 60/3, Australia were in a spot of bother.

Broad returned to the attack and soon accounted for Travis Head, also lbw, on review after Aleem Dar initially rejected Broad’s impassioned appeal. Steve Smith and Matthew Wade, who scored three centuries between them in the first Test of the series, managed to see Australia through a tricky spell before the rain came down to bring a bring a premature end to the session and ultimately, the day.

With two days to play, the prospects for a result look unlikely. For England to press for the result they need, they’ll need to bring an end to Australia’s fourth innings as soon as possible on day four.