England vs Australia 2nd Test: Australia extended their lead to 2-0 as they defeated England by 43 runs

Ben Stokes' brilliant knock of 155 went in vain as Australia successfully defended the target of 371. England could have won the match if Bairstow or Stokes didn't lose their wickets. Bairstow's wicket was unfortunate and controversial which will be remembered for a long time. Australia now have extended their lead by 2-0 over England and have a huge advantage of securing the Ashes 2023 series.

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England were 193 for 5 when Bairstow ducked to avoid a bouncer from Australian pacer Cameron Green on the last ball of the 52nd over. He assumed that the over had finished, and stepped out of his crease. The Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey hit the stumps with an underarm throw after collecting the ball. The decision was taken to the third umpire who ruled Bairstow was out.

Stokes launched a blistering attack after the controversial dismissal of Jonny Bairstow. He smashed nine sixes and nine fours to keep the hopes alive to chase the target. He has done it before against the same opposition so the fans had the hopes from their skipper. Stokes struck three sixes in an over off Cameron Green to reach his century. He continued the assault after lunch and England were coming near to their target. He completed 150 in 197 runs and then Hazlewood dismissed him which also shattered the hopes of the fans. Stokes deserved a standing ovation and he got that at the iconic Lord's.

Australia bowled out England for 327 and sealed the victory by 43 runs. Ben Duckett earlier contributed a brilliant 83, sharing an excellent partnership of 132 with Stokes to drag England back into the match. Australia have full control of the Ashes 2023 with England needing to win the remaining three games of the series to make a comeback. The third Test at Headingley starts on Thursday.