Stokes's century went in vain - Australia beat England at Lord's

ENG vs AUS: On the last day of the Lord's Test full of controversy, drama and thrill, Australia has strengthened its hold in the Ashes series by defeating England by 43 runs. There was an uproar at Lord's on Sunday over Johnny Bairstow's controversial run out, after which England captain Ben Stokes killed Australia with a tremendous counter attack. Again the hopes of a four-year-old miracle at Headingley were raised, but this time Australia succeeded in stopping them.

Four years ago, on the last day at Headingley, Ben Stokes teamed up with Jack Leach to snatch the match from Australia. Stokes and Leach shared a partnership of more than 70 runs for the last wicket. Stokes had given a surprising victory to England on the basis of a sensational century.

Drama on Bairstow's run out

The same wonder of Stokes started appearing in Lord's as well. On the last day of the match, England needed 257 runs and 6 wickets were left. Ben Duckett started the last day's game with Stokes. In the first hour and a half, Stokes batted carefully but Duckett was continuously collecting runs. However, once again he missed a century like in the first innings.

The drama started only after Duckett's wicket, which almost turned the match. Johnny Bairstow was run out by Alex Carey when he came out of the crease after leaving the ball. He had considered the ball as 'dead' but it was not so and Carey ran him out.

🤐🤐🤐#EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/dDGCnj4qNm

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 2, 2023

Stokes's mood changed, he was beaten fiercely

It changed the atmosphere of the entire Lord's. The fans and members of the MCC, who watched the match at Lord's with the usual manners, were also filled with anger and enthusiasm and slogans against Australia started. On the other hand, it also changed the mood of England captain Ben Stokes. At that time, Stokes, who was playing only 62 runs in just 126 balls, scored 38 runs in 16 balls while showering fours and sixes. Stokes completed a brilliant century with 3 consecutive sixes in Cameron Green's over.

Stokes continued his attack even after lunch but in this he also got the contribution of Steve Smith. When Stokes was on 114, Smith dropped a simple catch. Stokes completed 150 runs quickly. Also shared a 100-run partnership with Stuart and brought the target below 100 runs.

Bad condition of England after 15 years

Australia were sweating and they needed to get Stokes out for the win and after a lot of effort, Josh Hazlewood finally gave that success to the team. Stokes pulled Hazlewood's short ball but this time the ball did not go for a six and Alex Carey ended Stokes' memorable innings by taking a catch.

After this, it did not take much time for the last 3 wickets to fall and England were all out for 327. Stark, Hazlewood and Cummins took 3-3 wickets for Australia. This victory of Australia is very special because for the first time after 15 years, England have lost two consecutive Test matches at their home. Earlier in 2008, South Africa had defeated England in two consecutive Tests.