England have had decent success in Tests in recent times thanks to their inventive play called 'Bazball', which revolve around taking on the opposition rather than play the format traditionally.
For England, winning the toss at Lord's in the 2nd Test has been the only shining light so far, as Australia have dominated proceedings at every opportunity they have had.
England have had decent success in Tests in recent times thanks to their inventive play called 'Bazball', which revolve around taking on the opposition rather than play the format traditionally.
The home side's captain Ben Stokes even exhibited their new style of play in the 1st Ashes Test, declaring England's first innings total on Day 1 at 393-8. England, however, ended up losing tightly-contest match by 2 wickets on the last day.
Ever since, former cricketers have wondered how effective Bazball as a strategy is, considering the weight of an Ashes series.
For England, winning the toss at Lord's in the 2nd Test has been the only shining light so far, as Australia have dominated proceedings at every opportunity they have had.
Be it with the bat when Steve Smith struck his 32nd Test hundred or when the bowlers bowled a barrage of short balls to effectively shake up England's batting in the first innings, everything has worked in the visitrors' favour.
Kevin Pietersen, former England cricketer, who lambasted the home side for appearing on friendly terms with the opposition on Day 1 of the 2nd Test, continued his assessment of whether England can alter their tactics to turn the match around.
While speaking to Sky Sports, he said, "Do you think you can change tactics as a cricket team in the middle of a series? I know it's all about Bazball, and 'we're going to play this way, we will always chase a win'. Who knows, they may have the most unbelievable fourth innings and chase it down, and we're sitting here talking the biggest load of nonsense. But they can, against this Australian side, tinker with what they are doing because what they have done this week and last week (at Edgbaston) certainly didn't work."
Day 3 saw Australia bowl out England for 325, 91 runs short of the visitors' first innings total, and by the end. they had managed a healthy 221-run lead. Usman Khawaja, batting at 58 had first innings centurion Steve Smith for company.