The Ashes 2nd Test Prediction, Preview, and Odds (June 28-July 2)
- Australia take a 1-0 advantage into the second Ashes test
- England looking to become the first winner of the Ashes to come back from a 1-0 disadvantage since 2005
There is huge excitement before every edition of The Ashes, but few have lived up to the hype more so than the opening installment between England and Australia in Birmingham. However, Ben Stokes’s team has it all to do as the test moves to London, as England trails 1-0 after an agonizing defeat at Edgbaston.
How To Watch
- When: Wednesday, June 28, 2023- Sunday, July 2, 2023
- Where: Lord’s, London, England
- How To Watch: Willow TV
Odds
| 2nd Test Result | Odds |
|---|---|
| England | |
| Draw | |
| Australia |
Match Preview
It’s fair to say that test cricket isn’t for everyone, but it would have been hard to argue that few sporting events this year created the drama that we saw over the opening five days of the Ashes this year. England looked to be in complete control on the final day, needing seven wickets before reducing the Aussies to 227-8. However, the Aussies showed their grit to overcome the English, with Australian captain, Pat Cummins, scoring an impressive 44.
Such was the drama at Edgbaston, there was a sense that victory was snatched from England’s fingertips. Stokes had the chance to catch Nathan Lyons, but in a dramatic moment, the English captain was unable to keep hold of the ball. Stokes will certainly have questions to answer ahead of the second test, with Moeen Ali’s fitness a key question after the spin-bowler struggled with a finger injury throughout the opening installment.
READ MORE: Royal Ascot Predictions: Day Four Preview, and Odds (June 23)
Prior to the start of the Ashes, it was billed as the cautious but professional Aussies against an entertaining English side, and in the opening test, it was the cautious approach that came out on top. England chased the win, and were on the front foot after declaring on the opening day. But, the Australians would have felt vindicated after the final day, as they were finally able to banish the ghosts from Edgbaston 18 years ago when they fell just short of a target of 282.
Still, this England side in the ‘Bazball’ era has been incredibly difficult to beat. They have lost just two of 12 test matches, with their only other loss coming by one run against New Zealand. However, this will now be the biggest test of the Stokes era, as no side has come back from a game behind to win the Ashes since England in 2005.
The Ashes 2nd Test Prediction
Edgbaston was a ground that played to England’s strengths, but Lord’s is one where the advantage is firmly with Australia. The Aussies have won two of their last four at Lord’s, and England have won just twice against the Aussies in 23 tests at the London ground. Therefore, the preference is for Australia to take a commanding 2-0 Ashes advantage.
Free Pick:
