Australia has once again claimed a remarkable victory where it looked like England were about to level the series after a number of incredible batting performances from the English lineup.
Now after the second Test, we continue to shape our Rolling XI of the 2023 Ashes series, combining the performances from both Edgbaston and Lord's.
VIEW: ROLLING XI AFTER EDGBASTON TEST
1. Usman Khawaja
300 Runs (First test: 141, 65, Second test: 17, 77)
Khawaja put in another strong performance with the bat in the second Test, scoring a total of 94 runs from his two innings at Lords with his 77 helping the Australians secure a healthy total for England to chase. His 77-run effort also top-scored for the Aussies in the second innings
2. Ben Duckett (replaces Zac Crawley)
204 runs (First test: 12, 19, Second test: 98, 83)
The first change to our best Rolling XI for the Ashes series, with Duckett replacing Zac Crawley after a strong performance at Lord's. Duckett fell short of a century in his first innings with 98 runs before also providing a helping hand with Ben Stokes in the second innings with 83 runs.
3. Joe Root
192 runs (First test: 118, 46, Second test: 10, 18)
2 Wickets (Second test: 2/19, didn't bowl in the second innings)
Root retains his place in the XI despite a shaky batting display in the second Test. Despite his below-average batting, his bowling has solidified his position picking up a couple of wickets of his own as well as taking four catches in the slips.
4. Steven Smith (replaces Harry Brook)
166 runs (First test: 16, 6, Second test: 110,34)
Smith returned to his usual ways in the second Test which ultimately made him receive the call-up to our Rolling XI for the 2023 Ashes series. His contribution with the bat won him Player of the Match, with his first innings century his 32nd in his career. His 34 in the second innings was the second-highest score for the Australians and provided a strong foundation with Khawaja's score to set up an Australian victory.
5. Travis Head
150 runs (First test: 50, 16, Second test: 77, 7)
2 wickets (Second test: 2/17, 0/23)
Head has continued to show his aggression in the second Test, hitting 77 off just 73 deliveries that cemented his position at number five in our team. With Lyon also injured, Head stood up taking two wickets for just 17 runs off his bowling but couldn't quite match it in the second innings.
6. Ben Stokes (replaces Cameron Green)
344 runs (First test: 17, 155, Second test: 17, 155)
3 Wickets (First test: 1/33, 1/9, Second test:1/26, 0/21)
England's captain was enormous in the second Test, nearly carrying his team over the line with a sensational 155 in the second innings in what was nearly enough for England to claim the match. Whilst his bowling hasn't been his best with only one wicket for the Test, his economy rate was superb holding the Australians down from setting a higher target.
7. Alex Carey (WK)
86 runs (First test: 66, 20, Second test: 22, 21)
15 dismissals (First test: 9, Second test: 6)
Carey is holding his spot as wicket-keeper with another strong performance with the gloves. His batting wasn't overly spectacular in comparison to the first Test, but he is proving to be a good partner out in the middle. Whilst controversial, his clever stumping of Jonny Bairstow in the second innings might have been the game-changing moment that Australia needed to win the second Test.
8. Pat Cummins (captain)
115 runs (First test: 38, 44, Second test: 22*, 11)
8 wickets (First test: 0/59, 4/63 Second test: 1/46, 3/69)
Leading from the front, Cummins showed why he is still among the greatest in the world. After a slow start with the ball again, his batting in the first innings continued to be very advantageous for Australia sneaking extra scoreboard pressure onto the English, before backing up a winning effort with the ball in the second innings.
9. Stuart Broad
49 runs (First test: 16,10, Second test: 12, 11)
11 wickets (First test: 3/68, 3/64 Second test: 1/99, 4/65)
Whilst it wasn't quite the bowling display that Broad would've liked, his second innings efforts is what kept England in the game with his four wickets. Without his performance, England may not have even had a chance of stealing a win on the final day of the second Test.
10. Ollie Robinson
54 runs (First test: 17,27, Second test: 9, 1)
10 wickets (First test: 3/55, 2/43 Second test: 3/100, 2/48)
Another five-wicket match from Robinson has kept him on our side for this match, however, more wickets and a stronger contribution with the bat may have helped England draw slightly closer to victory.
11. Nathan Lyon
28 runs (First test: 1, 16, Second test: 7, 4)
9 wickets (First test: 4/149, 4/80 Second test: 1/35, Didn't bowl second innings)
Nathon Lyon retains his spot in the side despite injuring his calf in the second Test. As the best-performing spinner in the series so far, Lyon will hold his position until the third Test when he will be unable to play.
The third Ashes Test begins on the 6th of July at Headingley.
