England's big test against determined Australia at Lord's   

Betting Odds

Our Predictions 

• Joe Root has odds of 4.31 to be England's best batsman in this Test Match  
• Steven Smith has odds of 4.46 to be the best batsman for Australia in this Test Match  
• James Anderson and Oliver Robinson share odds of 3.54 to be the best bowler for England  
• Pat Cummins has odds of 3.12 to be Australia's best bowler  

MATCH PREVIEW     

Hosts England would like to bounce back and level the series in the 2nd Test Match at Lord's after going down by two wickets in a thrilling game at Edgbaston. Their inability to go for the kill and a strong fightback from the Australian tail cost them the game. England did make a few tactical errors in the last game, but they need to put all that behind them. The Australians would be confident after winning the last game and have their top order in excellent form. We expect a strong comeback from England which will make this game interesting.  

England Preview     

Ben Stokes has to strike the perfect balance between aggression and caution in this game. Having the foot on the accelerator pedal constantly cost them the last game. They have perfected the aggressive brand of cricket, but when they are up against the No. 1 Test side, they can't afford tactical errors. It will be one of Stokes' most crucial games as a skipper, and he can't expect any favors from the Aussies. The English skipper must make the right calls to level the series and put his side on track.  

Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley would have figured out the difference between facing an Aussie and an Irish attack. The openers struggled in the last game and must do well against the new ball. Joe Root looked confident and must build partnerships with Ollie Pope and Harry Brook in the middle order as the Australian attack will probe them. Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, and Stokes add solidity to this line-up down the order.   

James Anderson and Stuart Broad must bring their experience to play and make early inroads into the Australian batting. Ollie Robinson bowled with a lot of heart in the last game, and his performance will be crucial this summer. Moeen Ali's injury cost them dearly in the last game, and he must use the old ball well. Stokes and Joe Root must deliver good shows in the supporting role.  

Expected Starting XI for England

Ben Stokes (c), Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson 

Australia Preview      

Pat Cummins took his side home to a victory in the last game. A personal triumph for the skipper can do a lot of wonders for any team's confidence. The Australian management will look to capitalize on it here. The side has a good record at Lord's and hasn't lost a game here since 2013. With their top order and fast bowlers in good form, Cummins will be eying a 2-0 lead in this game and put the English side on the mat.  

Usman Khawaja batted brilliantly in both innings and was rightly adjudged the MoM. He will look to deliver a perfect start with David Warner, who isn't at his best. Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne struggled in the last game, and they need to do well in this game along with Travis Head, who is doing well. The lower-middle order won them the game at Edgbaston, and they will expect runs from Cameron Green, Alex Carey, and Pat Cummins.  

Pat Cummins led from the front with the ball in the last game. He will target the English openers who have shown a bit of rust. Josh Hazlewood must support his captain well in this game. Nathan Lyon had a good game with 8 wickets, and he got under the English batsmen's skin and like to trouble the Englishmen. Green and Scott Boland complete a good attack for the side.  

Expected Starting XI for Australia     

Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland

TOSS: To Bowl First      

The side bowling first has won the last six Test Matches at Lord's. Batting here on the first day is never easy, as the conditions are conducive for the fast bowlers. The captains shall have no hesitation at the toss, and the side winning the spin of the coin shouldn't hesitate to bowl first in the game.  

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS      

The weather would remain cloudy from July 28, which would be welcome news for the fast bowlers. The pitch will initially assist the fast bowlers, and it would be an easy wicket to bat on from Day 2 onward. The side batting first would be happy to have 350-400 runs on the board.  

OUR PREDICTION      

England are on the back foot, and it isn't something they are used to playing at home. They need their openers to fire and the bowling attack to deliver the goods under crunch situations. Australians have their tails up after the thrilling win in the last game. Their bowlers had a great outing in the last game. We expect this game to be another thriller, but based on the current form, our money would be on Australia, like most betting sites.  

Our Prediction is for Australia to win