The Ashes 2013, 2nd Test at Lord's: Five players to watch out for on Day 3

Michael Clarke of Australia leads his team from the field at stumps during day two of the 2nd Ashes Test against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s kept both the sides interested but England snatched the initiative on Day 2. Australia failed to restrict England quickly allowing them to pass the 350 run-mark on the strength of Stuart Broad’s valuable contribution.

It was critical that Australia matched that total with the bat but they succumbed to the spin of Graeme Swann after a steady start by Shane Watson and Chris Rogers. From 42 for no loss Australia slumped to 128 all out in just over 50 overs. The middle-order failed to show any substantial resistance.

For the first time in the series, the comments about this being the weakest Australian squad ever to visit England began to make sense.

England had the option of imposing the follow-on but they chose to rest their bowlers instead. With a lead of 233 runs in the bag and over three days still remaining, England were under no pressure. Despite the disappointing effort of the batting department, the bowlers continued to show heart.

Peter Siddle ran in with great purpose rattling the stumps of the English captain first and following that with a similar dismissal of Jonathan Trott, who picked up his second duck of the series. Siddle landed another crucial blow dismissing Kevin Pietersen with a full delivery outside the off-stump, tempting him into a drive leaving England stumbling at 31/3.

Australia can make a comeback in this match only if they continue this miraculous recovery to dismiss England before they reach the 120-150 run mark. Even then, they will have an uphill task facing them in the final innings.

Here is a look at five players who can make a difference to this game on Day 3:

Joe Root of England hits out during day two of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

5. Joe Root

The youngest player in this English line-up was promoted to the top-of-the-order for the Ashes in place of under-performing Nick Compton and this might be his chance to repay the belief. He survived a hostile spell of bowling from Siddle and co. to remain undefeated at the end of the day while more experienced campaigners succumbed to the incessant attack.

England does not need much from him as they already lead by a healthy 264 runs in the game. If he can anchor the innings, allowing the likes of Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell and Matthew Prior to play around him, then he would have done a magnificent job.

James Pattinson of Australia appeals for a wicket during day one of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 18, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

4. James Pattinson

The Australian bowlers have been most unfortunate on this tour so far as they have their job perfectly well without getting the support of the batsmen. James Pattinson will have to bowl against the wind on Day 3 as there will be very little margin for error.

The challenge is exaggerated by the fact that he will have to pick up wickets without leaking any runs. His best chance will lie in exploiting the swing that is available in the first hour of play so that Australia can expose the English tail as soon as possible. He will have an able partner in Siddle at the other end creating pressure with his tight line-and-length.

Ian Bell of England hits out during day one of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 18, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

3. Ian Bell

The centurion from the first innings has come to England’s rescue a couple of times in this series already. He came in to bat in a similar situation the last innings and withered out the initial energetic burst with patience before indulging in some elegant shot-making.

He was shielded by a night-watchman at the close of Day 2 so he is likely to be on the pitch rather soon. Even a quick fire fifty will do enough for England in the current situation as that will take Australia’s target to almost 400 runs. It will be a near-impossible task given the effectiveness with which Swann has bowled on this Lord’s wicket.

Ryan Harris of Australia celebrates after taking his fifth wicket, James Anderson of England during day two of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

2. Ryan Harris

Harris was Australia’s outstanding bowler in the first innings picking up a five-for. He will have to put in a performance of an even greater magnitude on Day 3 if he wants to create a miniscule chance for his team.

His ability to swing the ball in to the right-handed batsman will come in handy at the start of the day as Root has shown vulnerability to that kind of bowling. He is a tidy customer and will not give away runs cheaply. It will be interesting to see the approach that the English batsman take towards him as he can be targeted if England decide to play a more aggressive brand of cricket.

Peter Siddle of Australia celebrates the wicket of Kevin Pietersen of England during day two of the 2nd Ashes Test at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

1. Peter Siddle

Siddle’s three-wicket haul at the close of Day 2 dented England’s dream day at work. He wrecked havoc with the new ball hitting bones with his excellent pace and in-swing. He would have had nightmares about the no-ball that he bowled in the first-innings that saved Bairstow, who was dismissed on the delivery.

That fault of his cost the team a huge number of runs but his spirit of competitiveness is commendable. The Australian batsmen need to take a leaf out of his book and apply themselves with the bat in the 4th innings. Hopefully, Siddle will make sure that England does not run away with this match.