England’s hopes of bowling Australia out cheaply in the 5th Ashes Test at the Kia Oval have been dashed since all-rounder Moeen Ali will not play on Day 2.
Ali injured his groin while batting on Day 1, and the England medical staff will continue to monitor him. The incident occurred while sprinting between the wickets during his partnership with Harry Brook on Day 1 at the Kia Oval.
The injured veteran promptly summoned physio, but the Warwickshire all-rounder was clearly in pain. Despite the agony, Moeen batted on and reached 34 before spinner Todd Murphy repositioned his stumps.
England were 73/3 after a 62-run opening stand between Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley. Duckett was the first to leave, followed by Crawley. Joe Root headed back to the pavilion with a single-figure score after edging one onto the stumps off Josh Hazlewood.
5th Ashes Test: After limiting England to 283 points on Day 1, Australia gains the advantage
Meanwhile, Australia won on Day 1 by bowling Ben Stokes and company out for 283 in little over 50 overs, finishing with a score of 61-1. Following Brook and Moeen’s 111-run stand, the home team lost their final seven wickets for 99 runs.
Mitchell Starc was the standout bowler, collecting four wickets, while Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy both had two. Harry Brook led the way with 85 points.
The visitors lead the five-Test series 2-1, having won by two wickets and 43 runs at Edgbaston and Lord’s, respectively. Ben Stokes and his teammates bounced back at Heagingley and controlled practically the entire game at Old Trafford. Day 5 saw no play due to heavy rains, despite the fact that there were just five more wickets to be taken.
England has to win the last Test against Australia to avoid their first series defeat at home since 2001.
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