Former England captain Kevin Pietersen lashed out on the England bowlers for exhibiting lack of intent on Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s, London. Host skipper Ben Stokes received the toss and opted to bowl first beneath overcast circumstances, however Australia had all of the enjoyable. Openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja put a 73-run stand. Despite dropping 5 wickets on the day, Australia posted 339 runs on the finish of play. Josh Tongue and Joe Root picked two wickets apiece, whereas Ollie Robinson additionally claimed a wicket. The trio, nonetheless, lacked help from different England bowlers.

“Absolutely shambolic! You have overhead conditions, you have a wicket that suits your bowlers and have got bowlers running in at 78 to 80 mph. Now it is one thing, walking here, swanning around and saying ‘Hey, this is a wonderful team to play in. We are creating the best environment’. But this is not Ashes cricket!” stated Pietersen at Tea on Day 1.

“The Australians here were outside to bat before the English bowlers. The English bowlers this morning should have been on the stairs saying ‘We want to bowl at Australia. We are desperate to bowl to Australia’. These two Australian batters are out there waiting for England. They are the ones who should have been in the room saying ‘No, no! Hold on! We don’t want to bat’. And it’s all too easy, it’s all too nice.

“Are you joking? Are you completely joking?” said a fiery Pietersen.

Fifties from Steve Smith, Travis Head and David Warner helped Australia end Day 1 on a high. While Warner’s 66 set the tone for Australia, Smith’s 85 not out held the fort for the Pat Cummins-led side. Travis Head’s 77 off 73 only added to the problems of England.