England v Australia, 2nd Test, Day 1 - The day belongs to Chris Rogers and Steve Smith

The striking thing about the 259-run stand between Steve Smith and Chris Rogers had been slowing down and lifting the batting tempo according to the demand of the situation. To build a solid partnership in Test cricket, this is a very important criteria.

At Cardiff, there was a certain hurried approach among the Australian top order batsmen which was exploited well by the English bowlers. But at Lord’s, on day one, the Australian batsmen looked more resolute and determined to play a long innings.

After the fall of David Warner, Rogers slowed down to arrest the fall of wickets, but his slow-pace never stagnated the scoring rate. As soon as the stability was gained, Rogers started to score runs fluently and it was well complemented by the best batsman of the world at present Steve Smith.

Smith scored his fifty off 111 balls, a pretty un-Smith scenario given the kind of form the man is in. But, gradually, he lifted his tempo by smacking the ball to all parts of the ground to claim a place in the Lord’s honors boards.

Modern day batsmen, who enjoy an absolute purple patch tend to exhibit fluent stroke-play even after failing in the previous matches. Such a ploy, more often leads to lean patches as they dent the confidence. No matter how greater a batsman you are, you need to occupy the crease and acclimatize to the conditions if you have failed in the previous Test match.  Such a ploy is much needed and Smith was mature enough to realize this and it paid him rich dividends.

The English bowlers were able to found the edge on a track which neither offered movement nor pace for the fast bowlers. There were half chances in that slip cordon area, but it was supposed to be a day of a matured partnership from which you can learn so many things.

Thank You
Faisal Caesar