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Opening day of second Ashes Test a washout; Joffra Archer receives debut cap

Opening day of second Ashes Test a washout; Joffra Archer receives debut cap
England's bowlers Jofra Archer, right and Jack Leach talks as they take part in training session at Lord's cricket ground in London, Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2019. The second Ashes cricket Test will now start on Thursday. (AP)
Updated 14 August 2019

Opening day of second Ashes Test a washout; Joffra Archer receives debut cap

Opening day of second Ashes Test a washout; Joffra Archer receives debut cap
  • Archer will make his test debut when play gets underway
  • Australia lead the five-Test series 1-0

LORD'S, London: The opening day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s was abandoned because of rain on Wednesday, although it eased just long enough for England fast bowler Jofra Archer to receive his test cap in a ceremony in the middle of the field.
That indicated Archer will make his test debut when play gets underway. Archer will replace James Anderson, as England’s leading wicket-taker is still injured.
Australia were set to make at least one change to their fast bowling attack at the Home of Cricket, with James Pattinson rested and Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood brought into the tourists’ 12-man squad.
The rain even prevented the toss being held. The forecast is much better on Thursday. With the Test reduced to four days with time added on daily, the follow-on will be 150 runs.
Umpires were hoping to have a pitch inspection at 11 a.m. local time but were foiled by the rain and later set the toss for 3 p.m. before the rain returned again and covers were brought back on.
Australia lead the five-Test series 1-0 after a 251-run win at Edgbaston in Birmingham.