Day five of the second Ashes Test: England run out of time at Lord’s

Jofra Archer, Jack Leach and Ben Stokes shared the starring roles as England’s captivating fifth-day victory charge came up four wickets short in a drawn second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

Stokes hit 115 not out, his first century in two years, to set up the declaration, with the ferocious pace of debutant Archer and the nagging left-arm spin of Leach piling the pressure on Australia in a suitably tense finale.

The tourists, without key man Steve Smith due a concussion caused by a vicious Archer bouncer the previous afternoon, finished on 154 for six under failing light just before 7.30pm.

Tweet of the day

Snap shot

Australia coach Justin Langer said on Saturday evening that he expected Smith to complete the game. But the former Australia captain, who was clattered just below his left ear by Archer on day four, was ruled out after waking with a headache and feeling groggy, while demonstrating “some deterioration” during a morning concussion test. He is now a major doubt for the third Test, which begins on Thursday, with Cricket Australia admitting the short turnaround is “not in his favour”. However, the 30-year-old has expressed his determination to play at Headingley.

Concern for concussion sub

Archer deadly once again

Stokes century

Stokes gave his side a timely boost with his seventh Test hundred and second at Lord’s. After losing four second-innings wickets on Saturday afternoon, including Jason Roy for three and captain Joe Root for a golden duck in successive balls, England looked in danger of slipping to a potentially insurmountable 2-0 series deficit. But all-rounder Stokes was impressive and aggressive in guiding his team to 258 for five before they declared, with the second 50 of his unbeaten ton coming off just 54 balls.

Quote of the day

Shots of the day

Stat attack

Catch of the day

England were just four wickets from victory thanks to a sensational catch from Joe Denly to dismiss Tim Paine. A short ball from Archer was pulled hard by Australia captain Paine, prompting Denly to spring to his left and impressively take the ball one-handed at midwicket.

Weather watch

Unexpected rain showers delayed the start of the final day until 12.10pm. Even without the belated start, the loss of five sessions earlier in the Test had severely reduced the chances of a result. Early forecasts for the opening day of next week’s third Test appear promising. According to the Met Office, Headingley will have sunny intervals and spells of cloud on Thursday, with, more significantly, little chance of rain.

What’s next?

August 22: England v Australia, day one of the third Ashes Test, Headingley.