Stuart Broad has claimed David Warner’s wicket for the 15th time in Test cricket, making for a horror second morning for Australia at Edgbaston. Broad removed Warner and Marnus Labuschagne in consecutive balls within the first hour, leaving Steve Smith lbw to Ben Stokes just before lunch and leaving Australia at 3-78 in response to England’s 8(dec)-393. Warner was considered Broad’s bunny in the last Ashes series in England, and fell for nine on Saturday morning when playing on to the Englishman. This followed a double-blow as Broad took Labuschagne’s wicket first ball to put the hosts on top of the first Test. After Warner’s departure, Broad spent a minute trying to rouse the Hollies Stand to roar even louder before he ran in at Labuschagne.
England has clear aims beyond just attacking strokeplay in their test with Australia, as they continued their penchant for declaring early when they chose to send the opposition in late on day one and utilized part-time medium-pacer Harry Brook to bowl the 15th over on Saturday. They employed two leg slips for Smith from the moment he entered the crease, while using a catching forward point and short cover for Khawaja. The start of the play was delayed by five minutes due to light rain and heavy cloud lingered overhead, making it a day perfect for Broad and swinging conditions.
Warner had promised to play differently this year but ultimately failed to deliver. The 36-year-old is in the last stages of his career and needs runs to fulfil his hopes of retiring at the SCG against Pakistan in January, as previously outlined as his planned exit from Test cricket at the start of the tour.
