Former England player Kevin Pietersen said that England’s bowlers missed a trick by not bowling enough balls into the stumps on Day 1 (Wednesday) of the second Ashes 2023 Test at Lord’s. He also stated that with the addition of Mitchell Starc, Australia’s bowling attack could be more effective.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pietersen explained: “Mitchell Starc is a very, very fast bowler. He attacks the stumps. I know in the first session of play, there were just four balls from England that would have hit the stumps. When you look at Australia and the way they bowl, more balls will hit the stumps. So, they probably will be more threatening than what England were today. It’s stiff on (Scott) Boland because I think this wicket, if you see what has happened today, if you bowl that 85-86 mph, you do get some rewards. (Josh) Tongue has got rewards. I just think that the England bowlers haven’t been as quick enough just to get that little bit of extra zip off the wicket.”

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However, after being asked to bat first, Australian batters delivered a great show. Opener David Warner hit a fifty, scoring 66. Travis Head also scored a quick-fire knock of 77 later in the day. Meanwhile, Australia’s Nathan Lyon made history on Wednesday, becoming the first bowler in history to play 100 consecutive Tests as well.

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Reacting to Lyon’s record, Morgan said: “Nathan Lyon has had a considerable amount of various different milestones, but this one will probably be the most significant because you are not sure if that will ever be broken or matched. It is such a hell of an achievement, not only to stay fit for that incredible amount of time but to continue performing at such a high level is unbelievable.”