Ben belted a stunning 155 runs in the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.
The perceived injustice of Jonny Bairstow’s stumping ramped up the passions of those in the ground and beyond. Ben, who was batting with Bairstow at the time, responded with another display of Ashes heroics.
Bairstow’s dismissal during the morning session was something of a catalyst. The tempo of Ben’s batting, and the England innings, quickened in dramatic fashion.
After pacing his innings over the fourth day and a large slice of the morning session on the fifth, Ben started to let rip at the Australian bowlers.
The England fans started to dream. Yet again, might they be witnessing Headingley 2019 all over again?
The harder Ben hit the ball, the stronger the belief took hold that England just might chase down the runs and level the series.
Ben brought up his century with three crowd pleasing sixes. After taking 99 balls to reach his half-century, Ben reached his second fifty off 47.
Together with Stuart Broad (11) the score moved rapidly along.The pair added 107 for the seventh wicket, taking England close to within touching distance of victory.
When Ben reached 150, he took his tally of First-Class runsto 10,000.
Ben took his total to 155 (9 fours, 9 sixes) off 214 balls before his dismissal.
Ben left the field to a standing ovation and leaving with him was England's chance of victory.
Australia ran out the winners by 43 runs and now lead the series 2-0.
(Photo by Ashley Vlotman Vlotman Gallo/Getty Images)
