Ashes 2nd Test Day 1

England 289/7 vs Australia

Scorecard

Here are some quick thoughts on the first day's play of the second Ashes Test at Lord's.

1. Ryan Harris was the best of the Australian fast bowlers by a distance today, and Australia should make sure that his injury-prone body is well-managed for the rest of the series.

2. Ian Bell is the real deal. When England were in a wobbly position after being 28/3, he calmly walked in at number five and began scoring freely en route to a vital 109.

3. Steve Smith conjured up memories of a certain Shane Warne today when he took three English wickets in the evening session. However, he is nowhere near the bowler Warne was and the English batsmen should figure him out the rest of the series.

Series prediction: 3-0 or 3-1 England.