2014 lookback: Fairytale farewells and humbling heartbreaks

A masterclass in concentration. Steve Smith, exhibiting textbook technique, crafted a magnificent century to guide Australia to a commanding position against a spirited, but ultimately outclassed, England side at Lord's. The Ashes, as always, provides drama.

This key innings, played on the second day of the second Test, saw Smith reach his 32nd Test century, further cementing his place amongst the pantheon of cricketing greats. What a player he is. Smith's knock, combined with valuable contributions from the lower order, propelled Australia to a formidable first innings total, placing immense pressure on the English batsmen. The match is finely poised.

Smith walked to the crease with the score at a precarious 85 for 3, after the early dismissals of Warner and Labuschagne. Anderson and Broad, sniffing blood, bowled with venom in the corridor of uncertainty, testing the Australian's resolve. But Smith, ever the accumulator, weathered the storm. He left with precision, defended with assurance, and punished anything loose with elegant drives.

And it was his cover drive, in particular, that drew gasps from the crowd. A thing of beauty. The ball, caressed rather than hammered, raced to the boundary. This wasn't just about scoring runs; it was about demonstrating class. He was playing with soft hands, guiding the ball, watching it onto the bat. He seemed to have an answer to every question England posed. The roar of the crowd echoed around the hallowed ground as Smith raised his bat to acknowledge his hundred. A truly special moment in cricket.

The English bowlers, despite their best efforts, found it difficult to dislodge Smith, who was eventually dismissed for a well-compiled 110. While Broad and Anderson bowled with their usual hostility, they lacked the sustained pressure needed to break through Smith's unwavering concentration. Was it a lack of innovation? Perhaps.

But the Australian innings was not solely about Smith's brilliance. Contributions from Alex Carey and Pat Cummins ensured that Australia seized the initiative. Carey, displaying a maturity beyond his years, played a watchful innings, supporting Smith and frustrating the English attack. Cummins, too, chipped in with a valuable cameo, showcasing his all-round abilities. Australia understands the nuances of cricket.

The importance of this innings cannot be overstated. It gives Australia a psychological advantage, a firm grip on the match, and puts them in a strong position to take a 2-0 lead in the series. The Ashes is a battle of attrition, a contest of wills, and Australia, led by Smith's masterclass, has landed the first significant blow. What could England do to respond?

For England, the task ahead is daunting. They will need to bat with discipline and determination to overcome the deficit and stay in the contest. Can they rise to the challenge? The pressure is on. This Ashes series matters.

The coming days promise to be captivating, as both teams fight for supremacy in this historic contest. The battle for the Ashes is far from over.