Key questions in the second Ashes Test

Some key questions in the second Ashes Test between Australia and England.

FIVE KEY SECOND ASHES TEST QUESTIONS

* Can England dismiss Steve Smith? The Australian captain's sterling 141 not out was the difference in the first Test. Smith left England scratching their collective heads about how to get him out - they tried this, that and the other - but all ploys failed.

* Are the Poms distracted by off-field troubles? Ben Stokes? Jonny Bairstow? Headbutts? Curfews? All are making headlines as the tourists come under as much scrutiny for their off-field activities as their on-field exploits. Will the controversies galvanise or splinter?

* What impact will the pink-ball have? Australia have won their two day-night Tests in Adelaide and are well-versed in what to expect. But the conditions will be as English as the tourists will ever encounter outside their country - cool, swinging balls, lively pitch.

* Can Nathan Lyon spin his web again? Australia's off-spinner was superb in Brisbane - 5-145 from 60 overs in the match. Lyon expects England's batsmen to try and attack him in Adelaide but says that tactic will play into his hands.

* Can Alastair Cook make some runs? England's batting rock appears to be crumbling. At the Gabba, he made two and seven. He'll need to summon all his nous from his 148 Tests to stop a rot setting in for the series.


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Source: AAP



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