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Horror England history that points to 2-0 lead for Australia

riley morgan
Sports Reporter

Joe Root and co might not want to hear it, but the Home of Cricket isn’t a happy hunting ground for England against Australia.

England faced heavy criticism after a demoralising first Test loss to Australia at Edgbaston, which was supposed to be the fortress which kick-started the campaign to bring the urn home.

But a mid-match turn of form from the Aussies, led by the mercurial Steve Smith, dented England’s chances of retaining the Ashes.

As selectors toss up the possibility of bringing Mitchell Starc back into the fray in an attempt to use the left-arm quick’s pace on the 2.5 metre slope at Lord’s, England are already facing a tough ask.

Steve Smith at Lord's after scoring a century in the first Test in 2015. (Getty Images)
Steve Smith at Lord's after scoring a century in 2015. (Getty Images)

To pile pressure on the English, their record at Lord’s wouldn’t fill fans with confidence.

Since the start of the century England has played 39 Tests at Lord’s, which includes weather affected matches.

Of these 39 Tests against all competition, England have come out on top in just over half of these with a win ratio of 53.8 per cent.

But the picture looks even more grim against Australia.

Since 2000, five Tests have been played at Lords against the old enemy with Australia winning three of them.

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This included the last Test at the ground in 2015.

Despite England going on to win the series 3-1, Australia dominated the Lord’s Test, winning by 405 runs.

England’s one shining light

Since the beginning of the rivalry in 1884, the Aussies have won 15 Tests compared to England’s seven, with 14 draws.

One shining light for England is the record pace bowler Chris Woakes has amassed in his short career.

While the swing bowler struggled in the second innings of the Edgbaston Test - only taking the one wicket - his record at Lord’s is superb.

Woakes has a strike rate of 23.71 in his four matches at Lord’s and has taken a convincing 24 wickets.