Kevin Pietersen slams ‘shambolic’ England as Australia batters impress at Lord’s

England were unable to capitalise on favourable bowling conditions at Lord’s as Australia reached 339-5 at stumps, with Steve Smith unbeaten on 85.

Under grey skies and with the floodlights on, Australia openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja put on 73 before Josh Tongue removed Khawaja on the stroke of lunch.

Tongue, playing just his second Test, produced a similar ball from around the wicket to bowl Warner for 66 but Smith and Marnus Labuschagne then put on 102 to frustrate the hosts.

While Ashes villain Ollie Robinson had Labuschagne caught behind for 47, Australia had moved to a position of strength by the close of play.

‘England have been shambolic,’ Pietersen told Sky Sports during the tea break. ‘You have overhead conditions and a wicket that suits your bowlers and you are bowling at 78, 79mph.

‘It is one thing swanning around saying this is a wonderful team to play in, they are creating the best environment, but this is not Ashes cricket.

‘It is all too easy, all too nice. I hope the England coach is giving them a hammering.’

Former England captain Eoin Morgan felt England lacked ‘intensity’ at Lord’s and said Australia were ‘streets ahead’ in tricky batting conditions.

‘In the two sessions so far today, Australia seemed to be streets ahead when the advantage should be in England’s favour,’ Morgan said.

‘In the last 14 Test matches under Stokes and McCullum, it has been intense, it has been well-driven and there has been huge clarity – but not today. Australia have been on top.’

England are aiming to level the five-match series following a two-wicket defeat at Edgbaston in the first Test and ultimately win back the Ashes for the first time since 2015.

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