England Must Bat for 150 Overs to Save Ashes Test, Says Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes has outlined the scale of the task facing England if they are to save the second Test, believing it will require a 150-over second-innings rearguard over the final two days if their 1-0 lead in the series is to remain in tact. (Warner, Rogers stretch Aussie lead at Lord's)

The all-rounder's 87 in a stand of 145 with his captain, Alastair Cook, proved there are few demons in the much-critiqued pitch and he has now called on the batting unit to repay the hard work of the bowlers in this Test by avoiding the top-order collapse on day two that has ultimately left them starting at defeat. (Smith, Bradman in same club)

"At the moment we have to get our heads around the fact we will need to face 150 overs but if there is ever a wicket to do it on, it is this one - there is not much seam movement or turn," said Stokes. "You feel sorry for the top order guys with a 10-minute turnaround but looking back, we have to ask whether we chose the correct shots. And we probably didn't.

"We have to do a good job in the second innings. The bowlers have tried their nuts off and it's over to the batters for the next two days. We have got to rein it. If we get a chance of winning then we can change but the likely thing is to bat 150 overs and not lose 10 wickets. I probably only need one word for this pitch: flat."

Both Stokes and Cook, who made 96, were dismissed playing on to all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who came into Michael Clarke's side for this second Test after the Australian selectors finally lost patience with Shane Watson and finished with figures of two for 23 in England's first innings.

"It was really nice to contribute to the team today," said Marsh.

"The boys bowled really well and were able to put England under pressure. We've talked about being patient and setting the right fields and making England make the mistake, so hopefully we can do that again in the second innings. I'm sure we'll bat for a while tomorrow and then give ourselves enough time to take the final 10 wickets."

Asked about replacing Watson, whose career has divided opinion back home in Australia, Marsh replied: "It was quite tough to be honest, I have got so much respect for Shane. He is someone I have enjoyed working with. He has always played an important part in winning teams for Australia and do what he has done is a fantastic effort. It was hard to see the amount he cops back home."

Seamer Josh Hazlewood, who took three for 68, added: "It has been pretty smooth sailing.

"Batting first was key and we did the job with the ball yesterday and today. So we're in a pretty good position."