The Ashes 2013, 2nd Test at Lord's: Five players to watch out for on Day 3

Michael Clarke of Australia leads his team from the field at stumps during day two of the 2nd Ashes Test against England at Lord’s Cricket Ground on July 19, 2013 in London, England. (Getty Images)

Day 1 of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s kept both the sides interested but England snatched the initiative on Day 2. Australia failed to restrict England quickly allowing them to pass the 350 run-mark on the strength of Stuart Broad’s valuable contribution.

It was critical that Australia matched that total with the bat but they succumbed to the spin of Graeme Swann after a steady start by Shane Watson and Chris Rogers. From 42 for no loss Australia slumped to 128 all out in just over 50 overs. The middle-order failed to show any substantial resistance.

For the first time in the series, the comments about this being the weakest Australian squad ever to visit England began to make sense.

England had the option of imposing the follow-on but they chose to rest their bowlers instead. With a lead of 233 runs in the bag and over three days still remaining, England were under no pressure. Despite the disappointing effort of the batting department, the bowlers continued to show heart.

Peter Siddle ran in with great purpose rattling the stumps of the English captain first and following that with a similar dismissal of Jonathan Trott, who picked up his second duck of the series. Siddle landed another crucial blow dismissing Kevin Pietersen with a full delivery outside the off-stump, tempting him into a drive leaving England stumbling at 31/3.

Australia can make a comeback in this match only if they continue this miraculous recovery to dismiss England before they reach the 120-150 run mark. Even then, they will have an uphill task facing them in the final innings.

Here is a look at five players who can make a difference to this game on Day 3: