Pat Cummins warns England that Australia WILL get better at Lord’s in second Ashes Test

Australian captain Pat Cummins has sent a warning to England by predicting a ‘big week’ for star hitters Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne at Lord’s.

Smith and Labuschagne suffered rare failures in both innings of the Ashes opener at Edgbaston, but it couldn’t stop the tourists taking a thrilling two-wicket win to move 1-0 in the series.

The meticulous duo – who both average over 55 in Tests – spent their designated days off on Saturday for several hours in the nets at the home of cricket in readiness for the second Test.

Lord’s is an important ground for the Australian pair as Smith made his Test debut here in 2010 against Pakistan and four years ago he had to be withdrawn from the last Ashes match at the venue with a concussion after being hit by a vicious Jofra Archer bouncer.

Labuschagne stepped in on that occasion as a concussion strike for Smith, despite the stop-start nature of his red-ball career with Australia up to that point, and after hitting 59 he hasn’t looked back.

Cummins backed Marnus Labuschagne (left) and Steve Smith (right) to have a ‘big week’ in cricket’s homeland after both impressed in Edgbaston in the first Test

Labuschagne was out for a duck in his first innings and made 13 in his second dig at Edgbaston, while Smith made 16 and 6 in the first Test

Cummins, who will name his team on Wednesday morning, said: ‘I don’t think we played anywhere near the full game last week.

“I think that’s one of the most enjoyable things is that we weren’t at our best but still crossed the line. That will not always be the case.

“History would suggest that Marnus and Smithy rarely miss a beat, so I’m expecting a big week from them.”

While Cummins didn’t name his final team, he did reveal that the possible inclusion of Mitchell Starc is the only decision left to make, with Scott Boland the most likely candidate to miss.

“I have a 12, so the same team as last week plus Starcy comes in. We will review the wicket and make a final decision tomorrow,” the Australian captain revealed.

A green tint to the wicket at Lord’s saw England go full attack in their attempts to level the series in London.

Worcestershire sailor Josh Tongue was preferred in place of Moeen Ali, who was injured after trouble with a burst blister on his right index finger in the series opener at Edgbaston.

While Moeen’s injury has made a good recovery, England will rely on Joe Root’s part-time off-breaks in cricket’s homeland if they want some variety in their four-team squad.

Labuschagne (above) and Smith both spent an extra day preparing in the nets at Lord’s

Smith was replaced by Labuschagne on Day 4 of the second test of the 2019 Ashes series at Lord’s after being hit on the helmet by Jofra Archer (pictured)

Labuschagne fought for a patient 59 as Australia saved a draw in the Test

Australia will not make such a choice and their front-line spinner Nathan Lyon is preparing to play the 100th consecutive Test of his career with another milestone of reaching 500 wickets also in sight.

Cummins added: ‘I think it’s not just a testament to how good Nathan is in terms of longevity, fitness and form, but being able to play 100 tests means you get picked in all circumstances.

“I know you talked about four quicks at the Gabba at the beginning of his career, but he’s just so valuable to our team that I couldn’t imagine a team without Nath there.

“I’ve seen them go four times faster, which is probably as we expected after seeing Moeen’s injury last week, but I’m really lucky to have Nathan.

‘Hundredth consecutive test match, [potentially] 500 test wickets, it’s unbelievable how many milestones he keeps ticking off.

“This is a really special place in cricket, but also for Australia.

“We’ve had some success in this area over the last few years, so yes, a big one for the memory bank.”

Meanwhile, Cummins gave his own take on the discrimination storm that has engulfed cricket in England after a report published Tuesday exposed the problems the sport has in this country with racism, sexism and elitism.

The Australian skipper had not yet had a chance to read the Independent Commission’s detailed report for Equity in Cricket, but referred to his own team’s changes in style compared to historical preconceptions about how an Australian XI should play.

Nathan Lyon plays his 100th consecutive Test at Lord’s this week and needs just five more wickets to reach the 500 Test wicket milestone

“I’ve been playing for 12 years now and I think we’re all probably a little bit better than we were 12 years ago,” Cummins reflected.

“I think it’s just a continuous learning process and something we’re really trying to be open-minded about.

“I love that we have real diversity in our team. I think it’s a real strength of ours, really celebrating everyone’s individuality.

“I just hope that everyone who walks into our dressing room or Australian cricket, whether playing or standing on a pitch, feels that they are welcome, valued and respected.”