Ashes 2019: Justin Langer admits Australia ‘got lucky’ in first Test and backs Steve Smith to shine at Lord’s

James Anderson picked up an injury on day one of the opening match of the series to limit Joe Root’s bowling options

Justin Langer accepts Australia ”got lucky” in the first Ashes Test by cashing in on James Anderson‘s injury.

While there was nothing fortunate about Steve Smith’s twin centuries at Edgbaston and nothing accidental about Nathan Lyon’s brilliant bowling display on day five – two performances which helped deliver a crushing 251-run win – Langer realises how important Anderson’s absence was.

England’s record wicket-taker managed just four overs on the first morning in Birmingham before a calf problem struck, leaving the home attack one short for the majority of the match.

The 37-year-old was restricted to a pair of batting cameos at number 11 thereafter and has been ruled out of this week’s Lord’s clash, where the tourists will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead in the series.

“We are very aware that England played without James Anderson, one of their best players and we got lucky,” said Langer.

“That’s the truth of it, with him not playing. He’s a brilliant fast bowler, one of the all-time greats, so if he only bowls four overs for the match then we got lucky there. Here at Lord’s there’s different conditions and different pressures so we just have to make sure we’re right for this Test match.”

Australia could be tempted to go in unchanged after their victory last time out but have a highly-decorated pace pair in Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc waiting in the wings should they be tempted to change.

England, meanwhile, will make at least two changes to the attack that was blunted so masterfully by Smith and might even go for three if they can engineer a way to add all-rounder Sam Curran to the XI.

As well as the extra pace of the uncapped Jofra Archer, Somerset’s Jack Leach is set to return having been recalled at Moeen Ali’s expense.

Statistical analysis from CricViz has shown that Smith’s record against left-arm finger spin is a potential weak spot, averaging 34.90 against such bowlers – a modest return given his otherwise formidable numbers.

But, having seen the former captain turn in one of his best ever displays, Langer is backing Smith to answer any questions that Leach poses.

Justin Langer and David Warner chat during a net session (Getty)

“No, I don’t buy into it,” he said of the slow left-arm ‘solution’.

“He’s got this incredible ability to solve problems, I’m sure he’ll be thinking a lot about he’s going to play all the new bowlers who are coming in.

“He’s a good player and hopefully he’ll have a way of working it out. As we keep saying, he’s a different beast and he knows how to prepare and what works for him.”