Aussie cricket fan travels 58 hours to see Ashes second Test at Lord’s – but didn’t buy a ticket

An Australian cricket fan has traveled all the way from Tasmania via China and Cyprus to see the second Test at Lord’s – but has been forced to beg for help finding a ticket after failing to buy one.

England suffered one of their worst days of the Bazball era as Australia romped to 5-339 on the opening day of the second Test – and one Aussie fan almost missed the show.

The Tasmanian, only known as Matt, was recorded in a video clip by members of the Barmy Army outside Lord’s as he pleaded for somebody to help him get into the sold-out event.

‘I’ve come all the way from Tasmania, down the bottom of Australia, via Cyprus and China to London to get here for the game,’ he said.

‘I got here last night. Hopefully I can get a ticket today.’

The Barmy Army took pity on the unfortunate Aussie and shared the clip with their many thousands of cricket-mad followers, saying: ‘Can we help Aussie Matt out? He’s traveled from Tasmania with no ticket!’

English cricket fans had a field day with the post – and few of them showed any sympathy for his predicament. 

‘I can help him,’ said one Twitter user. ‘Don’t travel half way around the world with no plan and then demand charity.’

‘Let’s club together to get him a ticket home,’ joked another.

‘Can he open or bowl?’ replied a third.

Although it is not known how, a cricket fan who knows Matt indicated in the comments section that he finally snagged a ticket and got to witness the match. 

After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Ben Stokes’ side failed to deliver the full-throated firepower they have made their speciality at Lord’s and ideal conditions for bowlers were squandered as Australia built up a steady haul.

After the openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner were dismissed by Ashes’ debutant Josh Tongue, former captain Steve Smith made impressive partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head.

Joe Root sought to save England’s blushes at the last, taking the wickets of Head and Cameron Green in a magical single over, but even this flash of brilliance leaves England with much to do to save the Test.

Steve Smith made impressive partnerships with Marnus Labuschagne and Travis Head

Ben Stokes’ side failed to deliver the firepower they have made their speciality at Lord’s

England took the second new ball with a couple of overs left in the day, but Smith and Carey made sure there were no more mistakes before stumps.

The Aussies have not lost a Test match at Lord’s where they’ve batted first since 1896.