ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA 2ND ASHES TEST: TV channels, schedule, team news - All you need to know

The Cricketer provides all the information ahead of the second duel between the two arch-rivals at Lord's

What is it?

Following Australia's emphatic win at Edgbaston in the first Test, the oldest rivalry in cricket resumes at Lord's. England will be bidding to square the series while the tourists can put another finger on the urn if they can take a 2-0 lead in the series.

The Baggy Green have an excellent record at the home of cricket, having won 15 of their 36 Test meetings with England. The hosts have prevailed on just seven occasions, with the remaining 14 clashes all ending in draws - though there has only been one stalemate on this ground between these two sides since 1981.

What's the schedule?

FIRST TEST: Edgbaston, Birmingham (Thursday, August 1 - Monday, August 5) - Australia won by 251 runs

SECOND TEST: Lord's, London (Wednesday, August 14 - Sunday, August 18)

THIRD TEST: Headingley, Leeds (Thursday, August 22 - Monday, August 26)

FOURTH TEST: Old Trafford, Manchester (Wednesday, September 4 - Sunday, September 8)

FIFTH TEST: Kia Oval, London (Thursday, September 12 - Monday, September 16)

What are England's chances?

Knee-jerk reactions to England's trials and tribulations in Birmingham have been as swift as they have been plentiful. Everything from the formation of the batting order, to who should wear the gloves, the identity of the front-line spinner and who will form the seam attack has been debated wildly since the day five demise at Edgbaston.

These back-to-back Tests will essentially define the series. Win the first at a ground England have famously struggled against Australia, and the third Test at Headingley comes at the perfect time a week later. Lose, and suddenly the prospect of regaining the urn looks a distant dream.

Such was the size of Australia's victory in the first game, it is easy to forget that England were in the ascendency after three days. It was only when Steve Smith dug in again, Matthew Wade sparkled and James Anderson's absence began to bite that the hosts lost their grip of the contest. The final day was a procession, which as Pat Cummins generated significant pace and Nathan Lyon plenty of turn, was no disgrace.

^{Can Jofra Archer cover for James Anderson?}

Perhaps the most important characteristic for England to display over five days at Lord's is that they are not leg-weary or hungover from the World Cup win last month. Many of the individuals involved in that success have struggled, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow to name two, and if they can't show that the manner in which they faded in the first Test was a blip, the series could be over before the August Bank Holiday weekend.

Who's in and who's out?

James Anderson has been ruled out of the second Test after bowling just four overs at Edgbaston following the reoccurrence of a calf injury. England are being coy over the severity of the latest blow but given that the 37-year-old missed a month of action as a result of the original injury, an outing at Headingley may also be a stretch.

Jofra Archer proved his fitness by taking seven wickets and hitting a century for a Sussex second XI against Warwickshire and is in line for his Test debut. Olly Stone is also missing with a back problem which is likely to keep him out of the next two matches, at least. Sam Curran is retained as the back-up seamer.

Moeen Ali has been dropped from the squad entirely and replaced by Jack Leach, who will fill in as the front-line spinner. The Somerset left-armer has taken 29 wickets at 19 in the County Championship this season, and his selection is likely linked to trying to nullify Smith. The ex-Australia captain averages just 34.9 against orthodox left-arm spin.

The personnel in the batting line-up remains unchanged but it remains to be seen whether there will be alterations in the order. Joe Root is likely to remain at three, but any of the other top seven could be shifted up or down in a desperate attempt to find the right formula. Of all the possible changes, swapping Jason Roy and Joe Denly is the most feasible.

England squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

^{Has Josh Hazlewood done enough for a recall?}

What about Australia?

The tourists remained in the midlands following their first Test success, with a three-day game against Worcestershire at New Road. A team combined with players either trying to regain some form or attempting to force their way into the reckoning for Lord's were given the opportunity to impress, with the likes of Steve Smith and Tim Paine resting up.

Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood battled for what could be one berth in the Aussie pace attack, with James Pattinson likely to be omitted. The latter was the more impressive, though it would not be out of the question for both to play as Peter Siddle takes a well-deserved rest.

With the bat, Usman Khawaja, Marcus Harris and Travis Head were all in the runs, though Marnus Labuschagne missed his chance to push for an albeit unlikely recall. Cameron Bancroft is perhaps most at risk of being dropped but unlike England, the batting order is much more settled even if there remains an air of vulnerability about it.

Smith, as ever, holds the team together and his contribution at Lord's will be key to whether Australia grab a 2-0 series lead or allow England back in. As he put his feet up at Worcester and listened and read the English media debate how to extract him from the crease, he'll have been loving every second. He scored a double century in his last Test outing at Lord's; what odds on a repeat?

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c, wk), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

^{Steve Smith's wicket will continue to be key to England's progress}

What will the weather be like?

Day one is expected to be dominated by a heavy downpour with play likely to be minimal. Showers are then forecasted intermittently for days three and four but enough play should be possible for a result come Sunday evening.

How can I follow it?

The games will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket (Sky 404, Virgin 504, TalkTalk 405) in the UK, while radio commentary will be provided by Test Match Special on BBC Radio 5 live sports extra (DAB, online via the BBC Sport website and through the BBC Sounds app).

The Cricketer's social media channels will have updates throughout the day, with reaction to follow via our website after play has concluded.

What if I fancy a bet?

Bookmakers Dafabet can barely split England and Australia for this second Test. The tourists are the marginal favourites at 13/8, while Joe Root's men are available at 15/8. With rain around, the draw is at 7/4.

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