The second test of the Ashes kicks off on Thursday at Lords. Australia comes into this game off the back of a heartbreaking loss in the first test and, to state the obvious, will need to win this game to even countenance having a chance of returning the urn to Australia at the end of the series.

Here are the 5 keys to success for Australia in this second test (in my opinion):

Can someone please score a hundred?

It has been 4 test matches since an Australian top order batsman (or any batsman for that matter) has scored a hundred. Michael Clarke’s 130 in the first innings in the first test at Chennai seems a very long time ago. More concerning for Australia is that the only other centurion for Australia’s current top order in the last 12 months is Ed Cowan arising out of his performance at Brisbane in November last year. Someone from the top 6 MUST score a hundred in this test match if Australia is to win.

Neutralise Jimmy Anderson

There has been much discussion across social media as to whom is the best fast bowler in the world at the moment: Dale Steyn or Jimmy Anderson. I decline to enter that debate. What I have been consistent in stating is that Jimmy Anderson was a class above the fast bowlers in the first test match. Australia must find a plan to deal with Anderson’s reverse swing because that will put their other bowlers under pressure and open up opportunities for Australia to get on top.

Strong first half hours with the ball

Generally speaking, Australia was not disgraced with the ball in the first test at Trent Bridge. That said, at times, particularly at the start of innings or after breaks, our bowlers seemed to take some time to get into the rhythm of the game and presented some easy opportunities to the English batsmen to get in and score. Good starts with the ball and the pressure that flows from that will be vital for Australia.

Agar Factor: second test syndrome?

Ashton Agar had an excellent debut of that there can be no doubt. All of us: fans, pundits and players alike have placed massive pressure and a heavy weight of expectation is now on him. How he reacts to that weight and performs at the home of cricket will be a key to Australia’s chances. We need him to take wickets: it is as simple as that!

Lords: Australia’s home away from home

Before England’s 115 run victory in 2009 Australia had not tasted defeat at Lords since we lost by an innings and 38 runs in 1934. The myth of Lords and Australia’s dominance there can only be a positive for this team.

Thursday 8pm can not come quickly enough. Every test match at Lords is a special test match. This one has the potential to be one of the most absorbing contests at Lords in some time.