AFP, LONDON: Australia’s future leadership team of Steven Smith and David Warner helped restore some pride for the tourists against England on Thursday’s first day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval.
When bad flight forced an early close, Australia, who had lost the toss, were 287 for three — a marked contrast to their 60 all out in the first innings of their series-losing defeat in the fourth Test at Nottingham’s Trent Bridge.
Smith, who will take over as Australia’s Test captain when Michael Clarke retires following this match, was 78 not out after future vice-captain Warner had made 85.
Adam Voges was unbeaten on 47, having helped Smith add an unbroken 101 for the fourth wicket.
A green-tinged pitch and overcast skies were reminiscent of conditions at Trent Bridge a fortnight ago where Stuart Broad took a devastating eight for 15 as Australia, likewise sent into bat by England captain Alastair Cook, collapsed in stunning style.
England went on to win by an innings and 78 runs, a victory that saw them regain the Ashes and take an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
