Steve Smith century gives Australia advantage

Australia moved into the ascendancy of the first test after captain Steve Smith scored an unbeaten 141 to give his side a lead. 

Steve Smith finished unbeaten on 141*
Resuming on 165-4, England were well on top in the morning session - having Shaun Marsh (51) caught at mid off after he'd made his 50, then Tim Paine (13) caught behind by a stunning one-handed catch from Jonny Bairstow.

When Mitchell Starc hit Stuart Broad for a straight six, then caught and bowled shortly after, the tourists were looking at a healthy first innings lead. 

But as Pat Cummins joined his captain to guide their team through to lunch, a partnership was building. Together they dragged their side from 209-7 to 275-8 when Cummins was eventually caught at first slip by Alistair Cook for 42 and Smith continued to take his team past England's first innings total to give them a crucial lead. 

England then slipped to 17-2 in reply, losing opener Cook and James Vince cheaply as England again struggled with the Australian short pitched bowling. It was however Josh Hazlewood that took the two wickets to close with 2-11. 

Joe Root was struck on the grille by Starc but Mark Stoneman played solidly to guide his side back into the lead, teeing up a crucial opening session on day four. 


Comments