Australia set about regaining some dignity after relinquishing the Ashes by scoring 287-3 Thursday on the first day of the fifth Test against England.
David Warner struck 85 and Steven Smith was unbeaten on 78 as normal service resumed after the chaos of the fourth Test, when England skittled Australia for 60 in the first morning to set up an Ashes-clinching win early in day 3.
Australia’s much-criticized batsmen showed sounder judgment after being put into bat under overcast skies and on a green-tinged pitch reviving nightmares of Trent Bridge two weeks ago. Stuart Broad wreaked havoc on that occasion, returning figures of 8-15 with his spell of a lifetime, but England’s bowling wasn’t quite as accurate at The Oval and the Australians prospered.
Warner and Chris Rogers (43) put on 110 for the first wicket before Smith and Adam Voges (47) reached stumps on an unbroken 101—run partnership, further muting what had been a flat atmosphere from the start.
“To come out and show what we are capable of is fantastic for the top order,” Warner said. “We are in a great position at the moment, but we have to capitalize tomorrow.”
Between the two century stands, Michael Clarke playing his last test before retirement was given a guard of honor by England’s players when he came out to bat. The Australia captain only scored 15 before edging behind off Ben Stokes, continuing his poor run of form this series.
England has an insurmountable 3—1 lead in the series and is looking to win four tests in a home Ashes series for the first time.
For the first time in 23 Ashes Tests, the side batting first reached lunch without loss with Australia 82—0.
Rogers didn’t last much longer.
Playing in his last Test before quitting international cricket, Rogers was circumspect in the first session but chased a delivery from Mark Wood that had surprising bounce. Rogers’ edge flew straight to first slip, with England captain Alastair Cook juggling the ball before catching at the second attempt.
Warner passed his half-century for the fifth successive Test this series, and had struck 11 fours before he departed by nicking a ball from offspinner Moeen Ali to Adam Lyth at slip. Warner fell short of his 13th test century.
Smith, already confirmed as Australia’s next captain, arrived at the crease looking to avoid registering a fifth straight single—figure score after innings of 7, 8, 6 and 5 and he did just that.
“Australia played a lot better than they did at Trent Bridge,” Stokes said. “The pitch probably hasn’t played like we thought it would.”
Play was delayed for a half-hour in the evening session because of rain.
