By Razeen Gutta
The Aussies lost the toss and the chance to bowl on a green London pitch in overcast conditions – but Steve Smith’s strong batting display would ensure they would win the day.
David Warner and Usman Khawaja did the difficult work up top, facing and seeing out the new ball threat of Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad.
It was only after the 20-over mark that Josh Tongue got the breakthrough, with England’s pace addition bowling Khawaja for 17 off 70 balls.
Six overs later, the 24-year-old would strike again, this time getting Warner out for a dangerous-looking 66.
Marnus Labuschagne looked shaky, yet he still got to 47 before Ollie Robinson dismissed him.
It was the Australian numbers four and five that stole the show on the day, though.
Smith’s unbeaten 85 off 149 included two milestones, as he completed 15,000 runs in international cricket and also reached the 9,000 run mark in tests.
Travis Head was phenomenal for his boundary-filled 77 off 73, but just as it looked like the score would become unassailable, the innings would finally take a literal turn.
Joe Root’s right arm spin would produce two quick wickets, as Head and Cameron Green would make their way back to the dugout in the space of three deliveries.
With rain in the air on Thursday, day two is set to produce a riveting contest as England get ready for an important first session with the second new ball and Australia are on 339/5 when they come out to bat.
Pictured above: Steve Smith
Image source: @arnavv43
