Smith in control as Australia end wet first day on 170-3
Steve Smith continued his outstanding Ashes form, striking an unbeaten 60 as Australia recovered from a bad start to reach 170-3 at the close of the rain-affected first day of the fourth test against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
Rain caused a frustrating delay of over two hours after lunch but plans to extend play were abandoned after rain came in again during the break for tea and only 44 overs were bowled on the opening day.
Gusty winds throughout, with the bails even taken off by the umpires at one stage, made it hard work for England’s seamers while the batsmen had the distraction of stray food wrappers and even a beach ball fluttering over the square,
The stoppages and conditions, though, did little to disrupt Smith, who returning from missing the last test due to concussion looked like he had never been away as he made his eighth straight Ashes half-century.
The series is tied a 1-1 with two tests remaining and victory for the Australians would ensure they retain the urn.
Smith and Marnus Labuschagne put on 116 for the third wicket before the latter was bowled by a beautiful delivery from Craig Overton for 67.
It was a much-needed stand after England, on a high after their remarkable comeback win at Headingley, made a great start, bringing their supporters to their feet with just the fourth ball of the day, after Australia won the toss and opted to bat.
Stuart Broad claimed the wicket of David Warner for the fifth time in this series with the left-hander caught behind as he made a belated decision to leave the ball but gave a thin outside edge to Jonny Bairstow.
Australia slipped to 28-2 when Broad rapped the pads of Marcus Harris and, after some consideration, umpire Kumar Dharmasena raised his finger and his verdict was upheld by video review.
Australia’s openers have averaged 15.14 – not since 1888 have their top two contributed less during an Ashes series.
The departure of Harris brought the returning Smith to the crease after 38 minutes of play, the world’s number one-ranked test batsman having missed the previous test due to concussion as a result of being hit on the neck by a Jofra Archer bouncer.
ANOTHER BOUNCER
To the delight of the crowd, Archer had the ball in hand and it took him three deliveries to attempt another bouncer.
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