More misery for openers

Smith, Labuschagne rescue mission again ENGLAND V AUSTRALIA

STEVE Smith and Jofra Archer renewed their running battle last night during an eventful start to day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval, where David Warner’s woeful series continued.

Smith was 14 not out at lunch, having guided Australia to 2-55 after Mitch Marsh’s maiden five-wicket haul helped roll England for 294.

The contest within a contest between Smith and Archer has been captivating throughout the series and the latest edition didn’t disappoint.

Smith was summoned to the middle at 2-14 after openers Warner and Marcus Harris both fell to Archer during the express paceman’s seven-over opening spell. Archer, having terrorised the world’s topranked batsman with a bouncer barrage and struck a frightening blow to his neck at Lord’s, predictably welcomed Smith to the crease with a bouncer.

Australia’s best batsman since Don Bradman ducked under the ball with ease, but the fired-up fast bowler continued to throw everything he had at Smith, even the ball.

Archer hurled the ball, defended back to him by Smith, at the pitch while attempting to have a ping at stumps.

Smith was unflustered as he attempted to rebuild alongside Marnus Labuschagne, as was the case in Australia’s first innings at Old Trafford. Labuschagne had a more streaky start to his knock but was 32 not out at the break.

Labuschagne was on 15 when a thick edge flew past an outstretched Ben Stokes.

Warner’s dismissal on five will ensure the accuracy of technology and its use in the Decision Review System (DRS) will once again be in the headlines. Warner was given his marching orders by third umpire Ruchira Palliyaguruge after Joe Root referred a caught-behind shout.

There was a suggestion the spike, seemingly coming after ball had passed bat, may have come from Warner’s shoe scraping the pitch.

Nonetheless, Warner set an unwanted record in becoming the first opener to post eight single-figure scores in a series.