Smith’s epic century gives Australia advantage
BRISBANE: Australia are on top in the opening Test of the Ashes series after an inspirational century from captain Steve Smith and two Josh Haz le wood wickets put England in trouble on Day Three. A calming and steadying influence on Friday, Smith produced a masterclass of patience and resilience when Australia needed it most as he posted his 21st Test hundred at the Gabba.
Smith – who survived a barrage of short balls – finished unbeaten on 141 as Australia recovered from 209-7 to 328 all out, taking a 26-run advantage.
Australia maintained the momentum thanks to pace man Hazlewood (2-11), who dismissed Alastair Cook (7) and James Vince (2) with the new ball.
Hazlewood extended Cook’s poor form when the experienced opener – who mustered only two runs in the first innings – picked out Mitchell Starc with a poor hook and Vince edged his sixth ball to Smith at slip. Starc (0-14) showed no mercy at the other end, Joe Root (5 not out) receiving a nasty blow to the helmet which required new headwear, but the England captain and opener Mark Stoneman (19 not out) saw the tourists to a sevenrun lead on 33-2 at the close on a day in which James Anderson appeared be struggling with a side injury.
BROADALLAYS INJURY CONCERNS
Stuart Broad allayed concerns over Anderson’s fitness. Anderson dismissed Tim Paine with the second new ball in the morning session, but appeared to be struggling with a side injury before lunch.
He bowled only four overs in the afternoon session and spent time off the field. “Anderson is 100 %. He is very fit and thought he challenged the batsman for the whole day.” Broad told BT Sport.
They were defensive from the outset... they were waiting for our batsmen to make mistakes STEVE SMITH, Australia captain