WATTO KNOCK!
Decision to bat all-rounder at No. 3 pays off as his knock puts England on the backfoot
Australia in control in fifth Ash Test as Shane Watson hit his first century in 25 Tests
LONDON: Shane Watson hit his first century in 25 Tests to help Australia move to 183-3 at tea on the first day of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England.
Under pressure following his poor form all series with the bat, Watson smashed 18 fours and a six to reach 121 not out from 157 balls at The Oval. He batted on after taking a fierce blow to the head from a bouncer by Stuart Broad and was dropped on 104 by Alastair Cook in the slips. DOUBLE BLOW Two wickets fell in the afternoon session after Australuia reached 112-1 by lunch. Graeme Swann had Chris Rogers caught by Jonathan Trott for 23, and James Anderson bowled Michael Clarke for 7, leaving Steven Smith as the other not out batsman on 15. Anderson has England’s best figures with 2-21.
Australia won the toss and chose to bat but had to endure a hostile opening spell from Anderson and Broad before Watson hit debutants Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan out of the attack. Warner lasted only 18 minutes before getting an outside edge to Anderson for wicketkeeper Matt Prior to accept the catch.
However, England’s decision to release fast bowlers Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett from its squad and go without expe- rienced back-up for the opening quicks backfired when Watson gave the new boys a harsh introduction to test cricket.
Watson hit both Woakes and Kerrigan for six fours, but he also smashed Graeme Swann for a six over the sightscreen and brought up his 50 from 61 deliveries when he nudged a single from Kerrigan.