Australia 307-4 (England lead series 3-0)
Shane Watson took a starring role on the first day of the fifth Ashes Test after scoring 176 runs. It was a good start to the day for England as Anderson managed to entice a nick from the bat of Warner to reduce Australia to 11-1. However, Watson and Rogers weathered the English bowling attack safely through to lunch. Watson got off to a rapid start, racing to his fifty off 61 balls whilst Rogers was content to play a slow and steady innings as they went into lunch for 112-1. England's best spell came in the afternoon session as they reduced Australia from 118-1 to 144-3. Swann dismissed Rogers for 23 after being caught by Trott before Anderson bowled Clarke with snorter. Watson passed his century shortly after the dismissal of Clarke and took Australia through to Tea, with the help of Smith, for 183-3. Australia dominated the evening session as Watson passed 150 runs as well as putting on a century partnership with Smith who passed his fifty. At 267-3 England were eligible for the new ball to be taken and it managed to produce another wicket as Broad dismissed the impressive Watson for 176. Smith and Siddle were able to guide Australia to the close of play without further loss of wickets as they go into the second day on 307-4.
My Opinion:
It was a good start to the day for England but Australia really took control of the last test through Watson and Smith. Rogers played slowly and poorly but Watson stormed his way to first his fifty and then his century. A really important innings from Watson who has struggled with his batting form of late. Smith played a good cameo in the latter part of the day and will be looking to score his century tomorrow. Australia are firmly in control and will look to be posting 500 runs after a strong first day effort. England need to take early wickets tomorrow, in particular Steve Smith to have any chance of victory.
Match Guide: Key Moments:
Australia win the toss and elect to bat first
Morning Session:
Australia first Innings:
11.19: 11-1, Warner 6 (11), 1 four, caught Prior, Anderson.
12.15: 51-1, Rogers 10*, Watson 31*.
12.27: 64-1, 50 partnership between Rogers 12* and Watson 42*.
12.35: 81-1, 50 for Watson off 61 balls.
12.42: 103-1, Rogers 17*, Watson 76*.
13.01: Lunch, 112-1, 100 partnership between Rogers 21* and Watson 80*.
Afternoon Session:
13.56: 118-2, Rogers 23 (100), 3 fours, caught Trott, Swann.
14.42: 144-3, Clarke 7 (39), bowled by Anderson.
14.53: 148-3, 100 for Watson.
14.57: 151-3, Watson 104*, Smith 1*.
15.42: Tea, 183-3, Watson 121*, Smith 15*.
Evening Session:
16.21: 197-3, 50 partnership between Watson 125* and Smith 25*.
16.26: 204-3, Watson 131*, Smith 26*.
16.45: 228-3, 150 for Watson off 194 balls.
17.09: 247-3, 100 partnership between Watson 160* and Smith 40*.
17.13: 252-3, Watson 163*, Smith 42*.
17.31: 263-3, 50 for Smith.
17.41: 267-3, New ball taken.
18.01: 289-4, Watson 176 (247), 25 fours and 1 six, caught Pietersen, Broad.
18.11: 301-4, Smith 66*, Siddle 12*.
18.17: Close of Play, 307-4, Smith 66*, Siddle 16*.
Player of the Day: Shane Watson for a fast paced knock of 176 runs.
Bowler of the Day: James Anderson for taking two wickets.
Batsmen of the Day: Shane Watson for scoring 176 runs off 247 balls.
Highlight of the Day: Stuart Broad taking the wicket of Shane Watson.
Disappointment of the Day: England only took four wickets.
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