MX23RW : Thursday, April 18 22:50:55| >> :600:9445299:9445299:

Australia in charge at The Oval

Steve Smith hits an unbeaten 78 as Australia reach 287-3 at the end of day one of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval.

Australia have taken control on the opening day of the fifth Ashes Test to raise hopes of a consolation victory at The Oval.

Alastair Cook's decision to bowl first came as no surprise in the morning, but any hopes of dismissing the tourists cheaply were ended by a solid start to the innings from the two openers.

Chris Rogers departed for 43 when he edged Mark Wood to Cook at slip following an opening stand of 110 with David Warner, who was dismissed by Moeen Ali shortly before the tea break.

Michael Clarke was given a guard of honour by the England players in his final Test match, but another disappointing knock for the Australian skipper came to an end when he edged Ben Stokes through to Jos Buttler.

However, the tourists survived a testing spell in the evening session to make it to the close of play on 287-3, with Steve Smith (78*) and Adam Voges (48*) unbeaten at the crease before bad light forced the players off.

ID:240647: cacheID:240647:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:1946:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Australia's David Warner in action during day two of the First Test of The Ashes on July 9, 2015
Read Next:
Australia looking steady at The Oval
>