The fifth Ashes Test started on Wednesday at The Oval with England knowing that a victory would hand them an emphatic 4-0 series triumph.
Australia won the toss and elected to bat first on a flat pitch but David Warner's early dismissal put the tourists under pressure early on.
Neither Chris Rogers (23) or Michael Clarke (7) were able to make significant contribution but a partnership of 145 between Steve Smith (66*) and Shane Watson, who scored a brilliant 176, gave Australia the control.
Stuart Broad removed Watson late in the evening session to give England some joy but a score of 307-4 means that the tourists will begin day two full of confidence.
Read below to find out how Watson's impressive innings stole the show at The Oval.
Good morning everyone. England can make history over the next five days but for Australia, it's all about restoring some pride. Today is the start of the last Test of the English summer and our coverage starts with some surprising team news.
BREAKING NEWS: England have handed debuts to all-rounder Chris Woakes and Lancashire spinner Simon Kerrigan. That decision has certainly come as a surprise. We're awaiting news of the full teams.
AUSTRALIA WIN TOSS AND ELECT TO BAT FIRST: Michael Clarke makes the easy decision to bat first and confirms that James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc come into the side to replace Usman Khawaja and Jackson Bird.
ENGLAND: Cook, Root, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Woakes, Prior, Broad, Swann, Kerrigan, Anderson
AUSTRALIA: Warner, Rogers, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Faulkner, Haddin, Siddle, Starc, Lyon, Harris
Well then, a surprising use of flexibility from the England camp means that Jonny Bairstow misses out following a difficult time with the bat. Tim Bresnan was ruled out of this Test match due to a back injury, while Steven Finn and Chris Tremlett have been overlooked.
We don't see two spinners that often from England but the signs are that this pitch will turn later on in the game. Kerrigan has been in excellent form for Lancashire this season and he's got a big role to play alongside Graeme Swann.
I'm not prepared to jump back into the argument but if you missed the headlines this morning, it's worth finding out that visiting coach Darren Lehmann accused Stuart Broad, who refused to walk despite appearing to be caught behind in the first Test, of "blatant cheating" on Australian radio this morning. Is that a bit of anger coming out from the tourists? I certainly don't advocate Broad's decision but the timing of the comments does seem strange.
Clarke will be delighted that he has won the toss. It could be hard work for England's bowling attack today. Australia must take advantage though.
Australia have also been giving out caps this morning. Faulkner, a talented all-rounder, makes his first appearance in Test cricket. With places up for grabs for the winter series, Faulkner need to impress at The Oval.
Chris Rogers and David Warner played well before Australia collapsed in their second innings in Durham. Warner, in particular, will be positive early on.
The Ashes series is tied up for England but Andy Flower and Alastair Cook won't be content with just the victory. They'll want to win this final Test match to prove the difference in quality between the two sides. Play begins in less than 10 minutes.
As always, the first hour of the day will be crucial. The new ball will offer the bowlers something but in truth, it looks like a good pitch for batting. I wouldn't be surprised if Cook has an early look at one of his spinners either.
The ground is filling up very nicely as the umpires walk out to the middle. Both sides are starting to leave their changing rooms now. It's time for the fifth Test to begin.
Cook brings his men together in the middle for one final chat before throwing the ball to James Anderson, who will open the bowling. Can he produce some of the magic he delivered in the first Test? It's an exciting day for many different reasons. Play!
Anderson finds a hint of swing early in the over before sending through a couple of deliveries that barely bounce through to Matt Prior. Rogers attempts to guide the ball through point, where Woakes reacts well to prevent any runs from being scored. Maiden over.
The hero from Durham, Broad, shares the new ball with Anderson. Can he be the one to make an early breakthrough? Three slips and a gully for the seamer.
Broad strays onto the pads to allow Warner to get off strike with a single to fine-leg. Rogers struggles to time a couple of shots and he's almost sent on his way when he edges the ball short of Cook at first slip. Big appeal from Broad for lbw! Kumar Dharmasena isn't interested and he shakes his head. Cook chooses not to use a review. Great length from Broad in the over. Good signs for England.
Hawkeye suggests that the umpire would have been proved right, with Rogers doing just enough with his front pad to earn an umpire's call.
Anderson moves the ball in the air on a couple of occasions in the over. Warner clips a run to fine-leg to rotate the strike. Despite the hint of swing on offer, Anderson struggles to find the right line. Rogers is struck on the thigh pad and Australia collect four leg-byes.
Close! Warner gets stuck on the crease and is fortunate to see an inside edge cannon into his pads. Broad makes life uncomfortable for Warner when he directs a good bouncer into the ribs. Warner takes another risk when he attacks a ball close to his off-stump. It's another inside edge from the opener but this time the ball races away four four runs.
Rogers gets off the mark with a single at the start of Anderson's over.
WICKET! WARNER (6) C PRIOR B ANDERSON
That wicket was coming! Australia haven't looked comfortable in the first 20 minutes and Anderson finds the perfect length to catch Warner's outside edge. Prior takes a simple catch to give Anderson his 325th Test wicket.
Watson is continuing to look for a permanent home. It's his turn to have a go at number three for the tourists. Anderson doesn't waste anytime in beating the outside edge with a beautiful delivery. Watson manages to survive the over and he must now calm things down out there. Great over from Anderson.
Broad is testing the patience of Rogers outside off-stump. The Middlesex ace isn't as care-free with the drive as Warner though. Rogers leaves impressively before taking advantage of a fuller ball to push four past mid-off.
It's no surprise to see Anderson to bowl very straight to Watson, who continues to be haunted by his technique in this series. An expansive drive almost brings a wicket when the batsman miscues the shot to take a painful one on the thigh. Anderson spoils a good over by sending down a wider delivery which Watson drives through the covers for four. Rogers 5* Watson 4*
Rogers struggles to pick the one that nips back from Broad. The left-handed batsman continues to favour playing off the back foot. Broad moves the ball off the seam to beat the bat when Rogers goes fishing outside off-stump. Maiden over.
Anderson pushes his luck when he goes too straight to Watson, allowing the batsman to flick the ball through fine-leg for four. Close! Anderson pleads with Aleem Dar to raise his finger when he strikes Watson's pad. There's no movement from the umpire and England decide against reviewing. Good choice, with Hawkeye proving that the ball would have only clipped leg-stump. Watson always gives you an opportunity. Just the boundary from the over.
Beautiful shot from Rogers as he pushes a full delivery straight past Broad for four. Good response from the bowler to beat the edge with some more seam movement. There's something in it for the bowlers at the moment but runs will be on offer if these two get themselves in. Rogers 9* Watson 8*
Anderson abandons an lbw appeal when he realises that Watson managed to get bat on ball. Too wide and too full from the bowler midway through the over and Watson cashes in to drive for four. The batsman flirts with the ball just outside off-stump but there's no bat involved. Australia dealing in boundaries at the moment.
Good move from Cook to turn to Swann early this morning. The spinner has removed Rogers in five of his last six innings. There's a slip and a short-leg in place.
Very good signs for Swann, who's quick to find some bounce. Rogers is confused by the spin, with a leading squirming into the off-side. Bell moves from short-leg to silly mid-off. Rogers keeps the ball out but that's an impressive maiden for Swann. It's spinning already.
Proud moment for the Woakes family as the all-rounder comes on for his first bowl in Test cricket. Can he make the perfect start? Rogers 9* Watson 12*
Woakes knows the plan as he immediately targets Watson's pads. The seamer nips one back but some extra bounce allows Watson to watch the ball travel over the stumps. Watson plays across his front pad to pick up two through the leg-side. Woakes thinks he might have his rival trapped lbw but Aleem Dar isn't convinced. A good start is ruined when Watson pulls a short delivery away for four.
Rogers almost gets Watson in trouble with some poor calling but the problem is solved before the latter can be run out. Swann darts a couple in towards the pads but Rogers is quick enough to keep the ball out. A wider delivery invites the cut. Good shot, but no runs for Rogers. It's time for drinks.
England will be very happy with the start they've made at The Oval. It was important to take an early wicket and they still look dangerous. Australia are battling well at the moment but they cannot afford to get into trouble before lunch. Rogers 9* Watson 18*
Good over from Woakes. The Warwickshire ace delivers five perfect balls on off-stump to force Watson to block out a maiden. The England new boy is bowling to the plan impressively.
Rogers hasn't been able to play many shots against Swann. The spinner varies his pace nicely to test the opener's technique. There's some good defensive strokes but Rogers doesn't look too comfortable. Three overs from Swann without a run being scored.
Woakes does well to block a straight drive with an outstretched hand but there's no stopping Watson a ball later when the batsman drills the ball through cover for four. Good response from Woakes but there's no luck for the bowler as a thick outside edge races through third-man for four. Watson plays, and misses, outside off-stump. However, the batsman whips the next ball through mid-wicket to make it 12 from a very successful over.
Rogers finds a rare single to get off strike. Watson nudges Swann to long-on for a run. Swann continues to change his pace but he can't find that extra bit of spin to trouble Rogers. Two from the over. Rogers 10* Watson 31*
Good cricket from Watson to nudge the ball into the off-side for a single. Woakes gets his first look at Rogers, who is happy to leave a wider delivery. The bowler strays onto the pads to allow Rogers to flick a couple through square-leg. Decent over from Woakes.
Watson is eager to use his feet against the spin. Swann changes his length well to prepare for the movement. A clip off the pad brings a single to deep mid-wicket. Australia aren't looking to attack the spinner. Could that play into Swann's hands?
Woakes cannot afford to bowl short to Watson. The batsman shows us why when he crunches a pull shot over mid-wicket for four. A couple of blocks are followed by a brilliant straight drive for four. Aleem Dar was forced to take evasive action to avoid injury there. A single makes it nine from the over.
Shot! Watson is clearly growing in confidence as he skips down the pitch to launch Swann for a six straight down the ground, moving to 48 in the process. Swann responds well from round the wicket and Cook continues to be positive by keeping mid-on up. A push through mid-wicket brings a single. Rogers continues to be patient and blocks out the remainder of the over. Rogers 12* Watson 49*
Kerrigan is introduced to the attack for the first time. Can the spinner make a big impact on debut? 30 minutes left in the session.
HALF-CENTURY! Watson cuts the ball through point for a single to reach his 50 from 61 balls. Where has this form been? England will be wary about the batsman kicking on from here. Rogers flicks the ball into the leg-side for one before a touch of nerves sees Kerrigan deliver a juicy full-toss, which Watson punches straight down the ground for four. Watson reaches the rope again by guiding the ball through mid-wicket. Good batting to put the left-arm spinner under pressure immediately.
A defensive attitude could get Rogers into trouble here. A couple of wider deliveries deserve to be hit to the rope but tame shots means that the opener fails to cash in. Swann delivers five dot balls in a row before Rogers finally joins the party with a well-timed push through cover for four.
Kerrigan delivers another poor ball to allow Watson to pull through mid-wicket for a boundary. It just gets worse for the spinner when the batsman lofts four more down the ground. A cut through the covers brings two. Oh dear. Watson pulls twice more late in the over to collect successive boundaries over mid-wicket. It's 18 from the over and I think that could be the end of Kerrigan's spell. The spinner is taking some punishment on debut. Rogers 17* Watson 76*
Swann delivers an uneventful over following the madness that took place during the previous six deliveries from Kerrigan. An outside edge brings Rogers a single through third-man. Watson nudges two through square-leg to move to 78 from just 72 balls.
Cook has no choice but to turn to Broad with 15 minutes left in the session. Rogers judges the line well around off-stump. A fuller delivery is pushed down the ground but Australia decide against taking a single with Trott lurking. Kerrigan superbly blocks a cut shot at point to prevent Rogers from picking up a run off an extra delivery after Broad had been punished for a no-ball.
© Getty Images
England need to prevent Watson from playing more shots like this one. The batsman is showing us why he's given so many chances to shine in this Australian side.
Watson nudges a single into the leg-side early in the over. Swann goes slightly wider to invite some shots from Rogers. The shots are played but there's no risky moments from the opener. England need a breakthrough.
Broad goes full and straight to Watson, who clips the ball through mid-wicket for one. Rogers flicks the ball past the man at mid-wicket for three to bring up the century partnership. Watson has attacked, with Rogers (20 off 72) offering stubborn defence. Broad isn't happy with the ball. Aleem Dar isn't convinced there's much wrong with it though. Three from the final over of the session.
LUNCH: England made a fantastic start to the day by removing the dangerous Warner but the response from the tourists has been superb. Rogers is going about his business with a conservative mindset, while Watson has entertained everyone at The Oval by scoring 80 from just 77 balls. Woakes and Kerrigan have both taken some punishment on their debuts.
It looks like it was a very good toss to win for Australia. There's plenty of runs on offer and England's bowlers will find it tough out there. Rogers 21* Watson 80*
We'll take a quick break during lunch but make sure you return in 30 minutes when our coverage will continue. See you then.
Welcome back everyone. Australia took control of the morning session thanks largely to some cracking shots from Watson. England have struggled to build pressure since Warner's dismissal, so they'll be hoping for an improved display after the break.
You could excuse Australian supporters for asking where has this Shane Watson been this summer. The batsman has played positively and looked at his most comfortable in the series. Is it due to the pressure being off? Either way, he's got a good opportunity to reach his century this afternoon.
Cook may well be reluctant to call on Kerrigan again while Watson is still out there. The left-arm spinner's two overs cost England 28 runs this morning. Anderson and Broad need to strike early in the session.
Everyone is back out in the middle at The Oval. The supporters are just beginning to take their seats following a lunchtime beverage and Swann has the ball in his hand. It's time for the resumption of play.
Swann might be encouraged by a couple of loose shots outside off-stump from Rogers. A fuller delivery is nudged to mid-on for no run. Much better technique on show towards the end of the over. Maiden.
Cook allows Broad to continue his spell from before lunch. Watson times a shot nicely off the pads but Swann fields well at mid-wicket. Good line and length from the bowler late in the over to complete a maiden.
Rogers misses out when he refuses to sweep a leg-side delivery from Swann. A late cut is fumbled by Woakes at backward point, allowing Rogers to collect a single. Watson adds another to deep mid-wicket. There's a brief appeal for a catch when England think the ball might have struck Bell on its way to Cook but the ball bounced a long time before that. Solid start for Australia.
It's a very good over from Broad. Watson is forced to remain watchful as the bowler settles on a challenging off-stump line. Broad isn't too pleased when a mistake from Swann allows Watson to collect three through third-man. The bowler ends the over with a good bouncer to surprise Rogers, who manages to sneak a single.
WICKET! ROGERS (23) C TROTT B SWANN
Swann removes Rogers again! There's just enough turn for the ball to hit the outside edge, with Trott doing the rest by taking a smart low catch. England are delighted, they desperately needed that breakthrough. Clarke in next.
Bell, with the helmet on, is moved just behind square. Clarke is undeterred by the fielder and gets off the mark with a single to fine-leg. Watson nudges the ball into the leg-side for another single as England continue to complain about the ball. Two runs and a wicket from the over. Watson 85* Clarke 1*
Watson nudges a single to fine-leg. England won't mind that as it means Broad gets to bowl at Clarke, who has struggled against the seamer. Clarke flirts with one down the leg-side but doesn't make contact with the ball. It's no surprise to see Broad try the bouncer but his over-eagerness means he oversteps the line and is punished for a no-ball. Close! Clarke is unbelievably lucky not to be dismissed. Broad hits the visiting captain's bat handle with a good bouncer and when the ball drops it almost spins back to hit the stumps. Hands on heads everywhere. Big challenge for Clarke.
Watson nudges a single to deep mid-wicket early in the over. Swann, coming round the wicket, settles on a good line to Clarke. The Aussie captain will always look comfortable against the spinners. One from the over. Broad will bowl to Watson.
Broad is too wide at the start of the over and Watson moves into the nineties with four through cover. Ouch! Broad delivers another fierce bouncer and Watson appears to have taken a very painful blow to the ear. The batsman is knocked off his feet by the impact. He hasn't been cut but there's definitely some concern. Watson stands up, confirms that he's fine and chooses to continue.
Watson takes a few moments to compose himself and he gets away from the danger zone by clipping a no-ball into the leg-side for a single. The batsman survives, just about. Two leg-byes and a single makes it eight from the over.
Swann starts the over well but a slightly shorter ball allows Clarke to collect a single on the leg-side. Watson, who's probably still nursing a sore ear, advances down the pitch and is surprised by some extra bounce. There's something there for the spinner. It could be a minefield later in the game. Watson 92* Clarke 3*
There's shouts for a catch when Broad once again hits the glove. Bell can't reach the ball but Broad overstepped anyway. Clarke just doesn't know how to play the seamer at the moment. There's a break in the game as another helmet is brought on for Root, who comes in short just behind square on the leg-side. Watson takes the opportunity to ask for some painkillers, which is definitely fair after the blow he took. A miscued pull shot allows Clarke to earn a couple of runs. The skipper plays a much more convincing pull for a single. Broad is looking fired up at the moment.
Clarke knocks a single through Swann's leg at the start of the over. Watson adds another to edge closer to a first century for almost three years. It's a good over from Swann, who is forcing Clarke to use his feet to defend. Watson 93* Clarke 7*
Anderson comes into the attack to replace Broad following that fiery spell of short bowling. Watson drives the seamer through the covers for a couple. England are left frustrated when Watson plays across his pad to earn a single. Anderson is unhappy when he's bumped into by Watson. The umpires have a quick word to calm things down. Clarke just hasn't looked at his best so far and he almost ends his innings with a wild swing outside off-stump.
Watson moves to 97 by guiding Swann through square-leg for one. The spinner gives the ball plenty of flight to Clarke, before darting in a quicker delivery to force the batsman onto the back foot. Swann ends the over with a beauty to beat the outside edge. Brilliant bowling.
Anderson and Watson continue to exchange words. I think it's fair to say that they aren't the best of friends. Watson opens the face to guide a single through point. He needs two more of those for a century.
WICKET! CLARKE (7) B ANDERSON
Massive celebrations from Anderson after removing Clarke. The Aussie captain lunges forward but is helpless to prevent the ball clipping the pad before hitting the stumps. He didn't look comfortable out there and he'll be disappointed with that dismissal. Anderson moves above Bob Willis in the list of England's highest Test wicket takers.
Steve Smith is the new batsman for Australia. He's almost sent back inside immediately when he plays the loosest of drives at a wide on from Anderson. Strange shot. Watson 98* Smith 0*
Watson finds a single on the leg-side at the start of Swann's over. Smith, like his captain before him, is eager to lunge forward to keep out the spinner. A change of pace forces the batsman onto the back foot. Just one from the over. Watson will be on strike to Anderson needing just a single for a century.
CENTURY FOR WATSON! A push through the off-side brings three runs and allows Watson to record his first century for 25 Test matches. The batsman continues to frustrate many but he deserves credit for this innings. We've seen some great shots and he showed guts to keep out Broad after being struck by a bouncer. No loose shots from Smith this time. Watson 102* Smith 0*
Watson once again gets off strike early in Swann's over by earning a single on the leg-side. A combination of Swann's foot and Broad's outstretched hand keeps Smith from getting off the mark down the ground. Smith does pick up his first run with a nudge wide of mid-on. Watson adds another with a clip behind square on the leg-side.
DROP! Anderson hits the shoulder of Watson's but Cook, the only man in the slips, fails to take a catch to his right. I'm shocked by that one, it was a pretty simple chance for the England captain. Watson plays every ball in the over but Anderson's accuracy means there's no runs on offer. Good over but England are left disappointed following that drop.
Well, Smith decides it's time to attack as he skips down the pitch to loft Swann over mid-off for six runs. He played that away from his body but the contact was enough to carry the ball over the rope. A flick off the pad brings a single. Watson gets a leading edge on the final ball of the over but the ball drops safely. Watson 104* Smith 8*
Superb fielding from Swann at gully to prevent Smith from picking up any runs through third-man. Anderson is doing a good job of bring Smith onto the front foot. The right-handed batsman blocks well though. Maiden over.
Watson is shuffling across his crease for every Swann delivery, which means he could be at risk of exposing his leg-stump should the spinner deliver a quicker ball. Five good defensive strokes are followed by a powerful pull through mid-wicket, where Pietersen is helpless to prevent the ball reaching the rope.
Anderson is removed from the attack, with Woakes returning for a new spell. A full delivery is well kept out by Smith. Woakes then goes wider as England look to tempt the batsman into playing one of those expansive drives. Smith refuses to take the bait. Maiden over for Woakes.
Good cricket from Watson to collect four with a flick through fine-leg. Swann once again does a good job of varying his pace. There's some turn but it's very slow. Just two from the over. Watson 110* Smith 8*
Oh, Woakes is agonisingly close to his first Test wicket when Smith edges one just short of Cook at first slip. Some England fielders want lbw a ball later but Woakes knows it was an optimistic appeal. No freedom for Smith, who is forced to keep out some straight bowling. It's another good over from Woakes and he completes a maiden again.
I mentioned that Watson could be beaten on leg-stump but he does a good job of clipping a quicker one away for a single. Smith, who likes to be positive against the spinner, attempts to open up the leg-side but his passage is blocked by Cook at short mid-wicket. England are keeping things much tighter at the moment. Watson 111* Smith 8*
Watson opens the face to guide a couple of runs through third-man. Swann blocks the ball when the batsman attempts to punch one to the mid-wicket boundary. Woakes delivers a poor half-volley to allow Watson to drive through extra cover for four. Will Cook give Kerrigan another bowl before tea?
Cook gives us the answer immediately as he turns to Kerrigan for a new spell. There's a few sarcastic cheers from the Australian supporters when the spinner begins with a dot ball. Smith cuts the next delivery to deep cover for one. Root is in the deep to save the poor ball and he does so when Watson pulls through mid-wicket for one. Kerrigan ends the over with a couple of much better deliveries. He looks nervous but Cook needs to put some trust in him.
Woakes drifts one onto the thigh pad to allow Watson to guide a couple through fine-leg. The seamer needs to be bowling a middle and off line. An extra bit of bounce surprises Watson, who can't beat Bell in the gully. Just two from the over.
Oh dear, Mr Kerrigan. The Lancashire spinner begins the over with a head-high full-toss and Smith hammers the no-ball to the rope at square-leg for four runs. A wider delivery is cut through the covers for a single. Watson pushes a single to long-on, before Smith skips down the pitch to nudge another to long-off. Eight from the last over of the session.
TEA: England fought back in that session with the wickets of Rogers and Clarke but an unbeaten century from Watson means Australia head back inside in a healthy position. Kerrigan's inconsistency will be a concern for Cook, who will be desperate for two or three more wickets today. Watson 121* Smith 15*
With only three seamers, one of them being Woakes on debut, Cook must find a way of managing his bowlers to keep Anderson and Broad fresh. I wouldn't be surprised if those two have a new spell just after the break before resting ahead of the second new ball.
We're finally seeing Watson at his best. It can be argued that the pressure is off at the moment but he's deserved to record only his third Test century. Cook gave him a life shortly after that milestone was reached, can he go on to record a double-hundred?
In all honesty, it's just a very good batting pitch at The Oval. Australia will be disappointed if they don't post a big total in the first innings, so a three wickets this evening could give some of the control to England.
The next wicket could be crucial. If Smith and Watson build a big partnership, they'll score quickly enough to prevent England from attacking. However, one wicket will give the hosts a feeling that they could expose the tail tonight.
The short interval has come to an end and the players are already back out on the field. This final session is crucial for both sides. Australia are just edging it at the moment but that could quickly change. It's Woakes with the ball in his hand.
There's almost a mix-up when Smith thinks two is on offer to fine-leg, where Trott reacts quickly to restrict Australia to a single. A slightly wide delivery from Woakes allows Watson to steer a single to deep cover. Just two from the over. Australia cruising along at above three an over.
It's Swann to bowl the second over of the session. He may just camp in at one end. The spinner, coming from round the wicket, is being well played by Watson. A good piece of foot movement allows the batsman to steal the strike with a single to long-on from the final ball.
Watson misses the ball while playing across his front pad. Aleem Dar shakes his head when England appeal for lbw, with Hawkeye suggesting that the ball would have missed leg-stump. Watson guides a single to deep mid-wicket to get off strike. Woakes goes very straight to Smith, who collects a couple thanks to a thick inside edge. Watson 124* Smith 18*
Watson works the ball into the leg-side for one. Smith dances down the pitch but chooses to block instead of playing a bigger shot down the ground. Smith guides a couple to third-man with an open faced shot. The batsman then pushes the ball straight to Swann, who frustratingly throws the ball wide of the stumps to gift an extra run to the tourists.
England once again voice their concerns about the condition of the ball early in a new over from Woakes. Aleem Dar thinks the worries are fair and, after discussing the subject with Kumar Dharmasena, they choose to call for a new one. Woakes doesn't make great use of the replacement when he delivers a short ball which Smith pulls for four. Just the boundary from the over.
A half-tracker from Swann allows Watson to pull the ball to the rope to reach a new career-best score. The centurion then hands the strike to Smith, whose drilled shot is well stopped by Broad at mid-off. Smith does manage to pick the gap at square-leg to earn two late in the over. Watson 131* Smith 26*
Broad comes back into the attack to replace Woakes. Superb batting from Watson. The batsman collects eight from the over by adding two on the leg-side twice, before hammering a straight drive to the rope for four.
Smith walks at Swann before clipping the ball into the leg-side for one. Watson drops to one knee to sweep through fine-leg for a couple more. Swann is bowling well but he's not getting much help from the pitch. England will want to have a bowl at Haddin or Faulkner soon.
Broad comes close to sneaking the ball through Smith's defence but the batsman uses his bat well enough to keep the threat out. There's no freedom for the batsman at the crease, so he's forced to play out a maiden. Watson 141* Smith 27*
Watson shuffles across the crease to nudge Swann into the leg-side for one. Smith sits back to block following a brief conversation about tactics between Trott and Swann. I'm not sure what the plan was but I'm confident it wasn't to allow Smith to launch four over mid-wicket, which he does with great style. Excellent batting.
Broad fires in a short ball but it's too wide to cause a problem for Watson. A second bouncer comes late in the over and Watson responds by pulling confidently for four. Broad follows that delivery with an attempted yoker, which Watson flick to the rope at fine-leg to move to 150 for the first time in his career. His innings has included 22 fours and one six.
Kerrigan returns to the attack but he once again starts with a poor short ball. Smith's pull is struck straight to Swann at mid-wicket. A couple of dot balls are followed by a flick to fine-leg for two. Prior appeals for lbw but the impact took place outside off-stump. Apart from the first delivery, that's a far better over for Kerrigan.
Anderson returns to the attack for a new spell. Watson picks the gap on the leg-side to earn a run. Smith never seems to look comfortable but he's been very effective so far today. Anderson does a good job of restricting the batsman's freedom though. Just one from the over.
Watson and Smith exchange singles early in Kerrigan's over. A fuller ball is nudged off the toe for another Watson run. Smith misses the opportunity to reach the rope when he cuts the ball to Bell at cover. Kerrigan needs to be kept on for his own confidence.
A single hands the strike to Smith at the start of the over. Anderson settles on a straight line to the right-handed batsman, who is more than happy to defend. That could be the end of Anderson's spell with the new ball due in just seven overs.
Kerrigan finds a good length early in the over. Watson blocks a couple before pushing a single to long-on. Anderson saves a certain boundary with some brilliant fielding at backward point. Smith takes advantage of the next poor delivery to whip four through mid-wicket. Time for a drinks break.
It's been a difficult debut for Kerrigan so far. The spinner is struggling and much of that could be down to nerves. England will be desperate to find a wicket before the close of play. I'm sure they'll take the second new ball immediately. Watson 155* Smith 38*
I mentioned that I think Cook will take the second new ball immediately but Anderson is continuing, so I'm not sure what the plan is from here. A wide delivery allows Watson to cut behind square on the off-side for four, bringing up the century partnership in the process. Watson nudges the next ball into the leg-side for one. Trott cleans up in the deep when Smith pulls the ball away for a couple.
Kerrigan begins a new over with another short ball, which is knocked away for one. Smith sits deep in his crease to punch a single through cover. Watson drills the ball straight past the bowler but Pietersen fields well to restrict the batsman to one. Two more singles makes it five from the over.
Swann comes back into the attack to bowl his 28th over. It's a good one from the spinner as he just concedes a single to Watson, who find his 164th run of the day at deep mid-wicket, and one to Smith, who continues to accumulate runs in his own unique way. Watson 164* Smith 43*
Woakes returns for a new spell before the arrival of the second new ball. Smith takes advantage of an inviting half-volley to earn four in front of point. The same batsman drives firmly later in the over but Broad covers the ground to block the ball at mid-off. However, a mistake from Broad a ball later gifts Smith a single.
Smith easily pushes the ball to long-on for one. Swann brings Watson onto the front foot but Australia's newest number three defends confidently. One more to long-on to make it two from the over.
Good over from Woakes. The seamer delivers six very similar deliveries to force Watson into some good defensive strokes. The second new ball is now available but Swann will continue.
Smith is beaten by some turn, with Swann striking the top of the pad. HALF-CENTURY! Smith reaches 50 with a single down the ground. It's taken him 113 balls to get there and he definitely deserves the applause. Australia are in a very strong position at the moment. Watson adds one more run in the over.
Still no sign of the new ball as Woakes continues his spell.
DECISION OVERTURNED! Woakes thinks he has his first wicket when Watson completely misses a pull shot and is given out by Kumar Dharmasena. Watson reviews the decision following some deliberation and Hawkeye shows that the ball would have went over the stumps. In truth, that's a poor decision from the umpire. Maiden over.
Anderson returns to the attack and England take the new ball. England have eight overs to make a breakthrough. There's some extra bounce early in the over to force Smith into a good defensive shot. A shorter ball is pulled brilliantly to the rope for four by Smith. Not much movement in the air for Anderson, who needs to be fuller with his length.
Broad returns to share the new ball with Anderson. Watson attacks a wider to ball and slices four over point. A powerful cut is stopped by Kerrigan. Watson plays his first false shot in a long time when he misses a cut outside off-stump. Just the boundary from the over. Watson 170* Smith 54*
Superb from Smith as he drives through Pietersen at mid-off for four. The fielder might feel he should have stopped that one. Anderson concedes a second boundary in as many deliveries when a shorter ball is pulled through square-leg for four. Eight from the over. It's turning into an excellent day for the tourists.
Watson begins the over with a single. Smith defends three deliveries before Broad produces an absolutely stunning delivery. The seamer gets one to nip back past the bat but it somehow misses the stumps and forces Prior into a good take. A thick edge from Smith races past gully for four late in the over. Watson 171* Smith 66*
You wouldn't be surprised if Watson allows himself to smile for a moment after guiding Anderson through a gap in the slips for four. Watson is content with his work following the early boundary and he reverts back to his defensive mode. A single from the final ball of the over means the centurion will keep the strike. Three overs left in the day.
WICKET! WATSON (176) C PIETERSEN B BROAD
What a catch! England take a wicket out of nowhere when Watson pulls the ball into the air. Pietersen is on the rope as a wide fine-leg and he keeps his eyes on the ball well to take a superb catch. Watson's brilliant innings comes to an end and he takes in the applause. Peter Siddle comes to the crease as the nightwatchman.
Close! Siddle survives his first two deliveries before edging the ball during an attempted leave to earn four through third-man. Broad attempts the yorker but Siddle times his shot well to collect three more on the leg-side.
I'm not sure if Siddle knows what he should be doing as nightwatchman. Blocking is his last though as he earns four more on the leg-side when the bowler searches for the in-swinging delivery. Anderson responds with a gorgeous delivery to beat the outside edge. Siddle readjusts and collects a single to keep the strike. One over left in the day.
Broad begins with a full delivery and Siddle drives firmly for a couple. The batsman is caught in two minds when Broad pulls his length back slightly but he still manages to guide two more past point. Siddle dodges a bouncer before driving again, with two easy runs on offer to deep extra cover.
CLOSE OF PLAY: Siddle survives the final over to ensure that it's still Australia who hold the cards at the end of day one. Watson's superb innings of 176 was brought to an end by that brilliant Pietersen catch but the tourists have plenty to be positive about. Smith 66* Siddle 18*
Watson will rightly dominate the headlines tomorrow, but it's worth noting how sensibly Smith has played today. He's once again shown us how much he's improved with the bat in his hand.
England need to have a big session tomorrow morning. They must take early wickets and expose the Australian tail. Can Kerrigan and Woakes make an impact on Thursday? Broad, Anderson and Swann will certainly need some help.
Thank you for joining me on day one of the fifth Test. Make sure you return at 10.30am tomorrow, when Joe Fish will be taking you through day two at The Oval.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
