Australia might have already lost the Ashes, but their performance on the first day of the fifth and final Test was top notch at the Kennington Oval on Thursday. David Warner and Steve Smith were the standout performers as they scored 85 and 78 runs respectively. Australia finished Day 1 with 287 runs for the loss of three wickets.
On the other hand, England, who were without their star bowler James Anderson found it tough, as they were not able to provide early breakthroughs, which had put Australia in the backfoot during the earlier Test matches.
The onus was on Stuart Broad and Steve Finn, but they could not take wickets, and hence the Australian openers, Warner and Chris Rogers, provided a solid start with a stand of 110 runs.
However, it was Warner, who took full advantage of the situation and played some delightful strokes, which included 11 fours. Apart form Warner and Smith, much criticised Adam Voges also came to the party as he is at the batting crease with 47 runs against his name. David Warner was very pleased with the way his team mates batted against the English bowlers.
"I think the conditions have played a big role in this series so far, and the way that everyone has adapted, I think the last game was quite challenging as the ball did swing a hell of a lot - today it didn't swing as much," ABC quoted Warner as saying.
"The way the guys have been batting at training and then bringing it into today's game, I think everyone should hold their heads high."
David Warner, who has been decent in the Test series, has been subjected to a number of good balls, which has led to his dismissal, but the left hander showed his class on Thursday.
"Obviously it's important to put first innings runs on the board, and if you take Lord's away, the way England has bowled to me so far, good balls have been getting me out," he said.
"I've got to keep trying to work as hard as I can in the first innings. I don't mean to get out, but that's what happens in cricket!"
Though they might have started the Test well, four crucial days still remain, which could change the course of the game. Australia need to come up with a huge first innings total on the board and put pressure on England in the final Test.
Hence, the second day of the Test match will be an important one for both sides. England will be eager to start the Day 2 proceedings with some quick wickets, while Australia will want to score runs and not lose any wickets during the first hour.
Where to Watch
England vs Australia Day 2 of the 5th Test is scheduled for 11am local time start (3:30pm IST, 6am ET, 7:30pm AEST) with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 1/HD with live streaming onstarsports.com.
Viewers in the UK can watch the game live on Sky Sports 2 with live streaming on Watch Sky Sports and Sky Go, while Australian viewers can catch the action live on Nine Networkand online on CA website.
US viewers can watch the second Test live in TV on One World sports and ESPN with live streaming on Watch ESPN.
