Ashes 2023, 5th Test: Smith helps Australia take slender lead at The Oval
The HinduSteve Smith’s 71 helped Australia recover from a batting collapse as the tourist frustrated England by establishing a first-innings lead in the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval on Friday. England vs Australia 5th Ashes Test scorecard It looked as if England would enjoy a sizeable advantage as veteran seamer Stuart Broad sparked a slump that saw Australia decline from 115-2 to 185-7. 😮 A stunning grab from the captain brings Day 2 to a close 👏 Australia lead by 1️⃣2️⃣ at the end of the first innings.#EnglandCricket | #Ashespic.twitter.com/EdsUjrfmk7 — England Cricket July 28, 2023 And off-spinner Todd Murphy -- recalled to the side following last week’s rain-marred drawn third Test at Old Trafford -- added to England’s woes with a sparkling 34 that belied his position of No 10. England took the new ball but Smith completed a 98-ball fifty when he drove Broad for a fine boundary It looked as if the former Australia captain, whose four previous Tests at The Oval had yielded three hundreds, might go on to three figures again until he carelessly skyed a catch off Chris Woakes to Bairstow.