Ton-up Smith keeps Australia on top
AFP, LONDON
AFP, LONDON: Steven Smith scored his second hundred of the series as Australia continued to build a strong position in the fifth Test against England at The Oval on Friday.
Australia may have lost the Ashes, at 3-1 down in a five-match series, but captain-elect Smiths unbeaten 110 saw his side to 376 for seven at lunch on the second day.
They would have been in an even stronger position but for off-spinner Moeen Ali taking two wickets in three balls in what became the last over of the session to dismiss Peter Nevill (18) and Mitchell Johnson (nought).
This was the 26-year-old Smiths 11th hundred in 33 Tests and his second this series after he made a career-best 215 in Australias 405-run win in the second Test at Lords.
But he would have been out caught behind on 92 had it not been for a Steven Finn no-ball.
Australia resumed on 287 for three, a vastly improved batting display after they were shot out for 60 on the first morning of the fourth Test at Nottinghams Trent Bridge -- a match they lost by an innings and 78 runs as England regained the Ashes.
Smith was 78 not out overnight and Adam Voges unbeaten on 47, with their stand then worth 101.
England took the new ball as soon as possible and gave it to Stuart Broad.
But the paceman, whose return of eight for 15 had stunned Australia at Trent Bridge was, as he had been on Thursday after England captain Alastair Cook won the toss, again fractionally too short and wide in length and line.
Meanwhile, bright skies above The Oval, and a less responsive pitch than at Trent Bridge, created improved batting conditions.
Voges cut Broad for four to complete a 99-ball fifty, including nine boundaries, that followed his second innings 51 not out in Nottingham.
But Voges was plumb lbw for 76 when an off-cutter from Ben Stokes kept low to end a fourth-wicket partnership of 146.
That was the last ball of the over and next ball 332 for four should have become 332 for five when Smith, chased a wide delivery from Finn and edged to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler.
It was poor cricket all round, as was the failure by umpire Aleem Dar not to spot the huge no-ball until he called for replay assistance.
Finn, though, did have his 100th Test wicket when Mitchell Marsh (three) opened the face and was caught by Ian Bell at second slip.
The all-rounder had been recalled after Australia dropped brother Shaun Marsh, a specialist batsman, but his exit meant the siblings had managed just 50 runs in seven innings between them this series.
Smiths quick single off Ali saw him to a 197-ball hundred, including 12 fours and a six.
