Ashes cricket 2023: Australia lead by 12 runs after first innings fightback
England’s botched attempt to run-out Steve Smith was the flashpoint of day two, with the call aiding the Aussies in taking a lead into day three. Watch the incident here and recap day three.
Australia’s tail wagged dramatically to pinch a 12-run first-innings lead on a topsy-turvy day two of the fifth and final Test at The Oval.
Having slumped to 7-185, still 98 runs in arrears, Steve Smith, Pat Cummins and Todd Murphy combined to steer the Aussies to 295 as they seek to clinch a first away Ashes series win in 22 years.
Unlike some of his fellow batters, Smith had struck the balance between attack and defence well before falling to a rash miscued pull off Chris Woakes for 71.
But as he did famously in the first Test at Edgbaston, Cummins held firm, this time helped by the freewheeling No. 10 Murphy who struck three sixes off Mark Wood en route to a priceless 34 runs before he was trapped by Woakes.
Cummins was finally removed for 36, caught sublimely by opposing captain Ben Stokes who navigated the boundary rope to complete a juggling take off Joe Root.
BAIR-EST OF MARGINS
It was almost Gary Pratt all over again. Australia famously fumed during the 2005 Ashes over England’s liberal use of sub-fielders, culminating in Pratt’s run out of Ricky Ponting during the fourth Test of that series at Trent Bridge. Well if there is a wicket even bigger than that of Ponting, it is Smith. And the Aussie vice-captain appeared to have been caught short dashing back for a second not long after tea when sub-fielder George Ealham - the son of ex-England international Mark Ealham - raced in from mid-wicket and threw to Jonny Bairstow who appeared to have whipped off the bails before Smith was safe. The decision was sent upstairs to third umpire Nitin Menon, who agonised for several minutes over the call. It looked as though Bairstow had dislodged one of the bails before he had the ball and had not uprooted the other bail from its groove before Smith got home. It was a close run thing, but Smith survived to be 44 as he and Pat Cummins continued Australia’s salvage mission. Australia would have slumped to 8-194 had the decision gone the other way.
Another look at that incredibly close call - Steve Smith survives that throw from G̶a̶r̶y̶ ̶P̶r̶a̶t̶t̶ George Ealham! #Ashespic.twitter.com/GJNTo6nDqF
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) July 28, 2023
BAILED HIM UP
It was a masterclass in mind games from the all-time great provocateur Stuart Broad. With Marnus Labuschagne crawling his way to nine, Broad approached the stumps at the striker’s end between balls and switched the two bails for no apparent reason. The very next ball, Labuschagne edged one from Mark Wood which flew between wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow and first slip Joe Root. It probably should have been Bairstow’s catch but Root stuck out a hand to take it. Labuschagne was none too impressed as he made his way off.
BROADLY SPEAKING
And yet that still wasn’t Broad’s most telling intervention.
Having both excellently without reward during Australia’s go-slow in the first session, Broad struck twice in his first two overs after lunch, trapping Usman Khawaja lbw for 47 and then nicking off Travis Head for four.
It was another chapter in Broad’s outstanding Ashes career. Head was Broad’s 151st Australian wicket. No player has removed more Aussies in Test cricket history.
CAREY FACTOR
Across the first three Tests of this tour including the World Test Championship final, Alex Carey made two half-centuries, another 48 and was never out for less than 20. He also kept brilliantly, effecting several stumpings off Nathan Lyon as England tried to take the long handle to Australia’s spinner. Then the Jonny Baitstow stumping controversy happened, making the Aussie gloveman public enemy No. 1 (or perhaps No. 2 behind skipper Pat Cummins). And Carey hasn’t been the same player since. He’s made eight, five, 20 and 10, getting out meekly to Root’s part-time spin on Friday at The Oval. Carey also dropped a regulation catch off Harry Brook on Thursday, a spill that cost Australia 80 runs. Former Australian captain Mark Taylor pondered on Channel 9 whether Carey’s performances had been impacted by the Bairstow incident. “I can’t help but think that might have impacted his performance over the last couple of Test matches,” Taylor said. “You can’t help but think it might have started with this incident.”
ONE MORE FOR OLD TIME’S SAKE
Jimmy Anderson had not enjoyed a particularly fruitful series, and his selection in this match was contentious. Keeping things tight had not been the issue, but Anderson was unable to deliver killer blows. Finally though he struck, with Mitch Marsh chopping on for 16 as part of Australia’s dismal middle session.
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE KEY MOMENTS OF THE DAY
3:30AM: STUMPS: FIFTH TEST ALL TO PLAY FOR AFTER TWO DAYS
Yesterday it was Australia wondering what may have been, today it’s England.
Aussie skipper Pat Cummins came to the crease trailing the home side by 98 runs, yet lasted nearly the rest of the day to give Australia a 12-run lead after the first innings.
A fightback after tea led by Steve Smith was highlighted by a contentious run-out decision, with the third umpire declaring Jonny Bairstow hadn’t completely broken the bails before Smith made his ground.
Smith and Cummins went on to make another 46 runs together, and just as Alex Carey’s drop of Harry Brook cost Australia, that incident has cost England dearly it seems.
The lower order stood tall where the middle faltered, with Mitch Marsh, Travis Head and Alex Carey all failing to make significant runs.
A cameo from spinner Todd Murphy in the final hour accelerated the pace of the game, after Australia completely struggled to score in the first session.
Marnus Labuschagne almost made it to lunch, however nicked off after some mind games from serial pest Stuart Broad, with both he and Khawaja making little inroads on the England total.
No doubt day three will be appointment viewing in London.
3:20AM: THE MURPHY SHOW COMES TO A CLOSE
The cameo of all cameos from Todd Murphy has been ended after losing his wicket LBW to Chris Woakes.
Woakes, coming from around the wicket zeroed in on the pads, and the umpire sent Murphy packing.
A desperate review from the spinner showed the ball clipping leg stump, meaning it was umpire’s call.
Josh Hazlewood comes to the crease with Australia holding a slim lead, which given their day up to the last session they will absolutely take.
A wicket here will end the day’s play, can they see out the rest of the day?
3:05AM: REMARKABLY, AUSTRALIA TAKE FIRST INNINGS LEAD
It seemed very far-fetched when Steve Smith walked off, but Australia has taken a first-innings lead late into day two.
Murphy and Cummins have continued to look sharp at the crease, and have fired where the middle order failed to do so.
Australia have rebounded well after a disastrous middle session, appearing more proactive at the crease and not allowing the English bowlers to operate in partnerships and tie down the Aussies.
Murphy’s proactive approach, probably out of necessity due to his batting prowess, has been a complete contrast to what we saw in the first session from Khawaja and Labuschagne.
Murphy has now moved into the 30s alongside his skipper.
Australia were 185-7 when Pat Cummins came to the crease. The scores are now level at 283-8.
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 28, 2023
Cummins 35*, Murphy 29*.#Ashes2023
STAT FACT 🚨:
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 28, 2023
Todd Murphy scored more runs in 11 balls (0* to 24*), then Usman Khawaja did in the first session of Day 2 (26* to 47*). #9WWOS#Ashes#Cricket#ENGvsAUS
2:45AM: MURPHY’S CAMEO FRUSTRATES HOSTS
Todd Murphy and Pat Cummins are just frustrating the home side a little bit, eating further into this deficit.
Murphy has played two lovely strokes, even whacking Mark Wood for six with a beautiful hook shot.
Not only are the two eating into the deficit, but the time at the crease could make England’s spell at the crease tonight very uncomfortable.
Another hook shot from Murphy over the rope, and the lead is now under 20 for England, leaving this Test poised beautifully with the second innings looming.
Murphy was the dedicated nightwatchman last night and appears very comfortable, leaving well and getting under anything too quick.
AND AGAIN FROM TODD, Mark Wood getting a taste of his own medicine here.
That hook shot from Murphy to the short boundary is lethal.
Goggles smokes Mark Wood for TWO MORE SIXES over fine leg - that's three in the space of two overs!! 🤩🤩#TheAshes 5th Test | Live on Channel 9 and 9Now.#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/fhUhSHB16V
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 28, 2023
Little known fact Todd Murphy was brought into the side to bolster Australia's batting
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 28, 2023
2:20AM: SMITH THROWS HIS HANDS AT ONE, AND THROWS WICKET AWAY
As it looked like the Aussies had all the momentum in London, a brain fade from Steve Smith has turned the game back to the hosts.
Smith played an extremely aggressive off-drive which he was lucky to get away with earlier in the over, but then was deceived by a Chris Woakes slower ball, throwing his hands hard at it.
The ball flew a mile in the air, with Jonny Bairstow scampering back to take the catch in front of fine leg, and Smith goes for 71.
Australia can’t make England pay the ultimate price for the missed run-out chance, but will those extra runs be enough to keep the game alive?
Todd Murphy comes to the crease with the Aussies 44 behind.
2:05AM: AUSSIES EAT INTO THE ENGLISH LEAD
Steve Smith certainly does love The Oval, now averaging 100 at the London ground.
Looking comfortable at the crease, the star has used the harder new ball to his advantage, making it easier to penetrate the field.
Broad and Anderson have managed to get some good shape from the new ball, but with the sun shining it seems this is the best time of the day to bat.
Which obviously makes it imperative that Australia stay at the crease for as long as they can.
Steve Smith has converted five of his last six 50s into centuries, can the former skipper do so again and give his team the advantage?
Cummins' scoring map pic.twitter.com/qvdMjzjYSu
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 28, 2023
1:45AM: BROAD STRIKES WITH NEW BALL … UNLESS!!!!
After Steve Smith brought up his 50, shortly after his partner Pat Cummins must go, given out LBW from Stuart Broad.
After sending it upstairs, it seemed as if the only way Cummins could have survived was if he hit the ball, however it was caught at slip by Joe Root.
However, Hawkeye showed the ball missing leg and Cummins survives, that ball certainly moved plenty!
English seamer Jofra Archer did not seem to agree with the decision, voicing his displeasure on Twitter.
Australia have now gotten this deficit into the 60s with Smith looking well in command.
The luck appears to be turning in favour of the visitors, can they make the hosts pay while they seem to be slightly on top?
Hawkeye no ..
— Jofra Archer (@JofraArcher) July 28, 2023
1:20AM: BAIRSTOW GIVES SMITH THE ULTIMATE LIFE
Steve Smith should be back in the pavilion, but its Jonny Bairstow yet again who gives the Aussies a let-off.
Trying to scamper for two, George Eahlam made a great break on the ball and threw it into the keeper, but either Bairstow had made contact with the wickets before securing the ball, or had not broken the bails by the time Smith made his ground.
Commentator Mark Butcher lamented the keeper’s efforts.
“Had Bairstow taken that cleanly and not nudged the bails off that would have been out,” he said.
Ricky Ponting was just as miffed by the whole scenario.
“Was it the fact that Johnny had bumped the stump and the bail had started to move out or was it that the bail was still in the second groove by the time that Smith had made his ground?”
It could prove to be the momentum changer that the visitors need, with the new ball seemingly about to be taken.
1:10AM: DOES LORD’S STILL LINGER OVER CAREY?
Alex Carey had a bright start to this series with the gloves and the bat, but since Australia’s win at Lord’s has not looked the same player with the willow.
Former Aussie captain Mark Taylor believes his form slump all started at that incident with Jonny Bairstow.
“His batting certainly has fallen away a bit throughout the series. Whether that’s fatigue or not. You can’t help but think it might have started with this incident.
“It’s his first Ashes Tour in England and the crowd have been giving it to him.
“Right from that very moment there was quite a bit after the incident. Every time he goes out to bat or keep now he gets booed.
“You won’t meet a nicer guy playing cricket in Australia at the moment than Alex Carey.
“I can’t help but think that might have impacted his performance over the last couple of Test matches,” Taylor said.
Carey dropped what for him would be considered a regulation chance off Harry Brook, who went on to make another 80 runs, which may be the difference in this Test.
12:45AM: ALL EYES ON STEVE SMITH AS AUSSIES LIMP TO TEA
Well that session could hardly have gone any worse for the visitors, with the loss of Usman Khawaja setting the tone for a session that the hosts dominated.
The shining light for Australia is that Steve Smith is still in, with Australia still 97 behind.
We have seen Smith drag his side to either a lead or close to with the tail in Ashes series of the past, and for the World Test Champions to have hope of a result, the same needs to happen here.
Pat Cummins will have to buck the trend of Smith’s partners falling for little score.
Nine commentator Callum Ferguson hit out at the other batsmen for Australia.
“We just need someone to hang around with him for a period of time to allow him to start to flourish in the last session.
“Gee, it’s been a stagnant Australian innings, very un-Australian.”
England have all the momentum, and will look to wrap this up quickly and pile on the pain with the bat with still so much time available in this game.
12:35AM: WOOD DOES THE JOB AGAIN
Again, no one is able to hold down the other end as Steve Smith watches on, this time its Mitch Starc who departs.
Starc premeditated the bouncer it seemed, but the ball jumped on him and a limp pull shot landed right in Ben Duckett’s hands in the outfield.
Australia are still facing a big deficit as the skipper Pat Cummins comes to the crease.
You’d expect the short ball assault to continue from the fierce Wood.
The skipper will have to deliver an innings similar to his one at Edgbaston to keep his side in the game.
Will Steve Smith free himself up as the wickets continue to tumble and try and chew into this deficit?
12:10AM: CAREY GOES POORLY
Well, after whacking Joe Root for six over mid-wicket, Alex Carey could not help himself, throwing his hands at a ball thrown up again by Root.
This time however, it landed right in the hands of Ben Stokes, who reached forward and took a sharp chance at short mid-off.
It continues to be a poor series for the Aussie keeper, who after started the series magnificently has struggled with the bat since the win at Lord’s.
Australia still trail by 113 with only four wickets in hand and have lost 4-55 since lunch
Can anyone stick around with Steve Smith or will England take a massive lead into the second innings?
Complete list of Test cricketers with more runs *and* more wickets than Joe Root:
— The CricViz Analyst (@cricvizanalyst) July 28, 2023
Jacques Kallis#Ashes
11:55PM: CAREY SURVIVES BIZARRE DRS DECISION
Alex Carey’s relentless pursuit of playing spinners behind square almost undid him once again, with the keeper surviving a DRS review from the English.
Initially given not out, there was a “wavy line” on snicko as the ball passed the bat, however Hawkeye said Carey was 3m away from the stumps so it was not out.
The umpire’s initial call that it was leg byes seemed to sucker Stokes into reviewing, who then complained that his side lost a review because of it.
“I think there was a little mistake there from the umpire, Kumar Dharmasena. He signalled leg bye which allowed Stokes to have a look upstairs.
Obviously with any shout like that the umpire has got to hold his decision back as long as he can to see if they want to have a look at a review,” said Ricky Ponting.
11:35PM: ALL ENGLAND AFTER LUNCH
Mitch Marsh had looked the goods coming to the crease, but chops on to his stumps and must go with Australia 151-5.
Jimmy Anderson makes the breakthrough and gets some reward after toiling away in the first session.
Alex Carey will come to the crease, with it seeming as if Steve Smith is the only batsman capable of keeping himself at the crease while also being proactive.
The home side are now well on top and look the goods to take a first innings lead, with Mark Wood thrust into the attack immediately after troubling Carey in Manchester.
Can Smith and Carey put together a partnership and keep Australia in the game?
The fun ends with Marsh, as yet ANOTHER chop on this series has the final say. 😩#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/A209QeGS0l
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 28, 2023
11:15PM: TUBBY’S POINTED CRITICISM TO AUSSIE BATTERS
Former Australian captain Mark Taylor has slammed the Aussie approach to start day two, suggesting they should have taken it to the bowlers a bit more.
Taylor said they should have been looking to score regularly, but not necessarily chase the lofty heights of Bazball.
“No doubt England bowled well but you have to tell the opposition you are after them as much as they are after you.
“I’m not suggesting for a minute we try to match Bazball, but be a bit more … proactive.”
Labuschagne in particular failed to get going and only managed nine runs off 82 deliveries.
After 54.4 overs
— Matt Roller (@mroller98) July 28, 2023
England: 283ao
Australia: 130 for 4
11PM: BROAD GOES BANG BANG AND TURNS THE GAME ON ITS HEAD
As he so often has done, one becomes two for Stuart Broad and Travis Head has to go.
Head played a lovely flick off his pads for four down the ground, but soon after that was all she wrote for the Aussie no.5.
Broad lured Head forward in defence, drawing a regulation edge behind to Jonny Bairstow.
The Broad around the wicket plan has worked all series for the home side.
Mitch Marsh comes to the crease with the Aussies in trouble, can he turn the tide like he did at Leeds?
10:50PM: BROAD STRIKES STRAIGHT AFTER LUNCH
The breaks did the job for Australia yesterday and it seems the same has happened for the hosts.
Stuart Broad strikes from around the wicket once again, with Usman Khawaja playing all around a ball that was cannoning into leg stump.
It brings up 150 wickets for Stuart Broad in the Ashes.
Khawaja was hanging back in his crease, yet still reviewed and his failed review brings Australia’s tally to two.
Travis Head arrives at the crease with Australia desperately needing a partnership to regain some control in the contest.
Nine expert Callum Ferguson expects the game to change from here.
“I think we will see the game start to accelerate.”
A Broad floater first over after lunch does the trick to remove Khawaja for 4ï¸âƒ£7ï¸âƒ£.#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/GnCp4XuJA3
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 28, 2023
10PM: AUSTRALIAN CRAWL ENDS IN DISMAY AT LUNCH
Marnus Labuschagne was left fuming after Stuart Broad antics precipitated the Australian batter’s demise on day two at The Oval.
Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja had engaged in an old-fashioned blockathon as they sought to grind down England but a blinder from Joe Root spared Jonny Bairstow’s blushes and ended Labsuchagne’s painstaking innings.
Having started the day at 1-61, the Aussies crept to 2-109 shortly before lunch, with Khawaja and Steve Smith hanging tough after England was bowled out for 283 on day one of the fifth and final Test.
In an extreme contrast to the hosts’ breakneck Bazball approach of Thursday, Labuschagne and Khawaja left the ball almost religiously as England’s quicks – particularly Broad – challenged them repeatedly outside off stump in dark conditions with the lights in effect.
Labuschagne crawled to nine from 82 balls, falling after edging Mark Wood between wicketkeeper Bairstow and first slip Root. Convention would dictate that it was the England ‘keeper’s catch, although Bairstow’s immobility has been a consistent theme during this series.
Even when he’s not bowling, Stuart Broad makes things happen! 😅#Ashes2023pic.twitter.com/VlUI8CZMWs
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 28, 2023
Thankfully for the gloveman, Root stuck out his right-hand and hung on, ending what was Labuschagne’s slowest Test innings in terms of strike rate when he has faced 15 or more balls.
Labuschagne rarely exits quickly from the field after being dismissed but he looked particularly unhappy on this occasion, seemingly having words with umpire Joel Wilson.
Broad, who had bowled exceptionally well and was unlucky not to break through, had mischievously adjusted the bails moments before Labuschagne was dismissed.
Ever the pot-stirrer, Broad also appeared to have words with Khawaja after Labuschagne departed, perhaps highlighting how Labuschagne had been exposed to most of Wood’s express pace during the opening session.
Labuschagne had played and missed several times in his innings and was lucky to escape earlier when an attempted guide down the leg side fell just short of Ben Duckett at leg slip.
The contrast between the two sides’ approaches was as severe as it had been all series.
“I don’t think we could have two more contrasting starts to each day,” Aussie great Glenn McGrath said on the BBC’s Test Match Special.
Mitchell Starc, who starred with the ball on day one, had told SEN that he hoped to be able to put his feet up for the day as the Aussies batted, seeking to secure a first away Ashes series victory since 2001.
“We’ve stuck true to the way we want to play our cricket throughout the tour,” Starc said.
Bairstow was generally untidy behind the stumps, allowing several byes in the first hour to continue the trend of the series.
9:40PM: SAME OLD PIERS, ALWAYS WHINGING
Now it has not been the most riveting 100 minutes of play at The Oval, but who are we to speak of this innings in historic terms.
This blogger is no renowned cricket writer like. Piers Morgan.
Yes, the poster boy for England’s woes this series has fired off another Twitter complaint, labelling Australia’s efforts to start day two “the most boring batting in modern Ashes history.”
It’s probably fair to say if Piers doesn’t like it we are doing something right.
This is the most boring batting in modern Ashes history. Thanks Australia. pic.twitter.com/7P1biJVgOd
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 28, 2023
9:25PM: ENGLAND BREAK THROUGH WITH STUNNER
A stunning catch from Joe Root at first slip has ended the eternal partnership of Labuschagne and Khawaja.
A delivery from Mark Wood drew the edge of Labuschagne, and a catch that probably should have been Jonny Bairstow’s was snatched by Root one-handed on his left.
The Aussie no. 3 only managed nine runs from the 82 deliveries, with England getting a reward finally for their excellent bowling to start the day.
Would you rather keep your wicket and not score, or lose wickets regularly and keep the scoreboard ticking over?
It seems to be the question that has lingered over the whole series.
That, and what’s the weather in England today?
9:00PM: BORE-BALL FRUSTRATES ENGLAND
It’s like the tortoise and the hare, just without the metaphorical importance and the interest.
It has been slow going for Khawaja and Labuschagne, with only 21 runs being added to the overnight score in the first hour.
The bowling to be fair has been spot on, with England significantly improving on their lengths.
Broad has been extremely threatening to start his spell, drawing a hopeless LBW appeal that was headed down leg and almost getting Labuschagne at leg slip.
England have incessantly asked the umpire to change the ball, yet have still managed to get some movement in the air and off the deck.
Usman Khawaja has become the leading scorer in the series, yet has faced over 600 more balls than Zak Crawley who is second.
Usman Khawaja has now edged ahead of Zak Crawley as leading runscorer this Ashes series: he's scored 3 more runs and faced 598 more balls. Both enjoyed fine series, being true to themselves and playing in opposite ways
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) July 28, 2023
8:45PM: BARKING MAD? THE SECRET TO MARK WOOD’S SUCCESS
Mark Wood has been touted as a different type of character, however this may be the final nail in the “he’s an odd cat” coffin.
Speaking on BBC Cricket, former English fast bowler told an anecdote about Wood’s antics before being unleashed at Leeds where he ripped through the Aussie batting line-up.
“He was on all fours in the dressing room barking like a dog,” Finn said.
Wood was proved to be right in the end, starring with ball and bat for the hosts.
Mark Wood, never change. ðŸŽ#BBCCricket#Ashespic.twitter.com/eYiNeB4KbX
— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 28, 2023
8:30PM: PONTING HITS OUT AT WOOD’S ‘NOTHING’ LENGTH
With Jimmy Anderson proving difficult to get a hold of at one end, former Aussie captain Ricky Ponting says he’s been disappointed with the start of Mark Wood today.
Ponting described Wood’s bowling as bowling a “nothing length” and allowing the Aussie batsman to just rock back and see them pass through to Jonny Bairstow.
Wood has been slightly wayward such is his way with such pace, with a couple headed down the leg side and going to the rope.
Labuschagne has struggled to get going so far, with the Aussie run rate coming down and the pressure seemingly building.
Only 12 runs have been added up to this point.
8:15PM: CAUTIOUS START FOR KHAWAJA AND MARNUS
James Anderson and Mark Wood have the task of opening up the day for the home side.
Khawaja and Labuschagne have both been very watchful, but have both been beaten past the bat to Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.
Two maidens to start the day for England with the Aussies trying to get started again after seeing off a nervy final 30 minutes last night.
Anderson coming around the wicket appears to have his line much more on target to Khawaja, bowling a probing line and length to draw some false strokes.
Unlike last night the ageing quick has been able to get some good carry to Bairstow.
There has also been some movement off the pitch to start the day.
7:25PM: NO MOOEN, MO PROBLEMS
English spinner Moeen Ali will not participate in the field yet again, providing a welcome boost to the Australians ahead of Day 2.
Ali suffered a groin injury scampering for a quick single on the first day while batting with Harry Brook, and sat out England’s fielding in the later hours of the day.
The injury will surely mean Joe Root will have to bowl, who has had the knack to pick up wickets here and there with the ball.
Todd Murphy was able to get some grip out of the surface on day one, so we shall see if the loss does haunt the home side.
CRICKET FANS FUME AT HOST BROADCASTER FOR FATAL ERROR
Cricket fans slammed Sky Sports for their Ashes coverage after the sound disappeared during the final session of day one of the Fifth Test.
The audio cut out as Chris Woakes claimed England’s first wicket of the match – with Joe Root catching a David Warner edge.
And viewers were furious that they had not been able to hear the reaction at The Oval.
One said: “Sky Sports lost the sound to the cricket and England go and got the wicket of Warner. Great timing.”
Another added: “Somebody @SkySports cricket just sat on the remote and muted it.”
A third replied: “Sky Sports have had a ‘mare there! England take a wicket, but there’s no audio on the feed from the Oval!”
And a fourth responded: “Nothing like a bit of silent cricket, thanks Sky Sports …”
Back in Australia, Nine hosts Roz Kelly and Callum Ferguson were left to call the wicket of Warner in an awkward moment.
A minute's silence on Sky commentary for David Warner's Test career, classy
— Ben Gardner (@Ben_Wisden) July 27, 2023
A win at The Oval would ensure England draw the Ashes 2-2, but Australia have already retained the urn.
Brendon McCullum’s men managed 283 in their first innings as Harry Brook hit 85 from 91 balls.
But Australia replied brightly as Usman Khawaja and Warner put on a 49-run stand for the opening wicket.
Originally published by The Sun UK
WATCH: ROWDY POMS PELT PISSED-OFF PUNTER WITH GRAPES
Ricky Ponting was left fuming after he was pelted with grapes live on Sky Sports.
The Australia legend, 48, was giving his views on another gripping day of Ashes action at The Oval when he was left visibly peeved.
England was bowled out for just 283 as Bazball backfired in overcast conditions.
Ben Duckett, Harry Brook and Chris Woakes were the only major run-scorers with the bat for the hosts.
And Ben Stokes’ side were only able to prise one Aussie wicket before the close of play, as Woakes had David Warner caught in the slips.
The tourists finished a day in which they edged England on 1-61.
As Ponting discussed the finer points of the day’s play, the former Baggy Green captain was struck by a series of fruity missiles.
A number of grapes lay at his feet as he stared menacingly into the crowd.
Sky Sports host Ian Ward tried to laugh off the situation, but Ponting wasn’t going to let it lie.
The Australian, almost shaking in rage, even said: “I’ve just been hit by a grape.
“I wouldn’t mind finding out who that was actually.”
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