Live: Day two, fifth Ashes Test

The day started frustratingly with the first session and a bit lost to rain, which meant only 56.2 overs were bowled for the day. The main story of the day was Steve Smith reaching his maiden Test century - with a six over long-on. The lower-order support he received from James Faulkner (23 off 21 deliveries) and Ryan Harris (33 off 27) helped Australia to 9-492 before its captain Michael Clarke declared in the last session. It left Smith unbeaten on 138 from 241 deliveries, with 16 fours and 2 sixes.

England's first 17.3 overs at the crease produced few nervous moments, which pitch conditions seemingly in clear favour of the batsmen at the moment. How long that situation lasts will have a big influence on the match. A long time will probably push the match towards a draw.

For all news and views from The Oval please keep an eye on our websites, as we will post all dispatches from our team cricketing team in London, Chris Barrett and Malcolm Knox.

Thanks for joining us today. We will be back with full coverage of day three. Play will start 30 minutes' earlier than usual, at 10.30am GMT (7.30pm AEST) rather than 11am GMT (8pm AEST), to make up for the time lost in the first half of day two.

Australia's Steve Smith leaves The Oval arena after his maiden - and unbeaten - first-innings century against England in the fifth Test.Credit: Getty Images

STUMPS: Bad light stops play about three minutes' early. England finishes on 0-32 from 17.3 overs, trailing by 460, with Alastair Cook 17* off 50 deliveries (2 fours) and Joe Root 13* off 54 deliveries (2 fours).

Harris changes ends, replaces Starc. Will probably fit in two of the last three overs of the day.

Australia debutant James Faulkner bowls late on day two of the fifth Ashes Test against England at The Oval.Credit: Getty Images

Australia's debutant: left-arm bowling all-rounder James Faulkner.

Fifteen minutes to go in day two.

A good end to the day weather-wise has allowed some of the play missed in the first session and a bit to be clawed back. It would've been even more had it not been for England's lethargic over-rate.

Improved weather arrived in the second half of day two of the fifth Ashes Test between England and Australia at The Oval.Credit: Getty Images

Root punches Siddle through cover along the ground to move to 13*, level with his captain. England 0-28.

Mitch Starc back on, replacing the man who replaced him, Faulkner.

Faulkner drops short, Cook feasts on the ball angled in from the left-armer by swivelling and pulling hard to deep square-leg to move to 13*. England 0-22.

Some nice acknowledgement from Matt Prior of Steve Smith's assured innings.

Australia's Steve Smith (left) is congratulated by England's Matt Prior on his unbeaten century on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval.Credit: Getty Images