Australia Take First-Innings Lead in Fifth Ashes Test, Retain Ashes Series
Australia managed to establish a first-innings lead in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at The Oval on Friday, securing their position as the holders of the Ashes series. With a lead of 12 runs, Australia, who are currently 2-1 up in the series, only need to avoid defeat to clinch their first Test series win against England in 22 years.
Australia began the day on 61-1, with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne at the crease. However, they experienced a slow start to the day, scoring only 54 runs in 26 overs and losing Labuschagne along the way. The No 3 batsman was dismissed by Mark Wood, caught by Joe Root with a stunning one-handed catch in the slip.
Steve Smith, known for his remarkable batting skills, then took charge and injected momentum into Australia’s innings. He played some outstanding straight-driven shots to collect boundaries off James Anderson. At lunch, Australia stood at 115-2 with Smith leading the charge.
However, the veteran seamer Stuart Broad came back strongly after lunch and caused a collapse in Australia’s batting lineup. Beginning with the wicket of Khawaja, who was adjudged LBW, Broad continued to trouble the Australian batsmen. He became the first Englishman to take 150 Test wickets against Australia. He also dismissed Travis Head, caught behind by Jonny Bairstow.
Despite the setbacks, Smith stood firm and displayed his exceptional batting skills once again. He reached his half-century in 98 balls and looked set to reach another century until he mistimed a shot and was caught by Bairstow off Chris Woakes.
Australia’s lower order, however, contributed crucial runs to extend their lead. Pat Cummins scored 36 runs and partnered with Smith to frustrate England. Off-spinner Todd Murphy, playing his first Test since the rain-marred third Test, added to England’s woes with a sparkling knock of 34 runs.
Cummins was eventually caught by Ben Stokes off Joe Root’s delivery, signaling the end of Australia’s innings. They were bowled out for 295, 12 runs ahead of England’s first-innings total of 283.
As Australia already hold the Ashes, their first-innings lead ensures that they will retain the trophy. They have now set their sights on securing their first Test series win in England since 2001 and ending the 22-year drought.
The fifth Ashes Test continues at The Oval, where England will aim to chase down Australia’s first-innings lead and salvage a draw in the series.
