England pacer Chris Woakes made a crucial breakthrough on Day 2 of the fifth Ashes Test at Kia Oval, ending Steve Smith’s innings. Smith, the former Australian captain, was on 71 off 122 when he attempted an aggressive shot but mistimed it, resulting in a sky-high catch for wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.
Woakes dismissed Smith in the 90th over of Australia’s first innings with a length ball. Smith played across the line, only to end up with a top edge behind the slip cordon. Bairstow ran backward and effortlessly completed the catch, ending the crucial 54-run partnership between Smith and Australian captain Pat Cummins for the eighth wicket.
Smith has been a prominent figure for Australia in the 2023 Ashes series, accumulating 319 runs in nine innings at an average of 35.44, including a century and a half-century. His dismissal halted Australia’s fightback on the second day of the fifth Test after the middle order collapsed.
By the end of the second session, Australia had lost five wickets and went into Tea at 186-7. However, thanks to a resilient batting performance from Smith, the visitors managed to reach 278/8 after 98 overs. Pat Cummins (34) and Todd Murphy (25) were at the crease.
Earlier, England had posted 283 runs in 54.4 overs during their first innings, with Harry Brook leading the way with a brisk knock of 85 off 91 deliveries. Ben Duckett contributed with a run-a-ball 41, while Chris Woakes and Mark Wood added valuable runs towards the end with scores of 36 and 28, respectively.
Australia’s Mitchell Starc emerged as the pick of the bowlers, claiming four wickets for 82 runs. Josh Hazlewood and Todd Murphy took two wickets apiece, while Cummins and Mitchell Marsh settled for one wicket each.
With a 2-1 lead in the five-match Ashes series, Australia now has a golden opportunity to secure their first series victory in England since 2001. Avoiding defeat in the ongoing Test will see Pat Cummins and his team achieve this feat.
Overall, it has been an enthralling contest between the two fierce rivals, and with unpredictable twists and turns, the Ashes series has kept cricket fans on the edge of their seats. As the fifth Test progresses, both teams will do everything in their power to gain the upper hand and claim the prestigious Ashes urn.
