England vs Australia: Steve Smith in control as Australia end wet first day on a high.
Steve Smith continued his outstanding Ashes form, striking an unbeaten 60 as Australia recovered from another failure by their openers to reach 170-3 at the close of the rain-affected first day of the fourth test against England at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
The afternoon delay did little to disrupt Smith, though, who returning from missing the last test due to concussion, made his eighth straight Ashes half-century.
The series is tied a 1-1 with two tests remaining and victory for the Australians would ensure they retain the urn.
It was a much-needed stand after England, on a high after their remarkable comeback win at Headingley, made a great start, bringing their supporters to their feet with just the fourth ball of the day.
Stuart Broad claimed the wicket of David Warner for the fifth time in this series with the left-hander caught behind as he made a belated decision to leave the ball but gave a thin outside edge to Jonny It was a much-needed stand after England, on a high after their remarkable comeback win at Headingley, made a great start, bringing their supporters to their feet with just the fourth ball of the day.
Stuart Broad claimed the wicket of David Warner for the fifth time in this series with the left-hander caught behind as he made a belated decision to leave the ball but gave a thin outside edge to Jonny Bairstow.
Australia’s openers have averaged 15.14 – not since 1888 have their top two contributed less during an Ashes series.
The departure of Harris brought the returning Smith to the crease after 38 minutes of play, the world’s number one-ranked batsman having missed the previous test due to concussion as a result of a bouncer from Jofra Archer.
