Brisbane: Australia cruised to a crushing 10-wicket win over England to go one-up in the Ashes series in the opening Test at the Gabba here Monday, with captain Steve Smith praising his team’s character.
Openers David Warner (87 n o, 119b, 10×4) and Cameron Bancroft (82 n o, 182b, 10×4, 1×6) added to England’s agony by peeling off the required runs without the loss of a wicket before lunch on the final day. The pair had resumed at the overnight score of 114 without loss. Bancroft hit the winning runs to continue England’s misery at the ‘Gabbatoir’
In the process, Warner and Bancroft broke an 87-year-old Test record for the all-time highest unbeaten opening partnership in a successful Test chase.
“We had to show some really good character throughout. Obviously losing the toss, and the wicket was a lot slower than we anticipated it would be. We had to work really hard for this,” said Australian captain Steve Smith. “I’m pleased with the way we have played.”
England captain Joe Root said the result did not tell the full story. “For three days we were excellent. Bar Steve’s knock we were right in it,” he said, referring to Smith’s battling first innings century. “It’s frustrating. We have to move on quickly and make sure we don’t make the same mistakes in Adelaide.”
Warner said it was great to get the win without losing a wicket. “That’s what we cherish, coming out being disciplined to try and get the job done as best as possible,” the left-handed opener asserted.
Brief scores: England 302 and 195; Australia 328 and 173 without loss (David Warner 87 n o, Cameron Bancroft 82 n o). Australia won by 10 wickets.
Agence France-Presse
