Manchester: Steve Smith’s (211, 319b, 24×4, 2×6) domination of England’s bowling attack in the Ashes series reached new heights Thursday as his magnificent knock led Australia to 497 for eight declared on the second day of the fourth Test here at the Old Trafford.
England lost opener Joe Denly (4), brilliantly caught by Matthew Wade at short-leg after he fended off a rising delivery from Pat Cummins to leave them struggling on 23-1 at the close.
But a day in which Australia surely smelt again the chance to make sure of retaining the Ashes was all about Steve Smith.
It takes nothing away from the appreciation of the 30-year-old’s fine demonstration of the art of Test batting to note that as well as his impeccable timing and shot selection he also enjoyed good fortune.
Having made his third century of the series, Steve Smith was on 118 when he was caught by Ben Stokes at slip off left-arm spinner Jack Leach. Unfortunately for the hosts, their joy turned to despair when video officials deemed Leach had delivered a no-ball. It was Steve Smith’s second reprieve of the day.
Earlier the former Australian skipper had a lucky escape in the second over of the day when Jofra Archer dropped a caught and bowled chance after his full toss was driven straight back at him.
Those were the ‘if only’ moments for England but the bigger picture was that Smith has succeeded in making a mockery of the idea that the hosts had gained momentum from their remarkable comeback victory at Headingley in the last Test.
Smith missed that drama due to concussion but his scores in this series speak for themselves — 144, 142, 92 and 211 at an average of 147.25.
England did indeed come into this match in buoyant mood but minute by minute, over by over and run by run, Smith drained away their self-belief. Smith’s sixth-wicket partnership of 145 runs with captain Tim Paine (58, 127b, 8×4) and put Australia firmly in control.
England’s misery in the afternoon session was compounded when all-rounder Ben Stokes went off with an injury, unable to finish his over of bowling. Stokes, who kept England in the series with his unbeaten 135 in the run chase at Headingley, returned to the field having had treatment for soreness in his right shoulder but did not bowl.
None of England’s seamers nor Leach were able to seriously trouble Smith and in the end, with the third double century of his Test career – the previous two also came against England – in the bag, he fell to the occasional spin of captain Joe Root.
Brief scores: Australia 497 for 8 declared (Steve Smith 211, Tim Paine 58, Stuart Broad 3/97); England 23 for 1. Match to continue.
Agencies