The Ashes 2013: 5th Test, Day 1 - Heroes of the Day

Having already lost the series 0-4 and looking to salvage what’s left of their pride, Australia produced a commanding batting display against hosts England on the first day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval yesterday.

At stumps, the Aussies were on a healthy 307/4, with England striking late towards the end of the day’s play on a pitch that has looked extremely conducive for batting. This happened after captain Michael Clarke won the toss and chose to make first use of the wicket.

Here are the heroes for the day:

Shane Watson (176 runs off 247 balls – 25 fours, 1 six)

Shane Watson of Australia bats during day one of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

The veteran all-rounder was in sublime touch as he played his natural, attacking game right from the word go. After opener David Warner was removed early by seamer James Anderson, Watson joined Chris Rogers in the middle and proceeded to hammer all the bowlers around the park. He was particularly severe on rookies Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan – hitting the latter for four boundaries in an over. Woakes, too, suffered a similar fate – he was carted for three boundaries in a single over.

Growing in confidence, Watson scampered for three runs off Anderson to bring up his third Test century in 46 matches. He shared two century partnerships – 107 with Rogers (23) and 145 with Steven Smith (66 n.o.).

Watson also benefited from the DRS by having umpire Dharmasena’s LBW verdict reversed in his favour, was dropped by Alastair Cook on 104 and was left bleeding in one ear after a nasty bouncer from Stuart Broad snuck under his helmet. He was finally dismissed by another Broad bouncer, pulling it straight into the hands of a diving Kevin Pietersen at backward square leg.

A brilliant innings from the all-rounder after going through a rough patch in the first four games!

Steve Smith (66* off 133 balls – 9 fours, 1 six)

Steve Smith of Australia hits out during day one of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The NSW all-rounder has been in decent batting form in this edition of the Ashes, and he underlined his importance to the team with yet another steady innings. With Watson blazing away at the other end, Smith was content to play second fiddle for much of the 145-run stand, pushing the singles and rotating the strike. He even skipped down the track to loft off-spinner Graeme Swann into the stands, and duly progressed to his sixth Test fifty.

Australia would want the 24-year-old to score more runs on the morrow and get them to a substantial total. Terrific knock!

James Anderson (2/52 in 18 overs)

James Anderson of England celebrates the wicket of Australia captain Michael Clarke during day one of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The Lancashire swing bowler, in tandem with Stuart Broad, made life difficult for the Aussie openers earlier in the day. He got the ball to swing both ways and troubled David Warner consistently before dismissing him with a full delivery outside off.

He had to wait long for his second wicket, with Watson retaliating through a flurry of boundaries. Eventually, he had Michael Clarke playing down the wrong line to a good-length ball around off; it brushed his pads and clipped the top of the off-stump.

If England are to make a strong comeback in the game, Anderson will have to be at his wicket-taking best on the morrow. Tough day in the office for the spearhead!