The Ashes 2013 – 5th Test, Day 1: Shane Watson scores 176 as Australia dominate the day

Shane Watson scored a breathtaking 176 off 247 deliveries

With England having already won the series 3-0, Australian captain Michael Clarke opted to bat on the fifth and final Test of the series at Kennington Oval, London.

England made a couple of changes as compared to the last match, with Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes, both making their Test debuts, replacing Tim Bresnan and Jonny Bairstow. Australia dropped Usman Khawaja and Jackson Bird for James Faulkner and Mitchell Starc.

James Anderson struck early to send back David Warner, who was caught behind by Matt Prior, for just six. Australian batsmen found it difficult in the early stages as there was enough assistance in the pitch for the England bowlers. With plenty of luck, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson, who came in at one down, managed to see through the testing spell of Anderson and Stuart Broad.

However, the back up bowlers Woakes and Kerrigan were ordinary with the ball and Graeme Swann, who was steady at best, failed to maintain the same level of intensity as Rogers and Watson combined to put together 107 runs for the second wicket to take the score from 11 for 1 to 118 for 2.

But Swann eventually dismissed Rogers (23) for the sixth time in the serie, as the batsman edged to Trott at first slip, who took a smart catch.

Michael Clarke did not last long, as he was bowled by an in swinger from Anderson. Just minutes after the dismissal, Watson, who was scoring at a brisk pace, completed his first century, third overall, in 24 Tests. Watson found an able support in Steve Smith as they put together a partnership of worth 145 for the fourth wicket.

Late in the day, Watson hooked straight to Kevin Pietersen at deep backward square, who took a brilliant catch of Broad’s bowling, to dismiss the batsman for a stroke filled 176 of 247 balls.

Steve Smith remained not out on 66 with night-watchman Peter Siddle on 18* at the other end.

Australia posted 307 runs for the loss of four wickets at the end of day one.