Steve Smith’s second century of the match swings Ashes opening Test Australia’s way, with England set 398 runs for victory.
Images from Day 4 of the first Ashes Test between England and Australia, at Edgbaston, on Sunday.
IMAGES: Australia’s Steve Smith acknowledges the applause from fans as he leaves the field after being dismissed for 142 on Day 4 of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Reuters
A second successive century from Steve Smith swung an unpredictable Ashes opening Test in Australia’s favour as the tourists set England a daunting 398 runs to win, having declared on 487-7.
England, in reply, reached 13-0 at stumps on day four.
Resuming the second innings on 124-3 at Edgbaston, Smith, following his 144 in the first innings, continued to put England to the sword, passing 50 in the fourth over of the day, with Travis Head (51) providing excellent support.
IMAGE: Travis Head drives on way to a half-century on Day 4. Photograph: Stu Forster/Getty Images
After the lunch break, Smith remained immovable, becoming only the fifth Australian to score two centuries in the same Ashes Test.
IMAGE: Matthew Wade attempts to sweep. Photograph: Carl Recine/Reuters
Matthew Wade was the third successive batsman to pass 50, before the new ball finally brought Smith’s impressive innings to an end as Chris Woakes got his man for 142, but Australia remained very much in the driving seat.
IMAGE: Australia’s Matthew Wade celebrates his century as skipper Tim Paine applauds. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Reuters
Without injured bowler James Anderson, England toiled before Smith departed for 142, with and Wade’s contributed 110 to an imposing Australian total.
Jason Roy and Rory Burns emerged unscathed from seven overs at the end of the day as the home side bid to save the game.
