Ashes: Ominous Smith gives Australia edge over England

A lackluster display from England and an ominous unbeaten 85 from Steve Smith gave Australia much the better of the first day of the second Ashes Test at Lord’s.

After England won what appeared to be a crucial toss in dank conditions, their bowling lacked penetration and fielding again included costly errors.

And Smith, looking determined after missing out in both innings of Australia’s victory in the first Test, capitalised to move the tourists to 339-5.

David Warner made 66 before Smith added 102 with Marnus Labuschagne and 118 with Travis Head, who swatted 77 from 73 balls.

On his Ashes debut, Josh Tongue was the pick of the England attack, bowling each of Warner and Usman Khawaja with lethal movement down the Lord’s slope.

Joe Root at least removed Head and Cameron Green in the same over late in the day, but Smith’s continued presence is a huge danger to the home side.

On a day when an attempt at disruption by Just Stop Oil protestors was largely thwarted, England’s Ollie Pope suffered a shoulder injury and spent most of the last two sessions off the field.

And by the end, England were left needing a swift turnaround on day two to get back into this Test and the series. (BBC)