Smith, Haddin put Australia in control

Sydney, Jan 3 (IANS) England ended the first day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at 8/1 in their chase of Australia’s first innings total of 326 at the Sydney Cricket Ground here Friday.

England skipper Alastair Cook won his first toss of the series and sent Australia in. The hosts were in trouble early, reeling at 97/5.

Enter wicketkeeper batsman Brad Haddin and all-rounder Steve Smith as the pair put on a 128-run sixth wicket rescue partnership before Haddin eventually went for an entertaining 75.

Smith continued the charge to register his second century of the series with a colourful 115 from 154 deliveries. Earlier, Shane Watson also contributed 43.

England pacer Ben Stokes clinched a career-best bowling figures of 6/99 in only his fourth match.

In the 25 minutes before stumps Australia claimed the wicket of opener Michael Carberry with England 8/1 at the close of play. Cook is batting on 7 while night watchman James Anderson is on 1.