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!