Australia coach backs under-fire Smith as opener for series against India
Rubbing salt to the injury, the 34-year-old Smith could only manage 51 runs from four knocks during the recently-completed 2-0 series victory over New Zealand.
England pacer Jofra Archer, who made his Test debut in the 2nd match of the ongoing Ashes series, grabbed six wickets in the 3rd Test match as England bowled Australia out for 179 despite Marnus Labuschagne’s defiant 74 at stumps on a rain-affected opening day at Headingley on Thursday.
Archer, 24, returned magical figures of 6 for 45 while pace spearhead Stuart Broad supported him well with 2 for 32 as Australia never recovered after David Warner and Labuschagne associated for a 111-run third-wicket stand.
Earlier, England skipper Joe Root had asked the Aussies to bat first after the toss was delayed due to inclement weather.
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Missing batting mainstay Steve Smith, the Aussies lost Marcus Harris (8) early and were 12 for 1 at lunch with Warner, who roared back to form with a 61 from 94 balls (7×4), at the crease.
Archer and Broad had Australian openers in all sorts of trouble with the ball moving off the seam under helpful overhead conditions.
Warner struggled to middle the ball and looked all at sea. Harris managed to hit two fours before Archer had him and the skies opened up.
Broad had Usman Khawaja caught behind after lunch for just 8 before Labuschagne and Warner steadied the ship.
Warner was dismissed by Archer as the former found his edge with a rip-roaring 90mph delivery that straightened off the pitch.
Once Warner was gone and the partnership broken, Labuschagne waged a lone battle as wickets tumbled around him with Archer cleaning up the tail. Ben Stokes (1 for 45) ended Labuschagne dream innings by trapping the latter in front of the sticks to send him back. Meanwhile, Archer did the same to Nathan Lyon as the visitors folded up for a mere 179.
Brief Scores (Day 1 Stumps): Australia 1st innings: 179 all out (Marnus Labuschagne 74, David Warner 61; Jofra Archer 6/45, Stuart Broad 2/32) vs England.
(With inputs from IANS)
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