<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-australia-hail-steve-smith-as-bradman-incarnate-247942">Steve Smith</a> is regarded as the best "problem solver" in cricket today by Australia coach Justin Langer, himself a former Test batsman.&nbsp;

Smith, who played match-winning knocks during the ongoing Ashes series, has been a vital cog for the team.&nbsp;The five-match series has been tied 1-1 so far and the fourth Test match in Manchester&nbsp;is underway.&nbsp;

Smith, who is&nbsp;on course to enjoy one of the most productive series by any batsman in Test history, hit a splendid double century which was the centrepiece of Australia's 497/8 declared on the second day of the fourth Test.&nbsp;

It was his third century in four innings this series following scores of 144 and 142 in the opener at Edgbaston — Smith's first Test since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban.&nbsp;

Smith's 211 at Old Trafford has put the team in a good command as Aussies look to retain the urn.&nbsp;

During the presser after the end of the second day, Smith was asked if this series feels different following a year ban.&nbsp;

Smith replied, "It doesn't really feel too different. I guess the first two innings at Edgbaston felt a little bit different."&nbsp;

"They were incredibly satisfying in my first game back. Since then I've just felt, yeah I'm just playing the game. I'm trying to represent Australia to the best of my ability and my job's to score runs," he added.&nbsp;

"Fortunately this series I've been able to do that and help the team and get them into a good position," Smith added.&nbsp;

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Australia have declared on 497/8 after some late hitting from Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc! 
 
England's new-look opening pair of Rory Burns and Joe Denly will face a tricky 40-minute spell tonight. Can they survive to the close? 
 
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Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting described Smith as a "genius" and seemingly impervious to any bowler's plans.

"To think how good Bradman must have been -- to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment -- is ridiculous," Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au).

"(Smith's) got four, five, six years of good cricket ahead of him, which if you add it up, that's probably another 80, 90 test matches.

"Then he's played 150 games and could have all sorts of numbers and records by then and let's hope he does, because the way he's going about it now, the way he's playing, he deserves to get the rewards from that."

Steve Smith is regarded as the best "problem solver" in cricket today by Australia coach Justin Langer, himself a former Test batsman. Smith, who played match-winning knocks during the ongoing Ashes series, has been a vital cog for the team.

Steve Smith is regarded as the best "problem solver" in cricket today by Australia coach Justin Langer, himself a former Test batsman. Smith, who played match-winning knocks during the ongoing Ashes series, has been a vital cog for the team. The five-match series has been tied 1-1 so far and the fourth Test match in Manchester is underway. Smith, who is on course to enjoy one of the most productive series by any batsman in Test history, hit a splendid double century which was the centrepiece of Australia's 497/8 declared on the second day of the fourth Test. It was his third century in four innings this series following scores of 144 and 142 in the opener at Edgbaston — Smith's first Test since completing a 12-month ball-tampering ban. Smith's 211 at Old Trafford has put the team in a good command as Aussies look to retain the urn. During the presser after the end of the second day, Smith was asked if this series feels different following a year ban. Smith replied, "It doesn't really feel too different. I guess the first two innings at Edgbaston felt a little bit different." "They were incredibly satisfying in my first game back. Since then I've just felt, yeah I'm just playing the game. I'm trying to represent Australia to the best of my ability and my job's to score runs," he added. "Fortunately this series I've been able to do that and help the team and get them into a good position," Smith added. Australia have declared on 497/8 after some late hitting from Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Starc! England's new-look opening pair of Rory Burns and Joe Denly will face a tricky 40-minute spell tonight. Can they survive to the close? Follow the #Ashes live 👇https://t.co/zrb0K55IBc pic.twitter.com/QjA2ZP8nL0 — ICC (@ICC) September 5, 2019 × Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting described Smith as a "genius" and seemingly impervious to any bowler's plans. "To think how good Bradman must have been -- to be a third again better than what Steve Smith's doing at the moment -- is ridiculous," Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au). "(Smith's) got four, five, six years of good cricket ahead of him, which if you add it up, that's probably another 80, 90 test matches. "Then he's played 150 games and could have all sorts of numbers and records by then and let's hope he does, because the way he's going about it now, the way he's playing, he deserves to get the rewards from that."

'Problem solver' Steve Smith talks about playing Ashes series after a year ban

Australia's run-machine Steve Smith has edged past Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the best Test batsman in the world, based on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings.

Kohli's side moved to the top of the new ICC World Test Championship table with a 2-0 series sweep against West Indies. But his own first-ball duck in the second innings at Sabina Park meant he slipped to the second spot in the men's individual ranking with 903 points.

Smith leads Kohli by one point but will have a chance to consolidate his position in the fourth Ashes Test against England starting on Wednesday at Old Trafford, where he returns after recovering from a concussion.

Former captain Smith has not held top spot in the rankings since December 2015. In August last year, while Smith was serving a 12-month ban over a ball-tampering scandal, Kohli overtook him in the standings.

The Australian number four has since made a remarkable return to the longest format, with twin hundreds in the first Ashes Test in Birmingham.

He followed that up with a 92 at Lord's before being felled by a short ball from England fast bowler Jofra Archer.

Australia now boast both the number one Test batsman and bowler in the world, with Pat Cummins leading the bowling charts since February.

It is the first time the Australians have topped the charts with both bat and ball since March 2006, when Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath topped the respective rankings.

Kohli's next opportunity to respond will be in a home Test series against South Africa starting on Oct. 2.

New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson retains third spot, while India's Ajinkya Rahane returned to the top 10, rising four places to seventh.

After finishing the Caribbean series with 13 wickets at an impressive average of 9.23, Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah rose four places to number three in the Test rankings for bowlers, with a career-best 835 rating points.

The 25-year-old is now only behind Cummins and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada.

Already occupying top spot in the Test rankings of all-rounders, West Indies captain Jason Holder rose seven places in the bowling list to join England's James Anderson in fourth position.

England's Ben Stokes remained in second place in the all-rounder ranking after his match-winning second-innings performance in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, behind Holder and ahead of Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan in third.

Australia's run-machine Steve Smith has edged past Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the best Test batsman in the world, based on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings.

Australia's run-machine Steve Smith has edged past Indian captain Virat Kohli to become the best Test batsman in the world, based on the International Cricket Council's (ICC) rankings. Kohli's side moved to the top of the new ICC World Test Championship table with a 2-0 series sweep against West Indies. But his own first-ball duck in the second innings at Sabina Park meant he slipped to the second spot in the men's individual ranking with 903 points. Smith leads Kohli by one point but will have a chance to consolidate his position in the fourth Ashes Test against England starting on Wednesday at Old Trafford, where he returns after recovering from a concussion. Former captain Smith has not held top spot in the rankings since December 2015. In August last year, while Smith was serving a 12-month ban over a ball-tampering scandal, Kohli overtook him in the standings. The Australian number four has since made a remarkable return to the longest format, with twin hundreds in the first Ashes Test in Birmingham. He followed that up with a 92 at Lord's before being felled by a short ball from England fast bowler Jofra Archer. Australia now boast both the number one Test batsman and bowler in the world, with Pat Cummins leading the bowling charts since February. It is the first time the Australians have topped the charts with both bat and ball since March 2006, when Ricky Ponting and Glenn McGrath topped the respective rankings. Kohli's next opportunity to respond will be in a home Test series against South Africa starting on Oct. 2. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson retains third spot, while India's Ajinkya Rahane returned to the top 10, rising four places to seventh. After finishing the Caribbean series with 13 wickets at an impressive average of 9.23, Indian paceman Jasprit Bumrah rose four places to number three in the Test rankings for bowlers, with a career-best 835 rating points. The 25-year-old is now only behind Cummins and South Africa's Kagiso Rabada. Already occupying top spot in the Test rankings of all-rounders, West Indies captain Jason Holder rose seven places in the bowling list to join England's James Anderson in fourth position. England's Ben Stokes remained in second place in the all-rounder ranking after his match-winning second-innings performance in the third Ashes Test at Headingley, behind Holder and ahead of Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan in third.

Steve Smith overtakes Virat Kohli to reclaim No.1 spot in Test rankings

Australia on Tuesday dropped struggling batsman&nbsp;Usman&nbsp;Khawaja&nbsp;for the fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, making way for Steve Smith's return.&nbsp;

Selectors named a 12-man squad for the Test beginning Wednesday, with David Warner and Marcus Harris as openers but leaving out&nbsp;Khawaja, who has averaged just 20.33 in six innings in the series batting at number three.

Leading batsman Smith, who suffered concussion after being hit on the head by Jofra Archer in the second Test at Lord's, returns after sitting out last week's agonising loss at Headingley which levelled the five-match series 1-1 with two Tests to play.&nbsp;

Smith has scored 378 runs at an average of 126 in three innings in the series and was back on the field in last week's tour match against Derbyshire.&nbsp;

The 32-year-old&nbsp;Khawaja&nbsp;scored 72 opening the batting against Derbyshire, but it was not enough to convince selectors to keep him in the side.&nbsp;

Harris has been retained after making eight and 19 at Headingley in his first Ashes Test then scoring 64 against Derbyshire before he was run out in a mix-up with&nbsp;Khawaja.&nbsp;

Coach Justin Langer told reporters in Manchester that he was "very clear on the 12, not so sure on the 11", with the decision coming down to the bowling line-up.&nbsp;

Pace bowler James Pattinson has also been left out, leaving fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle to compete for three places.&nbsp;

Langer said losing at Headingley by one wicket after bowling out England for 67 in the first innings was a "really tough loss" for the team, but their preparations for the upcoming game had been solid.&nbsp;

"We felt like we got the Ashes stolen the other day," he said of England's successful chase of their record 359 target. "To England's great credit, that's what they did — they won that Test match.&nbsp;

"Now we've got to work out what we're going to do — we're going to use that as fire, we're not going to feel sorry for ourselves."&nbsp;

Australia squad: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia on Tuesday dropped struggling batsman Usman Khawaja for the fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, making way for Steve Smith's return. Selectors named a 12-man squad for the Test beginning Wednesday, with David Warner and Marcus Harris as openers but leaving out Khawaja, who has averaged just 20.

Australia on Tuesday dropped struggling batsman Usman Khawaja for the fourth Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, making way for Steve Smith's return. Selectors named a 12-man squad for the Test beginning Wednesday, with David Warner and Marcus Harris as openers but leaving out Khawaja, who has averaged just 20.33 in six innings in the series batting at number three. Leading batsman Smith, who suffered concussion after being hit on the head by Jofra Archer in the second Test at Lord's, returns after sitting out last week's agonising loss at Headingley which levelled the five-match series 1-1 with two Tests to play. Smith has scored 378 runs at an average of 126 in three innings in the series and was back on the field in last week's tour match against Derbyshire. The 32-year-old Khawaja scored 72 opening the batting against Derbyshire, but it was not enough to convince selectors to keep him in the side. Harris has been retained after making eight and 19 at Headingley in his first Ashes Test then scoring 64 against Derbyshire before he was run out in a mix-up with Khawaja. Coach Justin Langer told reporters in Manchester that he was "very clear on the 12, not so sure on the 11", with the decision coming down to the bowling line-up. Pace bowler James Pattinson has also been left out, leaving fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Peter Siddle to compete for three places. Langer said losing at Headingley by one wicket after bowling out England for 67 in the first innings was a "really tough loss" for the team, but their preparations for the upcoming game had been solid. "We felt like we got the Ashes stolen the other day," he said of England's successful chase of their record 359 target. "To England's great credit, that's what they did — they won that Test match. "Now we've got to work out what we're going to do — we're going to use that as fire, we're not going to feel sorry for ourselves." Australia squad: David Warner, Marcus Harris, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Matt Wade, Tim Paine (capt), Pat Cummins, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Usman Khawaja dropped as Steve Smith returns for fourth Ashes Test

Joe Denly will swap places with struggling opener Jason Roy in the England batting order for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford, he said on Monday.

Roy, who was handed his Test debut after an impressive World Cup-winning campaign, has failed to deliver at the top of the order in the first three Tests, scoring 57 runs in six innings with a highest score of 28.

Denly's patient half-century in the second innings of the third Test, where he shared a 126-run stand with Root, set up the win for the hosts who were chasing a daunting target of 359 to level the series.

"I got a call from Joe Root after a bit of time off and he said he'd like for me to go at the top of the order and try and get us off to a good start," Denly told BBC.

"Obviously, Jason's going to bat at four. With Jason in the team, I think we're a better team for sure.

"With him coming in at four with hopefully the new ball worn off, and hopefully myself and (opener) Rory (Burns) doing our jobs at the top, it enables him to come in and play his way. He's a dangerous player so he's great to have there."

Australia's Steve Smith, who scored 378 runs in three innings, is set to return to the side after missing the third Test due to concussion.

Smith was hit on the neck by a rising Jofra Archer delivery during the second Test at Lord's and England fast bowler Stuart Broad expects the former skipper to be well-prepared.

"Whenever a batsman seems in great rhythm, a period of time out of being in the middle could affect them but he's a world-class batsman," Broad said. "He'll be very ready for the conditions he will face here at Old Trafford.

"There's been a little bit of to and fro between him and Jofra. And Jofra will be excited to continue that battle. Smith will be very hungry to come back into a crucial Test match."

England's one-wicket win at Headingley prevented Australia from retaining the Ashes, and Broad said this was the most closely-contested series he had been a part of.

"The momentum of that Test match shifted to England and with that the series," Broad said. "I don't think I've ever played in an Ashes that has been as closely matched man-to-man.

"The teams are so close and you can see that by the punches being thrown by each side and how they're soaking it up. It's a fascinating series to be involved in."

The fourth Test in Manchester starts on Wednesday with the series level at 1-1. The final match at The Oval in London begins on Sept. 12.

Joe Denly will swap places with struggling opener Jason Roy in the England batting order for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford, he said on Monday.

Joe Denly will swap places with struggling opener Jason Roy in the England batting order for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford, he said on Monday. Roy, who was handed his Test debut after an impressive World Cup-winning campaign, has failed to deliver at the top of the order in the first three Tests, scoring 57 runs in six innings with a highest score of 28. Denly's patient half-century in the second innings of the third Test, where he shared a 126-run stand with Root, set up the win for the hosts who were chasing a daunting target of 359 to level the series. "I got a call from Joe Root after a bit of time off and he said he'd like for me to go at the top of the order and try and get us off to a good start," Denly told BBC. "Obviously, Jason's going to bat at four. With Jason in the team, I think we're a better team for sure. "With him coming in at four with hopefully the new ball worn off, and hopefully myself and (opener) Rory (Burns) doing our jobs at the top, it enables him to come in and play his way. He's a dangerous player so he's great to have there." Australia's Steve Smith, who scored 378 runs in three innings, is set to return to the side after missing the third Test due to concussion. Smith was hit on the neck by a rising Jofra Archer delivery during the second Test at Lord's and England fast bowler Stuart Broad expects the former skipper to be well-prepared. "Whenever a batsman seems in great rhythm, a period of time out of being in the middle could affect them but he's a world-class batsman," Broad said. "He'll be very ready for the conditions he will face here at Old Trafford. "There's been a little bit of to and fro between him and Jofra. And Jofra will be excited to continue that battle. Smith will be very hungry to come back into a crucial Test match." England's one-wicket win at Headingley prevented Australia from retaining the Ashes, and Broad said this was the most closely-contested series he had been a part of. "The momentum of that Test match shifted to England and with that the series," Broad said. "I don't think I've ever played in an Ashes that has been as closely matched man-to-man. "The teams are so close and you can see that by the punches being thrown by each side and how they're soaking it up. It's a fascinating series to be involved in." The fourth Test in Manchester starts on Wednesday with the series level at 1-1. The final match at The Oval in London begins on Sept. 12.

Ashes 2019: Joe Denly to open for England, Stuart Broad wary of Steve Smith return

Steve Smith continued his buildup for the fourth Ashes test by heading straight to the practice nets after being dismissed in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday.

Smith missed Australia's one-wicket loss to England in the third test at Leeds after he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second match at Lord's and suffered a delayed concussion.

He returned in the three-day match at the County Ground and scored 23 from 38 balls against an attack featuring mostly medium-pacers and appeared to throw his wicket away when slower bowlers were introduced.

He left his pads on and headed to the nets with fellow batsman David Warner, who used a 'dog thrower' device to simulate the kind of pace Smith might expect to face from Archer and Stuart Broad in the fourth test in Manchester.

"I think if Smudger (Smith) got 20 or 220 he'd still want to go to the nets and have a hit," said Mitchell Marsh, who batted with Smith during a 58-run stand.

"That's just him, that's what he does, and that's why he's the best in the world."

Smith's return to the crease coincided with news that England lost opening bowler James Anderson for the rest of the series.

The series is tied 1-1 with the fourth game starting at Old Trafford on September&nbsp;4 before the final test begins on September&nbsp;12 at The Oval in London.

Steve Smith continued his buildup for the fourth Ashes test by heading straight to the practice nets after being dismissed in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday.

Steve Smith continued his buildup for the fourth Ashes test by heading straight to the practice nets after being dismissed in Australia's tour match against Derbyshire on Thursday. Smith missed Australia's one-wicket loss to England in the third test at Leeds after he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer in the second match at Lord's and suffered a delayed concussion. He returned in the three-day match at the County Ground and scored 23 from 38 balls against an attack featuring mostly medium-pacers and appeared to throw his wicket away when slower bowlers were introduced. He left his pads on and headed to the nets with fellow batsman David Warner, who used a 'dog thrower' device to simulate the kind of pace Smith might expect to face from Archer and Stuart Broad in the fourth test in Manchester. "I think if Smudger (Smith) got 20 or 220 he'd still want to go to the nets and have a hit," said Mitchell Marsh, who batted with Smith during a 58-run stand. "That's just him, that's what he does, and that's why he's the best in the world." Smith's return to the crease coincided with news that England lost opening bowler James Anderson for the rest of the series. The series is tied 1-1 with the fourth game starting at Old Trafford on September 4 before the final test begins on September 12 at The Oval in London.

Steve Smith goes from crease to nets ahead of Ashes return

As England basked in an Ashes salvation led by all-rounder Ben Stokes at Headingley, Australia were left to hope for the return of their own saviour in Steve Smith for the fourth test at Old Trafford.

Stokes was deservedly hailed on Monday for his heroic unbeaten 135 that secured a rousing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-ben-stokes-stars-as-england-win-headingley-test-by-1-wicket-245572">one-wicket win</a> to level the series at 1-1.

In time, however, paceman Jofra Archer might be viewed as the man who turned the series on its head with a bouncer that left Smith floored at Lord's and still dizzy at Leeds.

Smith's concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne did all that could have been asked of him, carving out a defiant pair of half-centuries at Headingley despite some bruising treatment from England's pacemen.

The all-rounder's contributions were branded Smith-like by home pundits, not merely in the sense that he top-scored for Australia but more ruefully that his was virtually a lone hand.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jack-leach-to-get-free-spectacles-for-life-says-official-sponsor-of-ashes-245685">Jack Leach to get free spectacles for life, says official sponsor of Ashes</a>

It may have been England's abject first innings 67 that hogged the headlines early in the test, but Australia had little to cheer in their own opening 179.

In the cold light of defeat and without Smith's large shadow, Australia's batsmen have nowhere to hide and most head to Old Trafford in dire form.

"One thing I do know is we're not batting well enough at the moment," coach Justin Langer said on Monday.

"I said at the start of the series that the team that bats best will win the Ashes. We're certainly not at our best with our batting at the moment.

"We've got some real questions to ask for ... the fourth test match."

Usman Khawaja's total of 31 runs at Headingley leaves him with an average of 20.33 for the series.

His is still comfortably better than opener David Warner's 13.16, a mark flattered by his first innings 61 at Headingley.

Matthew Wade's 110 in the Edgbaston opener now seems a distant memory, with a combined 40 runs in his four innings since.

Opener Marcus Harris, who replaced the jettisoned Cameron Bancroft, failed to make the most of his chance, scoring eight and 19 at Headingley, while grassing a tough chance that would have dismissed Stokes and secured Australia victory.

Wicketkeeper-captain Paine's poor series with the bat continued as he managed 11 and a second innings duck.

Langer also suggested that some of his batsmen would need a break at some stage before the end of the five-match series.

"We can't fit them all in, that's one issue we've got," he added.

"We're (also) going to have to rest some players, just to give them a mental freshen-up more than anything.

"They've been here for Australia A or the World Cup and sometimes the mental breaks is as important as anything.

"So they're the questions that will be asked - who do we give a break to? Who do we play? All those sort of things we'll have to ask."

As Langer pondered those questions there was some good news with Smith, far and away Australia's top run-scorer with 378 from two tests, back in the nets and expected to play in the three-day tour match against Derbyshire starting Thursday.

As England basked in an Ashes salvation led by all-rounder Ben Stokes at Headingley, Australia were left to hope for the return of their own saviour in Steve Smith for the fourth test at Old Trafford.

As England basked in an Ashes salvation led by all-rounder Ben Stokes at Headingley, Australia were left to hope for the return of their own saviour in Steve Smith for the fourth test at Old Trafford. Stokes was deservedly hailed on Monday for his heroic unbeaten 135 that secured a rousing one-wicket win to level the series at 1-1. In time, however, paceman Jofra Archer might be viewed as the man who turned the series on its head with a bouncer that left Smith floored at Lord's and still dizzy at Leeds. Smith's concussion substitute Marnus Labuschagne did all that could have been asked of him, carving out a defiant pair of half-centuries at Headingley despite some bruising treatment from England's pacemen. The all-rounder's contributions were branded Smith-like by home pundits, not merely in the sense that he top-scored for Australia but more ruefully that his was virtually a lone hand. Also read: Jack Leach to get free spectacles for life, says official sponsor of Ashes It may have been England's abject first innings 67 that hogged the headlines early in the test, but Australia had little to cheer in their own opening 179. In the cold light of defeat and without Smith's large shadow, Australia's batsmen have nowhere to hide and most head to Old Trafford in dire form. "One thing I do know is we're not batting well enough at the moment," coach Justin Langer said on Monday. "I said at the start of the series that the team that bats best will win the Ashes. We're certainly not at our best with our batting at the moment. "We've got some real questions to ask for ... the fourth test match." Usman Khawaja's total of 31 runs at Headingley leaves him with an average of 20.33 for the series. His is still comfortably better than opener David Warner's 13.16, a mark flattered by his first innings 61 at Headingley. Matthew Wade's 110 in the Edgbaston opener now seems a distant memory, with a combined 40 runs in his four innings since. Opener Marcus Harris, who replaced the jettisoned Cameron Bancroft, failed to make the most of his chance, scoring eight and 19 at Headingley, while grassing a tough chance that would have dismissed Stokes and secured Australia victory. Wicketkeeper-captain Paine's poor series with the bat continued as he managed 11 and a second innings duck. Langer also suggested that some of his batsmen would need a break at some stage before the end of the five-match series. "We can't fit them all in, that's one issue we've got," he added. "We're (also) going to have to rest some players, just to give them a mental freshen-up more than anything. "They've been here for Australia A or the World Cup and sometimes the mental breaks is as important as anything. "So they're the questions that will be asked - who do we give a break to? Who do we play? All those sort of things we'll have to ask." As Langer pondered those questions there was some good news with Smith, far and away Australia's top run-scorer with 378 from two tests, back in the nets and expected to play in the three-day tour match against Derbyshire starting Thursday.

Ashes 2019: Beaten Australia hope for return of saviour Steve Smith

Steve Smith is set to make his return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire after the Australia star batted against bowlers for the first time on Sunday since being concussed.

Smith, one of the world's leading batsmen, was ruled out of the ongoing third Ashes Test at Headingley with concussion after being hit by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the drawn second match at Lord's.

But he is now expected to return to action in a three-day tour match at Derby starting Thursday with a view to being available for selection for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, that begins on September 4.

"Steve Smith batted against bowlers for the first time today (Sunday)," said an Australia team spokesman.

"The session lasted 25 minutes. He also did some high intensity running."

The spokesman added: "He will continue to be assessed but is expected to play in the tour match at Derby."

Smith has made a spectacular return to Test cricket in what is the former Australia captain's first series since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

He made 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston and 92 at Lord's, having retired hurt on 80 when struck on his unprotected neck by Archer.

Marnus Labuschagne, Test cricket's inaugural concussion substitute, has made three successive fifties against England since replacing Smith, including scores of 74 and 80 at Headingley.

Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds will see them retain the Ashes at 2-0 up with two to play.

England began the fourth day of the third Test on 156-3, still needing a further 203 runs to reach a target of 359 that would see them complete a remarkable win given they were bowled out for just 67 -- their lowest Ashes total in 71 years -- in the first innings of this match.

Joe Root, the England captain, is 75 not out on his Yorkshire home ground, and Ben Stokes two not out.

Steve Smith is set to make his return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire after the Australia star batted against bowlers for the first time on Sunday since being concussed.

Steve Smith is set to make his return to action in a tour match against Derbyshire after the Australia star batted against bowlers for the first time on Sunday since being concussed. Smith, one of the world's leading batsmen, was ruled out of the ongoing third Ashes Test at Headingley with concussion after being hit by a 92 mph bouncer from England fast bowler Jofra Archer in the drawn second match at Lord's. But he is now expected to return to action in a three-day tour match at Derby starting Thursday with a view to being available for selection for the fourth Test at Old Trafford, Manchester, that begins on September 4. "Steve Smith batted against bowlers for the first time today (Sunday)," said an Australia team spokesman. "The session lasted 25 minutes. He also did some high intensity running." The spokesman added: "He will continue to be assessed but is expected to play in the tour match at Derby." Smith has made a spectacular return to Test cricket in what is the former Australia captain's first series since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. He made 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston and 92 at Lord's, having retired hurt on 80 when struck on his unprotected neck by Archer. Marnus Labuschagne, Test cricket's inaugural concussion substitute, has made three successive fifties against England since replacing Smith, including scores of 74 and 80 at Headingley. Australia lead the five-match series 1-0 and victory in Leeds will see them retain the Ashes at 2-0 up with two to play. England began the fourth day of the third Test on 156-3, still needing a further 203 runs to reach a target of 359 that would see them complete a remarkable win given they were bowled out for just 67 -- their lowest Ashes total in 71 years -- in the first innings of this match. Joe Root, the England captain, is 75 not out on his Yorkshire home ground, and Ben Stokes two not out.

Australia star Steve Smith set for tour match return

Australian cricket board confirmed that team's star <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-australias-steve-smith-out-of-second-test-with-concussion-243852">batsman Steve Smith</a> has been ruled out of the third Test of the five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to start from Thursday at&nbsp;Headingley.&nbsp;

Smith <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-steve-smith-retires-hurt-after-being-hit-by-jofra-archer-bouncer-243695">suffered a concussion</a> when he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-cricket-union-condemns-boos-after-steve-smith-felled-by-jofra-archer-243836">second Test at Lord's</a>.

Having failed to recover in time from&nbsp;the concussion he sustained, Smith will not take part in the&nbsp;Headingley Test.&nbsp;

Smith requires the approval of the team's&nbsp;doctor Richard Saw&nbsp;before he can resume playing.

Manus Labuschagne, who subbed Smith during the Lord's Test, is likely to take Smith's place in the XI for the clash in Leeds.

The 30-year-old&nbsp;has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests.&nbsp;

"Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, with coach Justin Langer confirming the news after the batsman sat out Australia's training session on Tuesday," Cricket Australia announced on their website.

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BREAKING: Justin Langer confirms Steve Smith will miss the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> Test: <a href="https://t.co/lTsuSOPA2T">https://t.co/lTsuSOPA2T</a> <a href="https://t.co/t3r9VUSepT">pic.twitter.com/t3r9VUSepT</a>
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To recover from the injury,&nbsp;Smith now has two weeks to be ready for the fourth Test in Manchester, which starts on September 4.&nbsp;

Australian cricket board confirmed that team's star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test of the five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to start from Thursday at Headingley.

Australian cricket board confirmed that team's star batsman Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Test of the five-match Ashes series, which is scheduled to start from Thursday at Headingley. Smith suffered a concussion when he was felled by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday in the first innings of the second Test at Lord's. Having failed to recover in time from the concussion he sustained, Smith will not take part in the Headingley Test. Smith requires the approval of the team's doctor Richard Saw before he can resume playing. Manus Labuschagne, who subbed Smith during the Lord's Test, is likely to take Smith's place in the XI for the clash in Leeds. The 30-year-old has scored two centuries and 92 in his three innings in the first two Tests. "Steve Smith has been ruled out of the third Ashes Test at Headingley, with coach Justin Langer confirming the news after the batsman sat out Australia's training session on Tuesday," Cricket Australia announced on their website. BREAKING: Justin Langer confirms Steve Smith will miss the third #Ashes Test: https://t.co/lTsuSOPA2T pic.twitter.com/t3r9VUSepT — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 20, 2019 × To recover from the injury, Smith now has two weeks to be ready for the fourth Test in Manchester, which starts on September 4.

Steve Smith ruled out of third Ashes Test: Cricket Australia

Australian cricketer Steve Smith surpassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to move to the number two spot in the latest ICC Test batsmen's rankings which was released on Monday.&nbsp;

Indian skipper Virat Kohli has retained his top spot with a margin of nine points from the second spot.&nbsp;

Smith has so far scored 378 runs in the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia. But Kohli will get a chance to better his lead as India gear up to face West Indies in the two-match series.

England all-rounder Ben Stokes bettered his ranking by six places to achieve the 26th position while wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow moved seven places to take the 30th spot.&nbsp;

Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who played a match-winning knock of 122 against New Zealand at Galle, climbed four places to the 8th position.&nbsp;

England bowlers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes gained two places in the bowler's list, and are currently positioned at the 14th and 27th spots respectively.&nbsp;

Pacer Jofra Archer also entered the rankings and was placed in 83rd position after ending up with five wickets in his debut Test.&nbsp;

In the bowlers' rankings, Australia's Pat Cummins retained the top spot.&nbsp;

In terms of team rankings, India are at the pole position, but they can lose their spot if the side loses 0-1 against the Windies.

Australian cricketer Steve Smith surpassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to move to the number two spot in the latest ICC Test batsmen's rankings which was released on Monday.

Australian cricketer Steve Smith surpassed New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson to move to the number two spot in the latest ICC Test batsmen's rankings which was released on Monday. Indian skipper Virat Kohli has retained his top spot with a margin of nine points from the second spot. Smith has so far scored 378 runs in the ongoing Ashes series between England and Australia. But Kohli will get a chance to better his lead as India gear up to face West Indies in the two-match series. England all-rounder Ben Stokes bettered his ranking by six places to achieve the 26th position while wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow moved seven places to take the 30th spot. Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne, who played a match-winning knock of 122 against New Zealand at Galle, climbed four places to the 8th position. England bowlers Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes gained two places in the bowler's list, and are currently positioned at the 14th and 27th spots respectively. Pacer Jofra Archer also entered the rankings and was placed in 83rd position after ending up with five wickets in his debut Test. In the bowlers' rankings, Australia's Pat Cummins retained the top spot. In terms of team rankings, India are at the pole position, but they can lose their spot if the side loses 0-1 against the Windies.

ICC Test rankings: Virat Kohli retains top spot, Steve Smith moves to second position

Australia's Steve Smith has been ruled out of the last day of the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's on Sunday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-cricket-union-condemns-boos-after-steve-smith-felled-by-jofra-archer-243836">with concussion</a>, Cricket Australia (CA) have announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-steve-smith-retires-hurt-after-being-hit-by-jofra-archer-bouncer-243695">Smith was hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer</a> on Saturday and although he resumed his innings after retiring hurt, further tests saw CA deem him unfit to play on Sunday with his participation in the third Test, which starts on Thursday, also in doubt.

"Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with 'a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess'," said am Australian team spokesman.

The series is the first being played under the International Cricket's new concussion substitute regulations, part of the inaugural World Test Championship, which allow players who have suffered head or neck injuries to be replaced fully by a substitute, who was previously restricted to fielding alone.

Marnus Labuschagne, on the field as 12th man when play resumed Sunday, became the first concussion substitute in Test history after Australia's request was approved by match referee Ranjan Madugalle.

Labuschagne can now bat or bowl in Smith's place if required, unlike traditional substitutes who were restricted to fielding.

There are doubts whether star batsman Smith will feature in the third Test at Headingley starting on Thursday. The spokesman saying "the short turnaround is not in his favour".

Smith was hit by an Archer bouncer when on 80 on Saturday and retired hurt.

He resumed his innings at the fall of the next wicket after 46 minutes off the field, and was eventually out for 92 -- the first time this series he had been dismissed for fewer than 100 runs.

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Steve Smith has been subbed out of day five and appears in doubt for the third <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Test?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Test</a>. 
 
Marnus Labuschagne will replace Smith as the concussion sub under the new Test playing conditions. Developing story from <a href="https://twitter.com/samuelfez?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@samuelfez</a> here <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/FAgDoowHbr">https://t.co/FAgDoowHbr</a>
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'Grogginess'

The spokesman added: "Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck (by Archer) during his innings yesterday was 'much better'.

The spokesman added that as part of further testing on Sunday, Smith "demonstrated some deterioration" from his testing which was consistent with the emergence of the symptoms he was reporting.&nbsp;

"On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw," the spokesman said.

Explaining how Smith had been allowed to resume his innings, the spokesman said: "It is not uncommon for players to pass their tests and feel well on the day of an injury and then display symptoms 24-48 hours later.

"Steve's fitness will be assessed on an ongoing basis.

"Steve will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday."

Australia, bidding for their first Ashes campaign triumph on English soil in 18 years, lead the five-match series 1-0 after a 251-run win at Edgbaston last week.

In that match, former captain Smith marked his first Test since completing a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa with superb innings of 144 and 142.

After rain delayed Sunday's start by over an hour, England resumed on 96-4 in their second innings, a lead of 104 runs.

Australia's Steve Smith has been ruled out of the last day of the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's on Sunday with concussion, Cricket Australia (CA) have announced.

Australia's Steve Smith has been ruled out of the last day of the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's on Sunday with concussion, Cricket Australia (CA) have announced. Smith was hit by a Jofra Archer bouncer on Saturday and although he resumed his innings after retiring hurt, further tests saw CA deem him unfit to play on Sunday with his participation in the third Test, which starts on Thursday, also in doubt. "Steve has been closely monitored by medical staff overnight and this morning reported that after sleeping well, he woke with 'a bit of a headache and a feeling of grogginess'," said am Australian team spokesman. The series is the first being played under the International Cricket's new concussion substitute regulations, part of the inaugural World Test Championship, which allow players who have suffered head or neck injuries to be replaced fully by a substitute, who was previously restricted to fielding alone. Marnus Labuschagne, on the field as 12th man when play resumed Sunday, became the first concussion substitute in Test history after Australia's request was approved by match referee Ranjan Madugalle. Labuschagne can now bat or bowl in Smith's place if required, unlike traditional substitutes who were restricted to fielding. There are doubts whether star batsman Smith will feature in the third Test at Headingley starting on Thursday. The spokesman saying "the short turnaround is not in his favour". Smith was hit by an Archer bouncer when on 80 on Saturday and retired hurt. He resumed his innings at the fall of the next wicket after 46 minutes off the field, and was eventually out for 92 -- the first time this series he had been dismissed for fewer than 100 runs. Steve Smith has been subbed out of day five and appears in doubt for the third #Test. Marnus Labuschagne will replace Smith as the concussion sub under the new Test playing conditions. Developing story from @samuelfez here #Ashes https://t.co/FAgDoowHbr — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 18, 2019 × 'Grogginess' The spokesman added: "Steve reported that his left arm which was also struck (by Archer) during his innings yesterday was 'much better'. The spokesman added that as part of further testing on Sunday, Smith "demonstrated some deterioration" from his testing which was consistent with the emergence of the symptoms he was reporting. "On that basis Steve has been withdrawn from the match by team doctor Richard Saw," the spokesman said. Explaining how Smith had been allowed to resume his innings, the spokesman said: "It is not uncommon for players to pass their tests and feel well on the day of an injury and then display symptoms 24-48 hours later. "Steve's fitness will be assessed on an ongoing basis. "Steve will undergo a precautionary scan on his neck on Sunday." Australia, bidding for their first Ashes campaign triumph on English soil in 18 years, lead the five-match series 1-0 after a 251-run win at Edgbaston last week. In that match, former captain Smith marked his first Test since completing a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa with superb innings of 144 and 142. After rain delayed Sunday's start by over an hour, England resumed on 96-4 in their second innings, a lead of 104 runs.

Ashes 2019: Australia's Steve Smith out of second Test with concussion

Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised England pacer Jofra Archer for not checking up on Australian batsman Steve Smith after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australias-steve-smith-retires-hurt-after-being-hit-by-jofra-archer-bouncer-243695">striking him on the neck by a bouncer</a>.&nbsp;

"Bouncers are a part &amp; parcel of the game but whenever a bowler hits a batsman on the head and he falls, courtesy requires that the bowler must go &amp; check on him. It was not nice of Archer to just walk away while Smith was in pain. I was always the first one to run to the batsman," Akhtar tweeted on Sunday.&nbsp;

Smith had to deal with two blows on day four of the second Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground. Firstly he was struck on the elbow by Archer and soon after he received a striking blow on the neck by a bouncer bowled by the pacer and he immediately went down.&nbsp;

Physios from both England and Australia attended Smith, but the batsman had to leave the park in order to have a concussion test. A little while later, the batsman made his way back to the crease, but a section of England crowd was seen booing the player.

Smith went on to play a knock of 92 runs against England in the first innings of the second Test match.

The right-handed batsman has been in a rich vein of form as he struck centuries in both innings of the first Test match. He became only the fifth Australian to score centuries in both innings of Ashes Test.

He also surpassed Indian skipper Virat Kohli to become the second-fastest batsman to register 25 Test centuries.

Ever since, Australia landed in Australia to play the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and Ashes, Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have been subjected to boos from the England crowd.

The trio was involved in a ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in 2018 and this resulted in the players getting suspended for one year.

In the ongoing second Test of the Ashes, England will resume day five at 96/4 with a lead of 104 in the second innings.

Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised England pacer Jofra Archer for not checking up on Australian batsman Steve Smith after striking him on the neck by a bouncer.

Former Pakistan bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised England pacer Jofra Archer for not checking up on Australian batsman Steve Smith after striking him on the neck by a bouncer. "Bouncers are a part & parcel of the game but whenever a bowler hits a batsman on the head and he falls, courtesy requires that the bowler must go & check on him. It was not nice of Archer to just walk away while Smith was in pain. I was always the first one to run to the batsman," Akhtar tweeted on Sunday. Smith had to deal with two blows on day four of the second Test match at Lord's Cricket Ground. Firstly he was struck on the elbow by Archer and soon after he received a striking blow on the neck by a bouncer bowled by the pacer and he immediately went down. Physios from both England and Australia attended Smith, but the batsman had to leave the park in order to have a concussion test. A little while later, the batsman made his way back to the crease, but a section of England crowd was seen booing the player. Smith went on to play a knock of 92 runs against England in the first innings of the second Test match. The right-handed batsman has been in a rich vein of form as he struck centuries in both innings of the first Test match. He became only the fifth Australian to score centuries in both innings of Ashes Test. He also surpassed Indian skipper Virat Kohli to become the second-fastest batsman to register 25 Test centuries. Ever since, Australia landed in Australia to play the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup and Ashes, Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft have been subjected to boos from the England crowd. The trio was involved in a ball-tampering scandal against South Africa in 2018 and this resulted in the players getting suspended for one year. In the ongoing second Test of the Ashes, England will resume day five at 96/4 with a lead of 104 in the second innings.

Shoaib Akhtar criticises Jofra Archer for not checking up on Steve Smith

Australia batsman Steve Smith was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the side of the head by a Jofra Archer bouncer on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Saturday.

Smith was in sight of his third successive Ashes hundred when, on 80, he turned his head away from an express delivery from England fast bowler Archer timed at 92.4 mph.

The star batsman fell face forward onto the ground and received several minutes of on-field treatment involving both Australian and England medical staffs amid concerns he could be concussed.

He eventually got to his feet and then, after a prolonged conversation with Australia team doctor Richard Saw, decided to retire hurt with Smith receiving a generous round of applause as he walked back into the pavilion.

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Wow... hope Steve Smith is ok!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheAshes2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheAshes2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/cMqhIOwfzT">pic.twitter.com/cMqhIOwfzT</a>
— Shaun griffin (@Shaun_griffin1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shaun_griffin1/status/1162721744228179968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Steve Smith retires hurt after being hit UNDER his helmet and arm <a href="https://t.co/H7V9e64fqT">https://t.co/H7V9e64fqT</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPORT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPORT</a> <a href="https://t.co/7MmE4iZv0b">pic.twitter.com/7MmE4iZv0b</a>
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This is where exactly phill Hughes was hit... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheAshes2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheAshes2019</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SteveSmith?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SteveSmith</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Archer?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Archer</a> <a href="https://t.co/3ApiF4KMc3">pic.twitter.com/3ApiF4KMc3</a>
— Muhammed Jaffar/18 (@muhammedjaffar_) <a href="https://twitter.com/muhammedjaffar_/status/1162728260574203904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Australia were then 203-6, 55 runs behind England's first-innings 258.

World Cup-winner Archer, making his Test debut, had previously struck Smith on his unprotected forearm with another bouncer.

This innings saw Smith become the first batsman to post seven consecutive Ashes scores of fifty or more.

His half-century at Lord's followed the 30-year-old Smith's superb scores of 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the series opener at Edgbaston last week -- his first Test since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that cost him the Australia captaincy.

Australia batsman Steve Smith was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the side of the head by a Jofra Archer bouncer on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Saturday.

Australia batsman Steve Smith was forced to retire hurt after being hit on the side of the head by a Jofra Archer bouncer on the fourth day of the second Ashes Test at Lord's on Saturday. Smith was in sight of his third successive Ashes hundred when, on 80, he turned his head away from an express delivery from England fast bowler Archer timed at 92.4 mph. The star batsman fell face forward onto the ground and received several minutes of on-field treatment involving both Australian and England medical staffs amid concerns he could be concussed. He eventually got to his feet and then, after a prolonged conversation with Australia team doctor Richard Saw, decided to retire hurt with Smith receiving a generous round of applause as he walked back into the pavilion. Wow... hope Steve Smith is ok!#TheAshes2019 pic.twitter.com/cMqhIOwfzT — Shaun griffin (@Shaun_griffin1) August 17, 2019 × Steve Smith retires hurt after being hit UNDER his helmet and arm https://t.co/H7V9e64fqT #SPORT pic.twitter.com/7MmE4iZv0b — Brummie Steve (@Brummie_Steve) August 17, 2019 × This is where exactly phill Hughes was hit... #TheAshes2019 #SteveSmith #Archer pic.twitter.com/3ApiF4KMc3 — Muhammed Jaffar/18 (@muhammedjaffar_) August 17, 2019 × Australia were then 203-6, 55 runs behind England's first-innings 258. World Cup-winner Archer, making his Test debut, had previously struck Smith on his unprotected forearm with another bouncer. This innings saw Smith become the first batsman to post seven consecutive Ashes scores of fifty or more. His half-century at Lord's followed the 30-year-old Smith's superb scores of 144 and 142 in Australia's 251-run win in the series opener at Edgbaston last week -- his first Test since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa that cost him the Australia captaincy.

Ashes 2019: Australia's Steve Smith retires hurt after being hit by Jofra Archer bouncer

England fast bowler Jofra Archer marked his Test debut with a wicket as Australia suffered a top-order collapse before rain cut short play at Lord's on Friday.

Australia lost three wickets for 11 runs en route to slumping to 80-4 when rain forced an early lunch on the third day of the second Test.

That left Australia 178 runs behind England's first-innings 258.

The 24.1 overs that took place in the morning session represented the only action on Friday, with persistent rain leading the umpires to eventually abandon play for the day at 5:22 pm local time (1622 GMT) in a match where Wednesday's scheduled first day had already been washed out without a ball bowled. &nbsp;

Archer, on the ground where he bowled the Super Over that saw England seal a World Cup final win over New Zealand last month, had fine figures of one wicket for 18 runs in 13 overs.

Stuart Broad led the way with 2-26 in 13 overs, while fellow seamer Chris Woakes chipped in with 1-27 in nine.

But Australia star batsman Steve Smith was still there on 13 not out, with Matthew Wade unbeaten on nought.

'Long way to go'

Broad insisted there was still enough time left in the game to force a win.

"There's certainly hope for both sides," he told reporters. "This pitch has got 10 good balls in it in each day. I think we'll get 98 overs in the next two days, so I think there is chance of a result."

Meanwhile former Australia captain Steve Waugh, a mentor to the current squad, said: "There is a long way to go in the game... We're still 178 behind. That's our first target.

"If we can get there and get some more runs after that, we believe we're in with a chance. We're a long way away from that.

"Both sides, I think, will be confident they can force a victory but there is a lot of work to be done."

Australia, 1-0 up in the five-match series after their 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston, resumed on 30-1 having seen Broad dismiss David Warner cheaply for the third time in as many innings this Ashes.

Play started under gloomy skies, the floodlights on at full beam, with conditions difficult for batting.

Cameron Bancroft was five not out and Usman Khawaja 18 not out following a lively opening spell by Archer, in for the injured James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, late on Thursday.

Khawaja struck two offside fours in as many balls when first-change Woakes dropped short.

But England altered the momentum with two wickets for no runs in four balls as Australia's 60-1 became 60-3.

Archer, topping speeds of 90 mph, had his first Test wicket when he nipped one back sharply to have Bancroft lbw for 13.

The 24-year-old Sussex paceman's celebrations were put on hold as the struggling opener reviewed before replays indicated the ball would have clipped the top of the stumps.

There were some boos as Smith, fresh from twin hundreds at Edgbaston in his comeback Test following a 12-month ball-tampering ban, came into bat.

He could only watch as Woakes, with England at last bowling over the wicket to Khawaja, induced an outside edge to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow that saw the left-hander caught for 36.

Australia were 71-4 when Broad had Travis Head lbw for seven following an England review.

All-rounder Ben Stokes thought he had Edgbaston century-maker Wade lbw for a duck but the batsman's review revealed the ball had pitched outside leg stump.

Australia hold the Ashes but are bidding for their first Test series win away to England in 18 years.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer marked his Test debut with a wicket as Australia suffered a top-order collapse before rain cut short play at Lord's on Friday. Australia lost three wickets for 11 runs en route to slumping to 80-4 when rain forced an early lunch on the third day of the second Test.

England fast bowler Jofra Archer marked his Test debut with a wicket as Australia suffered a top-order collapse before rain cut short play at Lord's on Friday. Australia lost three wickets for 11 runs en route to slumping to 80-4 when rain forced an early lunch on the third day of the second Test. That left Australia 178 runs behind England's first-innings 258. The 24.1 overs that took place in the morning session represented the only action on Friday, with persistent rain leading the umpires to eventually abandon play for the day at 5:22 pm local time (1622 GMT) in a match where Wednesday's scheduled first day had already been washed out without a ball bowled. Archer, on the ground where he bowled the Super Over that saw England seal a World Cup final win over New Zealand last month, had fine figures of one wicket for 18 runs in 13 overs. Stuart Broad led the way with 2-26 in 13 overs, while fellow seamer Chris Woakes chipped in with 1-27 in nine. But Australia star batsman Steve Smith was still there on 13 not out, with Matthew Wade unbeaten on nought. 'Long way to go' Broad insisted there was still enough time left in the game to force a win. "There's certainly hope for both sides," he told reporters. "This pitch has got 10 good balls in it in each day. I think we'll get 98 overs in the next two days, so I think there is chance of a result." Meanwhile former Australia captain Steve Waugh, a mentor to the current squad, said: "There is a long way to go in the game... We're still 178 behind. That's our first target. "If we can get there and get some more runs after that, we believe we're in with a chance. We're a long way away from that. "Both sides, I think, will be confident they can force a victory but there is a lot of work to be done." Australia, 1-0 up in the five-match series after their 251-run win in the first Test at Edgbaston, resumed on 30-1 having seen Broad dismiss David Warner cheaply for the third time in as many innings this Ashes. Play started under gloomy skies, the floodlights on at full beam, with conditions difficult for batting. Cameron Bancroft was five not out and Usman Khawaja 18 not out following a lively opening spell by Archer, in for the injured James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, late on Thursday. Khawaja struck two offside fours in as many balls when first-change Woakes dropped short. But England altered the momentum with two wickets for no runs in four balls as Australia's 60-1 became 60-3. Archer, topping speeds of 90 mph, had his first Test wicket when he nipped one back sharply to have Bancroft lbw for 13. The 24-year-old Sussex paceman's celebrations were put on hold as the struggling opener reviewed before replays indicated the ball would have clipped the top of the stumps. There were some boos as Smith, fresh from twin hundreds at Edgbaston in his comeback Test following a 12-month ball-tampering ban, came into bat. He could only watch as Woakes, with England at last bowling over the wicket to Khawaja, induced an outside edge to wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow that saw the left-hander caught for 36. Australia were 71-4 when Broad had Travis Head lbw for seven following an England review. All-rounder Ben Stokes thought he had Edgbaston century-maker Wade lbw for a duck but the batsman's review revealed the ball had pitched outside leg stump. Australia hold the Ashes but are bidding for their first Test series win away to England in 18 years.

Archer strikes as Australia slump before rain intervenes again in second Ashes Test

Is Steve Smith the next Donald Bradman?

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-win-first-ashes-test-against-england-by-251-runs-240911">first-Test humbling of England </a>was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban.

Smith hit 144 and 142 as Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston to win the opening game of the five-match Ashes series.

It was a personal triumph for the 30-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in last year's shocking ball-tampering scandal on Australia's tour of South Africa.

"It feels pretty special, winning the first Test in England is really special. It feels great, I'm loving being back playing cricket for Australia, doing what I love and contributing to wins," Smith said.&nbsp;

"To score two tons&nbsp;in a match - the first time I've done that in any form of cricket in my life - is very special and I'm very proud."

Smith's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/steve-smith-hailed-as-best-test-batsman-weve-seen-by-australias-tim-paine-240929">appetite for runs </a>is such that he is being compared to Australia sporting icon Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest-ever Test batsman.

Bradman, in a career spanning the years either side of World War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in 52 Tests including 29 centuries.

Out of the batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings, Smith's career average of 62.96 is second only in the all-time list to that of 'the Don'.

And by becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, Smith has an achievement that eluded even Bradman.

Smith, who has now scored 25 tons&nbsp;in 65 Tests, revealed he had lost his passion for cricket as a result of his ban and an elbow injury, but he is now fully motivated again and reaping the rewards.

"I didn't dream about how I would come back. I was just letting time pass and when I got my elbow brace off after surgery something clicked and I was ready to play cricket again. I did lose that love for a little bit but I'm back doing what I love now and it's great," he said.

Smith changed the tone of the match, leading Australia to 284 all out in their first innings from a perilous 122-8.

"When I got that first hundred I was just thinking, 'don't burst into tears.' That was as special as my first hundred back in 2013. It was a relief to get it out of the way," he said.

"I copped a bit of stick out there (over the ball-tampering incident) but I'm not paying much attention to that and fortunately we've got a good Aussie contingent here. They're creating a good atmosphere for us and we're grateful for it." 
&nbsp;

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's first-Test humbling of England was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban.

An emotional Steve Smith said his brilliant contribution to Australia's first-Test humbling of England was a dream come true after the pain of his ball-tampering ban. Smith hit 144 and 142 as Australia beat England by 251 runs at Edgbaston to win the opening game of the five-match Ashes series. It was a personal triumph for the 30-year-old, who was playing in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in last year's shocking ball-tampering scandal on Australia's tour of South Africa. "It feels pretty special, winning the first Test in England is really special. It feels great, I'm loving being back playing cricket for Australia, doing what I love and contributing to wins," Smith said. "To score two tons in a match - the first time I've done that in any form of cricket in my life - is very special and I'm very proud." Smith's appetite for runs is such that he is being compared to Australia sporting icon Don Bradman, widely regarded as the greatest-ever Test batsman. Bradman, in a career spanning the years either side of World War II, averaged a staggering 99.94 in 52 Tests including 29 centuries. Out of the batsmen to have played at least 20 Test innings, Smith's career average of 62.96 is second only in the all-time list to that of 'the Don'. And by becoming just the fifth Australian to score hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, Smith has an achievement that eluded even Bradman. Smith, who has now scored 25 tons in 65 Tests, revealed he had lost his passion for cricket as a result of his ban and an elbow injury, but he is now fully motivated again and reaping the rewards. "I didn't dream about how I would come back. I was just letting time pass and when I got my elbow brace off after surgery something clicked and I was ready to play cricket again. I did lose that love for a little bit but I'm back doing what I love now and it's great," he said. Smith changed the tone of the match, leading Australia to 284 all out in their first innings from a perilous 122-8. "When I got that first hundred I was just thinking, 'don't burst into tears.' That was as special as my first hundred back in 2013. It was a relief to get it out of the way," he said. "I copped a bit of stick out there (over the ball-tampering incident) but I'm not paying much attention to that and fortunately we've got a good Aussie contingent here. They're creating a good atmosphere for us and we're grateful for it."

After ton, I was thinking don't burst into tears: Ashes centurion Steve Smith

After the promising performance in the first Ashes Test against England, Australia batsman Steve Smith and spinner Nathan Lyon moved up in the latest ICC Test rankings, announced on Tuesday.

Smith now reached the third spot in the ICC batsmen Test rankings, gaining a one place move. While Lyon and fast bowler Pat Cummins are among the others to gain in the rankings after the Edgbaston Test.

Lyon's nine wickets in the match have lifted him six spots to 13th position among bowlers while Cummins has consolidated his top position with a seven-wicket match haul that helped him reach a career-best 898 rating points- the third-best for an Australia bowler in the past 50 years after Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne.

Smith's knocks of 144 and 142 won him the Man of the Match award and the formerly top-ranked batsman is back above the 900-point mark along with table leader Virat Kohli (922) and Kane Williamson (913), after having started the Test match in fourth place and with 857 points.

For England, Ben Foakes and Chris Woakes are in 69th and 70th positions in the list for batsmen after gaining one and 11 points respectively.

Opener Rory Burns'&nbsp;knock of 133 in the first innings has helped him move up 25 places to a career-best 81st position.

Fast bowler Stuart Broad, who completed 100 Test wickets against Australia during the match, has gained two places to reach 16th position while Woakes has advanced four places to take the 29th slot after grabbing four wickets in the match. Woakes has also leapfrogged compatriot Moeen Ali to reach ninth among all-rounders.

Australia defeated England in the first Ashes Test by 251-run and will play in the second Test at Lord`s from August 14.

After the promising performance in the first Ashes Test against England, Australia batsman Steve Smith and spinner Nathan Lyon moved up in the latest ICC Test rankings, announced on Tuesday.

After the promising performance in the first Ashes Test against England, Australia batsman Steve Smith and spinner Nathan Lyon moved up in the latest ICC Test rankings, announced on Tuesday. Smith now reached the third spot in the ICC batsmen Test rankings, gaining a one place move. While Lyon and fast bowler Pat Cummins are among the others to gain in the rankings after the Edgbaston Test. Lyon's nine wickets in the match have lifted him six spots to 13th position among bowlers while Cummins has consolidated his top position with a seven-wicket match haul that helped him reach a career-best 898 rating points- the third-best for an Australia bowler in the past 50 years after Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne. Smith's knocks of 144 and 142 won him the Man of the Match award and the formerly top-ranked batsman is back above the 900-point mark along with table leader Virat Kohli (922) and Kane Williamson (913), after having started the Test match in fourth place and with 857 points. For England, Ben Foakes and Chris Woakes are in 69th and 70th positions in the list for batsmen after gaining one and 11 points respectively. Opener Rory Burns' knock of 133 in the first innings has helped him move up 25 places to a career-best 81st position. Fast bowler Stuart Broad, who completed 100 Test wickets against Australia during the match, has gained two places to reach 16th position while Woakes has advanced four places to take the 29th slot after grabbing four wickets in the match. Woakes has also leapfrogged compatriot Moeen Ali to reach ninth among all-rounders. Australia defeated England in the first Ashes Test by 251-run and will play in the second Test at Lord`s from August 14.

Steve Smith, Nathan Lyon move up in Test rankings

Australia captain Tim Paine on Monday hailed Steve Smith as "probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen" after his man-of-the-match performance in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-win-first-ashes-test-against-england-by-251-runs-240911">first Ashes Test at Edgbaston</a>.

The tourists beat England by 251 runs to win the first game of the five-match series.&nbsp;

England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32 as Australia enjoyed their first win in all formats at Edgbaston since 2001 -- the last time they won an Ashes series in England.

The match was a personal triumph for Australia's Steve Smith, who in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, scored 144 and 142.

Smith was the hero for Australia as they battled back from 122-8 in the first innings.

"I thought we were certainly up against it at that stage but we had the best player in the world at the crease," said Paine.

"Steve showed his class in both innings. We're running out of things to say about Smithy. He's probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen. We're lucky to witness it.

"Nathan bowled superbly but our three quicks took a lot of pressure off him at the other end as well. The seamers were sensational.

"We thought we could improve on our first-innings performance with the ball. All those guys are world-class performers. This morning all four of them were sensational.

"We know every Test we play in England, the crowd will be against us. I thought the guys handled themselves really well and we've come out on top."

Australia captain Tim Paine on Monday hailed Steve Smith as "probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen" after his man-of-the-match performance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Australia captain Tim Paine on Monday hailed Steve Smith as "probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen" after his man-of-the-match performance in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. The tourists beat England by 251 runs to win the first game of the five-match series. England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32 as Australia enjoyed their first win in all formats at Edgbaston since 2001 -- the last time they won an Ashes series in England. The match was a personal triumph for Australia's Steve Smith, who in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, scored 144 and 142. Smith was the hero for Australia as they battled back from 122-8 in the first innings. "I thought we were certainly up against it at that stage but we had the best player in the world at the crease," said Paine. "Steve showed his class in both innings. We're running out of things to say about Smithy. He's probably the best Test batsman we've ever seen. We're lucky to witness it. "Nathan bowled superbly but our three quicks took a lot of pressure off him at the other end as well. The seamers were sensational. "We thought we could improve on our first-innings performance with the ball. All those guys are world-class performers. This morning all four of them were sensational. "We know every Test we play in England, the crowd will be against us. I thought the guys handled themselves really well and we've come out on top."

Steve Smith hailed as 'best Test batsman we've seen' by Australia's Tim Paine

Australia beat England by 251 runs to win the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Monday.&nbsp;

England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146.

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32 as Australia enjoyed their first win in all formats at Edgbaston since 2001 -- the last time they won an Ashes series in England.

Defeat for the home side ended their run of 11 successive international wins at their Birmingham 'fortress'. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The match was a personal triumph for Australia's Steve Smith, who in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, scored 144 and 142.

In the process the star batsman became just the fifth Australian to score two hundreds in an Ashes Test.

His first-innings century helped guide Ashes-holders Australia to 284 after they had collapsed to 122-8.

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Australia win! 
 
A superb performance with bat and ball, especially in the second innings, sees them take a 1-0 lead in the 2019 men's Ashes.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/1W5ACF0ktJ">pic.twitter.com/1W5ACF0ktJ</a>
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Five and very quickly six wickets for Nathan Lyon! 
 
A wonderful effort from him and in the process he has passed 3️⃣5️⃣0️⃣Test wickets for Australia.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://t.co/BwczJjbS4D">pic.twitter.com/BwczJjbS4D</a>
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England replied with 374, their first-innings lead of 90 built on a maiden Test century from left-handed opener Rory Burns, who made 133, and fifties from captain Joe Root and vice-captain Ben Stokes.

Former Australia captain Smith's second-innings century and a maiden Ashes hundred from Matthew Wade allowed visiting captain Tim Paine to declare on 487-7.

Australia capitalised on the absence through injury of James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, who only sent down four first-innings overs before breaking down with a calf problem that meant he did not bowl again in the match.

The match was the first of the International Cricket Council's new World Test Championship, with Australia's win giving them 24 points.

The five-match series continues with the second Test at Lord's starting on August 14.

Australia beat England by 251 runs to win the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Monday. England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146.

Australia beat England by 251 runs to win the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Monday. England, set an imposing target of 398 to win, collapsed to 97-7 in the post-lunch session on the fifth and final day before being bowled out for 146. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took 6-49 and fast bowler Pat Cummins 4-32 as Australia enjoyed their first win in all formats at Edgbaston since 2001 -- the last time they won an Ashes series in England. Defeat for the home side ended their run of 11 successive international wins at their Birmingham 'fortress'. The match was a personal triumph for Australia's Steve Smith, who in his first Test since a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal, scored 144 and 142. In the process the star batsman became just the fifth Australian to score two hundreds in an Ashes Test. His first-innings century helped guide Ashes-holders Australia to 284 after they had collapsed to 122-8. Australia win! A superb performance with bat and ball, especially in the second innings, sees them take a 1-0 lead in the 2019 men's Ashes.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/1W5ACF0ktJ — ICC (@ICC) August 5, 2019 × Five and very quickly six wickets for Nathan Lyon! A wonderful effort from him and in the process he has passed 3️⃣5️⃣0️⃣Test wickets for Australia.#Ashes pic.twitter.com/BwczJjbS4D — ICC (@ICC) August 5, 2019 × England replied with 374, their first-innings lead of 90 built on a maiden Test century from left-handed opener Rory Burns, who made 133, and fifties from captain Joe Root and vice-captain Ben Stokes. Former Australia captain Smith's second-innings century and a maiden Ashes hundred from Matthew Wade allowed visiting captain Tim Paine to declare on 487-7. Australia capitalised on the absence through injury of James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, who only sent down four first-innings overs before breaking down with a calf problem that meant he did not bowl again in the match. The match was the first of the International Cricket Council's new World Test Championship, with Australia's win giving them 24 points. The five-match series continues with the second Test at Lord's starting on August 14.

Australia win first Ashes Test against England by 251 runs

Australia's Steve Smith insisted he had never lost faith in his ability as his "dream comeback" to Test cricket continued with a second hundred in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston.

Smith made 142 in Australia's second innings 487-7 declared on Sunday after the star batsman's 144 bailed them out to 284 following a collapse to 122-8 in their first innings.

With Matthew Wade making 110 on the fourth day as well, Australia set England an imposing target of 398.

Former Australia captain Smith and then deputy David Warner were both given 12-month bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal last year, with Cameron Bancroft -- who actually applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town -- hit with a nine-month suspension by Cricket Australia.

All three batsmen are making their Test returns in this match, although Smith and Warner's international comeback came during the World Cup, where Australia lost to eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final last month.

'Incredibly special'

"I've never doubted my ability," Smith told reporters after stumps.

"But, it's kind of a dream comeback in a way. To be able to score two hundreds in a match, in the first Ashes match, it's something I have never done in any form of cricket before in my life.&nbsp;It's incredibly special."

He added: "It feels like Christmas morning every morning getting to come and do this."

Sunday was also memorable for Wade, once Australia's wicketkeeper but now selected as a specialist batsman.

Wade, whose hundred was his first in Ashes cricket, had the best view at a packed Edgbaston while helping Smith add 126 for the fifth wicket, but said batting with him could be difficult.

"It's daunting to be honest," he explained.&nbsp;"Sometimes he makes it look way too easy and it hurts.&nbsp;

"He said to me the other day at breakfast he'd never scored a hundred in both innings of a Test match.&nbsp;

"When he said that, I thought we were going to be in for something special."

England batting coach Graham Thorpe praised Smith's two innings by saying: "In many ways you have to admire it and appreciate you are watching someone who is a fantastic player."

England were without James Anderson for the whole of Australia's second innings after their all-time leading Test wicket-taker remained sidelined with a calf injury that meant he bowled just four overs in the match.

Anderson missed last week's Test win over Ireland with calf trouble but former England batsman Thorpe defended the decision to bring him back for this match.

"A guy who has played as many Test matches as he has, we have to trust his view," he insisted.

England will resume Monday on 13-0, with Rory Burns, fresh from his maiden Test century in the first innings, and Jason Roy at the crease.&nbsp;

Only one of England's previous 33 home Tests has ended in a draw but Thorpe backed his side to bat out the day.&nbsp;

"We have got the character and the challenge is ahead of our guys tomorrow," he said. "It will not be easy but this is Test cricket."

Australia's Steve Smith insisted he had never lost faith in his ability as his "dream comeback" to Test cricket continued with a second hundred in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston.

Australia's Steve Smith insisted he had never lost faith in his ability as his "dream comeback" to Test cricket continued with a second hundred in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston. Smith made 142 in Australia's second innings 487-7 declared on Sunday after the star batsman's 144 bailed them out to 284 following a collapse to 122-8 in their first innings. With Matthew Wade making 110 on the fourth day as well, Australia set England an imposing target of 398. Former Australia captain Smith and then deputy David Warner were both given 12-month bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal last year, with Cameron Bancroft -- who actually applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town -- hit with a nine-month suspension by Cricket Australia. All three batsmen are making their Test returns in this match, although Smith and Warner's international comeback came during the World Cup, where Australia lost to eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final last month. 'Incredibly special' "I've never doubted my ability," Smith told reporters after stumps. "But, it's kind of a dream comeback in a way. To be able to score two hundreds in a match, in the first Ashes match, it's something I have never done in any form of cricket before in my life. It's incredibly special." He added: "It feels like Christmas morning every morning getting to come and do this." Sunday was also memorable for Wade, once Australia's wicketkeeper but now selected as a specialist batsman. Wade, whose hundred was his first in Ashes cricket, had the best view at a packed Edgbaston while helping Smith add 126 for the fifth wicket, but said batting with him could be difficult. "It's daunting to be honest," he explained. "Sometimes he makes it look way too easy and it hurts. "He said to me the other day at breakfast he'd never scored a hundred in both innings of a Test match. "When he said that, I thought we were going to be in for something special." England batting coach Graham Thorpe praised Smith's two innings by saying: "In many ways you have to admire it and appreciate you are watching someone who is a fantastic player." England were without James Anderson for the whole of Australia's second innings after their all-time leading Test wicket-taker remained sidelined with a calf injury that meant he bowled just four overs in the match. Anderson missed last week's Test win over Ireland with calf trouble but former England batsman Thorpe defended the decision to bring him back for this match. "A guy who has played as many Test matches as he has, we have to trust his view," he insisted. England will resume Monday on 13-0, with Rory Burns, fresh from his maiden Test century in the first innings, and Jason Roy at the crease. Only one of England's previous 33 home Tests has ended in a draw but Thorpe backed his side to bat out the day. "We have got the character and the challenge is ahead of our guys tomorrow," he said. "It will not be easy but this is Test cricket."

'Like Christmas every day': Steve Smith revels in 'dream' Test return

Australia set England an imposing target of 398 to win the first Ashes Test after the visitors declared their second innings on 487-7 late on the fourth day at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Steve Smith made 142, his second hundred of the match, in his first Test since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in last year's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Matthew Wade scored 110 as Australia piled on the runs against an England attack missing James Anderson, unable to bowl after breaking down with a calf injury earlier in the match.

England will need to set a new national record if they are to achieve an unlikely victory. The most they have ever made in the fourth innings to win a Test is 332-7 against Australia at Melbourne, back in 1928/29.

Australia 1st Innings 284 (S Smith 144; S Broad 5-86, C Woakes 3-58)

England 1st Innings 374 (R Burns 133, J Root 57, B Stokes 50;&nbsp;P Cummins 3-84, N Lyon 3-112)

Australia 2nd Innings (overnight: 124-3)

C. Bancroft c Buttler b Ali&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7 
D. Warner c Bairstow b Broad&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8 
U. Khawaja c Bairstow b Stokes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;40 
S. Smith c Bairstow b Woakes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;142&nbsp; 
T. Head c Bairstow b Stokes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;51 
M. Wade c Denly b Stokes&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;110 
T. Paine b Ali&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;34 
J. Pattinson not out&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;47 
P. Cummins not out&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;26 
Extras (b11, lb2, nb6, w3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22

Total (7 wickets declared, 112 overs, 500 mins)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;487

Did not bat: P Siddle, N Lyon

Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Warner), 2-27 (Bancroft), 3-75 (Khawaja), 4-205 (Head), 5-331 (Smith), 6-407 (Wade), 7-409 (Paine) 
Bowling: Broad 22-2-91-1 (1w); Woakes 13-1-46-1 (1w); Ali 29-1-130-2 (2nb); Root 12-1-50-0; Stokes 22-5-85-3 (4nb, 1w); Denly 14-1-72-0

England: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (capt), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson

Match position: England set 398 to win&nbsp;

Toss: Australia

Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), Aleem Dar (PAK)

TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Australia set England an imposing target of 398 to win the first Ashes Test after the visitors declared their second innings on 487-7 late on the fourth day at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Australia set England an imposing target of 398 to win the first Ashes Test after the visitors declared their second innings on 487-7 late on the fourth day at Edgbaston on Sunday. Steve Smith made 142, his second hundred of the match, in his first Test since he completed a 12-month ban for his role in last year's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Matthew Wade scored 110 as Australia piled on the runs against an England attack missing James Anderson, unable to bowl after breaking down with a calf injury earlier in the match. England will need to set a new national record if they are to achieve an unlikely victory. The most they have ever made in the fourth innings to win a Test is 332-7 against Australia at Melbourne, back in 1928/29. Australia 1st Innings 284 (S Smith 144; S Broad 5-86, C Woakes 3-58) England 1st Innings 374 (R Burns 133, J Root 57, B Stokes 50; P Cummins 3-84, N Lyon 3-112) Australia 2nd Innings (overnight: 124-3) C. Bancroft c Buttler b Ali 7 D. Warner c Bairstow b Broad 8 U. Khawaja c Bairstow b Stokes 40 S. Smith c Bairstow b Woakes 142 T. Head c Bairstow b Stokes 51 M. Wade c Denly b Stokes 110 T. Paine b Ali 34 J. Pattinson not out 47 P. Cummins not out 26 Extras (b11, lb2, nb6, w3) 22 Total (7 wickets declared, 112 overs, 500 mins) 487 Did not bat: P Siddle, N Lyon Fall of wickets: 1-13 (Warner), 2-27 (Bancroft), 3-75 (Khawaja), 4-205 (Head), 5-331 (Smith), 6-407 (Wade), 7-409 (Paine) Bowling: Broad 22-2-91-1 (1w); Woakes 13-1-46-1 (1w); Ali 29-1-130-2 (2nb); Root 12-1-50-0; Stokes 22-5-85-3 (4nb, 1w); Denly 14-1-72-0 England: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (capt), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson Match position: England set 398 to win Toss: Australia Umpires: Joel Wilson (WIS), Aleem Dar (PAK) TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL) Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Australia set England 398 to win first Ashes Test

Australia's Steve Smith scored his second hundred of his comeback Test when he reached three figures against England in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on Sunday.

Smith, 98 not out at lunch on the fourth day, cover-drove fast bowler Stuart Broad for a boundary early in the second session to complete a 147-ball century with his 10th four.

That followed his 144 in the first innings of what is the former Australia captain's first Test since the end of a12-month ban for his role in last year's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

Smith is now just the fifth Australia batsman to have made hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, following Warren Bardsley (1909), Arthur Morris (1946/47), Steve Waugh (1997) and Matthew Hayden (2002/03).

He celebrated by removing his batting helmet and waving his bat joyously towards the Australia changing room.

And while there was some applause from a packed crowd, there were also renewed chants of "Crying on the telly, we saw you crying on the telly" in a reference to the emotional press conference Smith gave in Sydney after he was sent home from South Africa.

The match in Birmingham has also seen the return to Test cricket of Australia's David Warner and Cameron Bancroft who, like Smith, both received lengthy bans for their parts in the ball-tampering incident that took place during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town.&nbsp;

When Smith, long one of the world's leading batsmen, completed his latest century -- his 25th in 65 Tests -- Australia were 236-4 in their second innings.

That gave them a significant lead of 146 runs.

Only three times have a side made more than 150 in the fourth innings to win a Test at Edgbaston, with the highest such total South Africa's 283-5 in a five-wicket win 11 years ago -- the last time England lost at the Birmingham ground.

Ashes-holders Australia are looking to win their first Test series away to England since 2001.

Australia's Steve Smith scored his second hundred of his comeback Test when he reached three figures against England in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on Sunday. Smith, 98 not out at lunch on the fourth day, cover-drove fast bowler Stuart Broad for a boundary early in the second session to complete a 147-ball century with his 10th four.

Australia's Steve Smith scored his second hundred of his comeback Test when he reached three figures against England in the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on Sunday. Smith, 98 not out at lunch on the fourth day, cover-drove fast bowler Stuart Broad for a boundary early in the second session to complete a 147-ball century with his 10th four. That followed his 144 in the first innings of what is the former Australia captain's first Test since the end of a12-month ban for his role in last year's ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. Smith is now just the fifth Australia batsman to have made hundreds in both innings of an Ashes Test, following Warren Bardsley (1909), Arthur Morris (1946/47), Steve Waugh (1997) and Matthew Hayden (2002/03). He celebrated by removing his batting helmet and waving his bat joyously towards the Australia changing room. And while there was some applause from a packed crowd, there were also renewed chants of "Crying on the telly, we saw you crying on the telly" in a reference to the emotional press conference Smith gave in Sydney after he was sent home from South Africa. The match in Birmingham has also seen the return to Test cricket of Australia's David Warner and Cameron Bancroft who, like Smith, both received lengthy bans for their parts in the ball-tampering incident that took place during a Test against South Africa in Cape Town. When Smith, long one of the world's leading batsmen, completed his latest century -- his 25th in 65 Tests -- Australia were 236-4 in their second innings. That gave them a significant lead of 146 runs. Only three times have a side made more than 150 in the fourth innings to win a Test at Edgbaston, with the highest such total South Africa's 283-5 in a five-wicket win 11 years ago -- the last time England lost at the Birmingham ground. Ashes-holders Australia are looking to win their first Test series away to England since 2001.

Ashes 2019: Australia's Steve Smith scores second hundred of comeback Test

Steve Smith put Australia in a strong position in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Sunday, with his unbeaten 98 steering his side to 231-4, a lead of 141 over England, at lunch on day four.

Resuming on 124-3, Smith continued to put England to the sword, passing 50 in the fourth over of the day.

England have not dismissed Smith with a red ball for a score under 50 since the second innings of the Trent Bridge Test in 2015.

Travis Head settled down after some nervy moments to reach his half-century before Ben Stokes enticed an edge from Head, who departed for 51 to bring an end to a partnership worth 130.

The session was again all about Smith, though, as he neared his 24th Test century, with Australia very much in the driving seat with six second-innings wickets still in hand.

Steve Smith put Australia in a strong position in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Sunday, with his unbeaten 98 steering his side to 231-4, a lead of 141 over England, at lunch on day four.

Steve Smith put Australia in a strong position in the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Sunday, with his unbeaten 98 steering his side to 231-4, a lead of 141 over England, at lunch on day four. Resuming on 124-3, Smith continued to put England to the sword, passing 50 in the fourth over of the day. England have not dismissed Smith with a red ball for a score under 50 since the second innings of the Trent Bridge Test in 2015. Travis Head settled down after some nervy moments to reach his half-century before Ben Stokes enticed an edge from Head, who departed for 51 to bring an end to a partnership worth 130. The session was again all about Smith, though, as he neared his 24th Test century, with Australia very much in the driving seat with six second-innings wickets still in hand.

Unbeaten Steve Smith puts Australia in strong position to earn Ashes advantage

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-steve-smith-not-bothered-by-being-booed-during-edgbaston-test-240126">Steve Smith</a>'s father <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-steve-smiths-father-throws-out-his-cricket-gear-127586">Peter Smith</a> commented on his son's brilliant century that brought Australia back into the match after they were struggling at 122 for 8 at one stage against England during Ashes opener in Edgbaston.&nbsp;

Former Australian skipper is playing his first Test after returning from a year-long suspension for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal.&nbsp;

He smashed his 24th Test century and probably one of his most important but he was greeted with boos by the hostile English crowd.

But Smith's father praised the epic century and said was emotional watching him get his hundred.&nbsp;

"I must admit, to begin with, I had more trepidation than I probably ever have had, which was strange. Then it all unfolded and it became emotional. It was emotional watching him get his hundred. And I’m still quite a bit emotional about it," Steve Smith's father Peter Smith told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday.

"I think there was probably relief from his point of view, and you share it with him," he added.&nbsp;

"He had worked very, very hard to get to that point. That was one thing he did say to me, it was one of the hardest innings he’s had to play. And you could see that in that hundred. And you could see the effect that it was having on him," said Peter.&nbsp;

"It’s been difficult but you just concentrate on what you can control. You can’t do anything else. There’s no point," he said.

"You work on what you can control, what you can do to help. Putting balls in the ball machine, things like that. You have to work on that only and that’s what we did. Worked on what we could control."

On being asked about whether the Edgbaston ton has been one of Smith's best, he replied, "I think the innings he played in Brisbane at the beginning of the last Ashes was one of his best."

"But this one, given the context of all that has gone to get to that point now, and he played under a lot of pressure as people fell around him … that probably made it. If it’s not his best, it’s way up there," Peter added.&nbsp;

Steve Smith's father Peter Smith commented on his son's brilliant century that brought Australia back into the match after they were struggling at 122 for 8 at one stage against England during Ashes opener in Edgbaston.

Steve Smith's father Peter Smith commented on his son's brilliant century that brought Australia back into the match after they were struggling at 122 for 8 at one stage against England during Ashes opener in Edgbaston. Former Australian skipper is playing his first Test after returning from a year-long suspension for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering scandal. He smashed his 24th Test century and probably one of his most important but he was greeted with boos by the hostile English crowd. But Smith's father praised the epic century and said was emotional watching him get his hundred. "I must admit, to begin with, I had more trepidation than I probably ever have had, which was strange. Then it all unfolded and it became emotional. It was emotional watching him get his hundred. And I’m still quite a bit emotional about it," Steve Smith's father Peter Smith told The Daily Telegraph on Saturday. "I think there was probably relief from his point of view, and you share it with him," he added. "He had worked very, very hard to get to that point. That was one thing he did say to me, it was one of the hardest innings he’s had to play. And you could see that in that hundred. And you could see the effect that it was having on him," said Peter. "It’s been difficult but you just concentrate on what you can control. You can’t do anything else. There’s no point," he said. "You work on what you can control, what you can do to help. Putting balls in the ball machine, things like that. You have to work on that only and that’s what we did. Worked on what we could control." On being asked about whether the Edgbaston ton has been one of Smith's best, he replied, "I think the innings he played in Brisbane at the beginning of the last Ashes was one of his best." "But this one, given the context of all that has gone to get to that point now, and he played under a lot of pressure as people fell around him … that probably made it. If it’s not his best, it’s way up there," Peter added.

Steve Smith's father comments on his son's epic Ashes century

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Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation.

PM Modi, Imran are fantastic people, if they want I can intervene in Kashmir issue: Trump After US president offered to mediate on Kashmir during his meeting Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan last month, Trump once again reiterated his stand asserting that it was "really up to Prime Minister Modi to accept the offer of mediation." North Korea fires more missiles; third round of tests in over a week North Korea has fired unidentified short-range projectiles, the South Korean news agency Yonhap reported Friday, citing the country's military as a source. Rescuers retrieve 55 migrant bodies from capsized boat off Libyan coast Fifty-five bodies have been recovered so far off the Libyan coast, an aid worker said on Saturday, after a wooden boat carrying hundreds of migrants capsized on Thursday. Saudi Arabia to allow women to travel abroad without male 'guardian' approval Saudi Arabia will allow women to travel abroad without approval from a male "guardian", the government said Thursday, ending a restriction that drew international censure and prompted extreme attempts to flee the kingdom. I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-eng-v-aus-first-test-day-one-smith-ton-takes-australia-to-284-all-out-in-first-ashes-test-240025">century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes</a>.

The tourists were struggling at 17-2 at Edgbaston on Thursday when former Australia captain Smith walked out to bat and they later collapsed to 122-8.

But Smith, ignoring the repeated boos of the crowd, made 144 in a total of 284 after current Australia skipper Tim Paine won the toss before England closed on 10-0.

Smith's 24th Test century was the star batsman's first international hundred since he returned to Australia duty during a World Cup where he made 85 in last month's Edgbaston semi-final defeat by eventual champions England.

"There were times throughout the last 15 months where I didn't know if I was ever going to play cricket again," Smith, renowned for his obsessive devotion to the sport, told reporters after stumps.

"I lost a bit of love for it at one point, particularly when I had my elbow operation.&nbsp;

"It was really bizarre that it was the day I got the brace off my elbow, I found a love for it again.&nbsp;

"I don't know what it was, it was like a trigger that just said 'right I'm ready to go again, I want to play and I want to go out and play for Australia and make people proud and just do what I love doing'.

There were many familiar Smith traits on show in Birmingham, including the repeated fidgeting in his stance, while the crowd could scarcely have been tougher on the 30-year-old than he was when berating himself for the occasional loose shot.

Also on display was Smith's ability to bat well alongside tailenders, with Australia's last two wickets more than doubling their score.

Smith's near six-hour innings was a chanceless affair until he was last man out, with his biggest scare coming when given out lbw for 34 to Stuart Broad not playing a shot only to overturn the decision on review.

'Shivers down my spine'

Then skipper Smith and Warner, his deputy, were both given 12-month bans for their roles in the scandal in South Africa, while Cameron Bancroft -- the man who brazenly applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test in Cape Town -- was suspended from international duty for nine months by Cricket Australia.

All three batsmen were dismissed by Broad on Thursday, with openers Bancroft and Warner managing just 10 between them for the Ashes-holders.&nbsp;

The trio were booed on their way out to the middle and when they were dismissed, with even Smith's century a cue for yet more jeering.

"I know I've got the support of the boys in the room and, for me, that's all that really matters," insisted Smith following what he labelled one of his "best" centuries.&nbsp;

"They went berserk on the balcony when I got to my hundred and just looking up at them, it sent shivers down my spine."

When Broad eventually bowled Smith, the paceman had his 100th Test wicket against Australia after completing an innings haul of 5-86.

Australia's task was made easier by James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, only bowling four overs before going off with a calf injury.&nbsp;

"He actually came and said sorry to all the bowlers, not that he's got anything to be sorry for," Broad said of Anderson, his longstanding new-ball colleague.&nbsp;

"He feels like he's let the bowling group down but he hasn't. Niggles are a part of fast bowling."

Broad paid tribute to Smith but, having been on the receiving end of a "bit of stick" by Australian crowds, refused to condemn spectators for their taunts.

"It's part of being a professional sportsman," he said. "Footballers get it all the time but it's a bit unexpected sometimes in cricket.&nbsp;

"Smith seemed to deal with it OK."

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes.

Australia's Steve Smith said he had contemplated the end of his career after marking his first Test since a year-long ball-tampering ban with a superb century on the opening day of the 2019 Ashes. The tourists were struggling at 17-2 at Edgbaston on Thursday when former Australia captain Smith walked out to bat and they later collapsed to 122-8. But Smith, ignoring the repeated boos of the crowd, made 144 in a total of 284 after current Australia skipper Tim Paine won the toss before England closed on 10-0. Smith's 24th Test century was the star batsman's first international hundred since he returned to Australia duty during a World Cup where he made 85 in last month's Edgbaston semi-final defeat by eventual champions England. "There were times throughout the last 15 months where I didn't know if I was ever going to play cricket again," Smith, renowned for his obsessive devotion to the sport, told reporters after stumps. "I lost a bit of love for it at one point, particularly when I had my elbow operation. "It was really bizarre that it was the day I got the brace off my elbow, I found a love for it again. "I don't know what it was, it was like a trigger that just said 'right I'm ready to go again, I want to play and I want to go out and play for Australia and make people proud and just do what I love doing'. There were many familiar Smith traits on show in Birmingham, including the repeated fidgeting in his stance, while the crowd could scarcely have been tougher on the 30-year-old than he was when berating himself for the occasional loose shot. Also on display was Smith's ability to bat well alongside tailenders, with Australia's last two wickets more than doubling their score. Smith's near six-hour innings was a chanceless affair until he was last man out, with his biggest scare coming when given out lbw for 34 to Stuart Broad not playing a shot only to overturn the decision on review. 'Shivers down my spine' Then skipper Smith and Warner, his deputy, were both given 12-month bans for their roles in the scandal in South Africa, while Cameron Bancroft -- the man who brazenly applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test in Cape Town -- was suspended from international duty for nine months by Cricket Australia. All three batsmen were dismissed by Broad on Thursday, with openers Bancroft and Warner managing just 10 between them for the Ashes-holders. The trio were booed on their way out to the middle and when they were dismissed, with even Smith's century a cue for yet more jeering. "I know I've got the support of the boys in the room and, for me, that's all that really matters," insisted Smith following what he labelled one of his "best" centuries. "They went berserk on the balcony when I got to my hundred and just looking up at them, it sent shivers down my spine." When Broad eventually bowled Smith, the paceman had his 100th Test wicket against Australia after completing an innings haul of 5-86. Australia's task was made easier by James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, only bowling four overs before going off with a calf injury. "He actually came and said sorry to all the bowlers, not that he's got anything to be sorry for," Broad said of Anderson, his longstanding new-ball colleague. "He feels like he's let the bowling group down but he hasn't. Niggles are a part of fast bowling." Broad paid tribute to Smith but, having been on the receiving end of a "bit of stick" by Australian crowds, refused to condemn spectators for their taunts. "It's part of being a professional sportsman," he said. "Footballers get it all the time but it's a bit unexpected sometimes in cricket. "Smith seemed to deal with it OK."

I lost bit of love for cricket at one point, says Steve Smith after Ashes comeback century

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has called for cricket to ditch its requirement for neutral umpires in the wake of a slew of poor decisions that blighted the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-2019-eng-v-aus-first-test-day-one-smith-ton-takes-australia-to-284-all-out-in-first-ashes-test-240025">opening day of the Ashes series</a>.

Umpires Aleem Dar and Joel Wilson drew widespread criticism after a rocky day one at Edgbaston on Friday, with a number of their calls over-turned by the decision review system after Australia elected to bat.

English and Australian umpires dominate the ICC's elite umpires panel but are ruled out of officiating the Ashes due to the global cricket's requirement for neutral nation umpires to control matches.

"I would like to think the game has come far enough now for the game to not have neutral umpires,” Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au).

"People might say that with all the technology we’ve got now, it doesn’t matter that much.

"But it’s not a good spectacle when pretty obviously wrong decisions are made.

"There’s been a lot a negativity about the DRS over the years, but we’re pretty lucky that we had it last night."

Ponting, part of the Cricket Committee at the MCC, the custodians of the Laws of Cricket, said he would raise the matter at the next MCC meeting.

"It's already been spoken about a lot among the players," he said.

"If it's not brought up, I'll make sure it's added to the agenda.

"Surely (English umpire) Richard Kettleborough and the like would want to be umpiring the best series.

"The best umpires can end up missing out on all the big tournaments.

"It could force umpires into retirement a bit early."

Australia were bowled out for 284, with England 10 for no loss at stumps.

Umpiring standards were put in the spotlight after the World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's last month, with Ben Stokes erroneously awarded an extra run by the standing umpires in the 50th over of the home side's chase.

England went on to win the match by total boundaries scored after a tied Super Over.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has called for cricket to ditch its requirement for neutral umpires in the wake of a slew of poor decisions that blighted the opening day of the Ashes series.

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has called for cricket to ditch its requirement for neutral umpires in the wake of a slew of poor decisions that blighted the opening day of the Ashes series. Umpires Aleem Dar and Joel Wilson drew widespread criticism after a rocky day one at Edgbaston on Friday, with a number of their calls over-turned by the decision review system after Australia elected to bat. English and Australian umpires dominate the ICC's elite umpires panel but are ruled out of officiating the Ashes due to the global cricket's requirement for neutral nation umpires to control matches. "I would like to think the game has come far enough now for the game to not have neutral umpires,” Ponting told Cricket Australia's website (cricket.com.au). "People might say that with all the technology we’ve got now, it doesn’t matter that much. "But it’s not a good spectacle when pretty obviously wrong decisions are made. "There’s been a lot a negativity about the DRS over the years, but we’re pretty lucky that we had it last night." Ponting, part of the Cricket Committee at the MCC, the custodians of the Laws of Cricket, said he would raise the matter at the next MCC meeting. "It's already been spoken about a lot among the players," he said. "If it's not brought up, I'll make sure it's added to the agenda. "Surely (English umpire) Richard Kettleborough and the like would want to be umpiring the best series. "The best umpires can end up missing out on all the big tournaments. "It could force umpires into retirement a bit early." Australia were bowled out for 284, with England 10 for no loss at stumps. Umpiring standards were put in the spotlight after the World Cup final between England and New Zealand at Lord's last month, with Ben Stokes erroneously awarded an extra run by the standing umpires in the 50th over of the home side's chase. England went on to win the match by total boundaries scored after a tied Super Over.

Re-think neutral umpires, Ricky Ponting says after Ashes debacle

Former Australian skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/i-lost-bit-of-love-for-cricket-at-one-point-says-steve-smith-after-ashes-comeback-century-240047">Steve Smith</a>, who is playing in his first Test after returning&nbsp;from the ban for his involvement in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-how-cameron-bancroft-tampered-the-ball-on-steve-smiths-orders-in-3rd-test-against-the-proteas-126435">infamous ball-tampering row</a>, is not bothered by being booed by Edgbaston crowd.&nbsp;

Smith smashed a brilliant century to help his team put up a competitive total in the first innings of the first Test.&nbsp;When the Australian side was struggling at 122 for 8 at one stage, Smith scored 144 and held the innings together after England threatened to bowl them out cheaply.&nbsp;

It was Smith's 24th Test century and probably one of his most important but he was greeted with boos by the hostile English crowd.

Besides that, the crowd also waved sandpapers at both Cameron Bancroft and David Warner post their dismissals as they walked off the field.&nbsp;

All three batsmen were involved in the ball-tampering scandal.&nbsp;

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This kind of stuff spurs Steve Smith on.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvAUS</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes2019</a> <a href="https://t.co/Sx1rHmkd2H">pic.twitter.com/Sx1rHmkd2H</a>
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It’s a sandpaper send off from the Hollies. 
 
David Warner gone for the second time today from Stuart Broad. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheAshes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheAshes</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ENGvAUS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ENGvAUS</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Edgbaston?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Edgbaston</a> <a href="https://t.co/I2xhk3MK2q">pic.twitter.com/I2xhk3MK2q</a>
— Ploughmans CC (@PloughmansCC) <a href="https://twitter.com/PloughmansCC/status/1156873149104951297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 1, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"It doesn't bother me to be perfectly honest. I know that I've got the support of the guys in the room and for me that's all that really matters," on being asked about the treatment he received at Edgbaston.&nbsp;

"They went beserk on the balcony when I got to 100 and just looking up at them, it really sent shivers down my spine," Smith added.&nbsp;

"It's been a long time coming, getting another Test 100. It was just a huge moment and again, I said it, I'm lost for words, I don't really know what to say," said Smith.&nbsp;

At the close of Day one, England were 10 without loss.&nbsp;

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith, who is playing in his first Test after returning from the ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering row, is not bothered by being booed by Edgbaston crowd.

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith, who is playing in his first Test after returning from the ban for his involvement in the infamous ball-tampering row, is not bothered by being booed by Edgbaston crowd. Smith smashed a brilliant century to help his team put up a competitive total in the first innings of the first Test. When the Australian side was struggling at 122 for 8 at one stage, Smith scored 144 and held the innings together after England threatened to bowl them out cheaply. It was Smith's 24th Test century and probably one of his most important but he was greeted with boos by the hostile English crowd. Besides that, the crowd also waved sandpapers at both Cameron Bancroft and David Warner post their dismissals as they walked off the field. All three batsmen were involved in the ball-tampering scandal. This kind of stuff spurs Steve Smith on.#ENGvAUS #Ashes #Ashes2019 pic.twitter.com/Sx1rHmkd2H — CricBlog (@cric_blog) August 2, 2019 × It’s a sandpaper send off from the Hollies. David Warner gone for the second time today from Stuart Broad. #TheAshes | #ENGvAUS | #Edgbaston pic.twitter.com/I2xhk3MK2q — Ploughmans CC (@PloughmansCC) August 1, 2019 × "It doesn't bother me to be perfectly honest. I know that I've got the support of the guys in the room and for me that's all that really matters," on being asked about the treatment he received at Edgbaston. "They went beserk on the balcony when I got to 100 and just looking up at them, it really sent shivers down my spine," Smith added. "It's been a long time coming, getting another Test 100. It was just a huge moment and again, I said it, I'm lost for words, I don't really know what to say," said Smith. At the close of Day one, England were 10 without loss.

Ashes 2019: Steve Smith 'not bothered' by being booed during Edgbaston Test

Steve Smith marked his return to Test cricket with a hundred before Australia were bowled out for 284 on the opening day of the Ashes series against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.

The former captain was playing his first match at this level since completing a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year.

Australia were struggling at 17-2 when Smith walked in to bat after current captain Tim Paine won the toss.

And they were in dire straits at 122-8.

But their last two wickets more than doubled the score before Smith was last man out for 144 -- his 24th Test century.

Stuart Broad, who eventually bowled Smith, led England's attack with 5-86 in an innings in which 37-year-old spearhead James Anderson only managed four overs before leaving the field with a calf injury.

Ashes-holders Australia are looking to win their first Test series away to England for 18 years.

Steve Smith marked his return to Test cricket with a hundred before Australia were bowled out for 284 on the opening day of the Ashes series against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Steve Smith marked his return to Test cricket with a hundred before Australia were bowled out for 284 on the opening day of the Ashes series against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. The former captain was playing his first match at this level since completing a 12-month ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. Australia were struggling at 17-2 when Smith walked in to bat after current captain Tim Paine won the toss. And they were in dire straits at 122-8. But their last two wickets more than doubled the score before Smith was last man out for 144 -- his 24th Test century. Stuart Broad, who eventually bowled Smith, led England's attack with 5-86 in an innings in which 37-year-old spearhead James Anderson only managed four overs before leaving the field with a calf injury. Ashes-holders Australia are looking to win their first Test series away to England for 18 years.

Smith ton takes Australia to 284 all out on day one of first Ashes Test

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anderson-could-hold-key-to-ashes-says-mcgrath-239251">Ashes</a> Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground.

Australia is looking for their first <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ashes-contest-too-close-to-call-says-former-australia-captain-steve-waugh-238960">Ashes series win</a> in England in 18 years.

"The wicket looks nice and hard and dry," said Tim Paine at the toss. "Hopefully we post a good total and we've got (off-spinner) Nathan Lyon up our sleeve at the back end of the game."

As expected, the visitors included all three players given lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year -- David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and former captain Steve Smith.

Openers Bancroft and Warner knew they would be booed on their way to the middle, judging by the hostile reception Warner and top-order batsman Smith received during the recent World Cup in England and Wales.

They did not have to wait even that long to face the boo-boys, with the Australia team as a whole jeered onto the field for a pre-match anthem ceremony -- an unusual occurrence before a Test match in England.

Reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was included as a specialist batsman after making three hundred for Australia A on their tour of England.&nbsp;

Usman Khawaja was also back in the top order following a hamstring injury that cut short his involvement in the World Cup, which saw Australia defeated by eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final.

Australia also included experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who has been playing English county cricket this season for Essex, in an attack featuring James Pattinson and Pat Cummins.

"He's a class performer there," said wicketkeeper Paine. "He complements the other two seamers really nicely."

But there was no place for World Cup spearhead Mitchell Starc. &nbsp;

England captain Joe Root named his side on Wednesday.

James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, returned after missing last week's win in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's.

But World Cup hero Jofra Archer was left waiting for a Test debut after struggling with a side injury.

Fellow World Cup winners Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler returned after being rested against Ireland.

Root had no qualms about losing the toss, saying: "I'm not disappointed at all. It's overcast conditions. It'll be nice to get off to a good start.

"We've go so many great options to go to, especially with the ball. This morning is a great opportunity to exploit that.&nbsp;

"We love playing here, we get fantastic support wherever we go. The atmosphere here, in particular, is extremely exciting."

The Edgbaston match is the first of a five-Test series and the first of the ICC's new World Test Championship, with players' names and squad numbers displayed on the backs of their shirts for the first time in this format.&nbsp;

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground.

Australia captain Tim Paine won the toss and decided to bat in the first Ashes Test against England at Edgbaston on Thursday. Ashes-holders Australia has not won a match of any kind at Edgbaston since 2001, while England has won their past 11 internationals at the Birmingham ground. Australia is looking for their first Ashes series win in England in 18 years. "The wicket looks nice and hard and dry," said Tim Paine at the toss. "Hopefully we post a good total and we've got (off-spinner) Nathan Lyon up our sleeve at the back end of the game." As expected, the visitors included all three players given lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year -- David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and former captain Steve Smith. Openers Bancroft and Warner knew they would be booed on their way to the middle, judging by the hostile reception Warner and top-order batsman Smith received during the recent World Cup in England and Wales. They did not have to wait even that long to face the boo-boys, with the Australia team as a whole jeered onto the field for a pre-match anthem ceremony -- an unusual occurrence before a Test match in England. Reserve wicketkeeper Matthew Wade was included as a specialist batsman after making three hundred for Australia A on their tour of England. Usman Khawaja was also back in the top order following a hamstring injury that cut short his involvement in the World Cup, which saw Australia defeated by eventual champions England in an Edgbaston semi-final. Australia also included experienced paceman Peter Siddle, who has been playing English county cricket this season for Essex, in an attack featuring James Pattinson and Pat Cummins. "He's a class performer there," said wicketkeeper Paine. "He complements the other two seamers really nicely." But there was no place for World Cup spearhead Mitchell Starc. England captain Joe Root named his side on Wednesday. James Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket-taker, returned after missing last week's win in a one-off Test against Ireland at Lord's. But World Cup hero Jofra Archer was left waiting for a Test debut after struggling with a side injury. Fellow World Cup winners Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler returned after being rested against Ireland. Root had no qualms about losing the toss, saying: "I'm not disappointed at all. It's overcast conditions. It'll be nice to get off to a good start. "We've go so many great options to go to, especially with the ball. This morning is a great opportunity to exploit that. "We love playing here, we get fantastic support wherever we go. The atmosphere here, in particular, is extremely exciting." The Edgbaston match is the first of a five-Test series and the first of the ICC's new World Test Championship, with players' names and squad numbers displayed on the backs of their shirts for the first time in this format.

Australia win toss and bat against England in first Ashes Test

Australia coach Justin Langer says an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anderson-could-hold-key-to-ashes-says-mcgrath-239251">Ashes</a> return for Cameron Bancroft would be "a great story" but knows he will face a hostile reception from England fans after his ball-tampering ban.

Bancroft, 26, is set to open the batting in Thursday's first Test at Edgbaston, with Australia's top order also likely to feature <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/sports/cameron-bancroft-joins-steve-smith-and-david-warner-in-australias-ashes-squad-238644&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjlgs2W3tzjAhWL7nMBHW9qDEUQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0EAcaSZ4lNdf3iTyI_At_Y">David Warner and Steve Smith.</a>

If that is the case, it would mean all three players who were banned for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year would be in Australia's XI.

Smith and Warner have already experienced plenty of boos from English crowds during the recent World Cup.

Bancroft, not selected for the one-day tournament, will almost certainly experience more of the same given he was the one who applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test away to South Africa in a blatant flouting of cricket's rulebook.

"It would be a great story if he comes back into the team," Langer said at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

"His development after what happened in Cape Town has been extraordinary."

Langer, a former Australia opener, said: "We know what the reception is going to be. There's nothing we can do about it. We don't know (how he will cope) actually, but we'll find out.

"He's a good kid and as tough as anyone you could meet. To endure the scrutiny of the past 14 months, especially the first part of it, I think he's had a pretty good dress rehearsal."

Langer confirmed batsman Usman Khawaja, who missed Australia's World Cup semi-final defeat by England at Edgbaston with a hamstring injury, had been passed fit and would play in the opening match of the five-Test series.

"He's a seasoned pro for us, he averages 40-odd in Test cricket, his hammy is good, he's running well, he's passed all the fitness tests, so he's ready to go," Langer said.

Fast bowler James Pattinson is also set to feature in what would be his first Test since February 2016, lining up alongside Pat Cummins and one of Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle or Josh Hazlewood in Australia's pace attack.&nbsp;

"There's probably three to be fair - Starcy, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood - for one spot," added Langer.

Australia holds the Ashes but has not won a Test series away to England since 2001.

Australia coach Justin Langer says an Ashes return for Cameron Bancroft would be "a great story" but knows he will face a hostile reception from England fans after his ball-tampering ban.

Australia coach Justin Langer says an Ashes return for Cameron Bancroft would be "a great story" but knows he will face a hostile reception from England fans after his ball-tampering ban. Bancroft, 26, is set to open the batting in Thursday's first Test at Edgbaston, with Australia's top order also likely to feature David Warner and Steve Smith. If that is the case, it would mean all three players who were banned for their roles in the ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year would be in Australia's XI. Smith and Warner have already experienced plenty of boos from English crowds during the recent World Cup. Bancroft, not selected for the one-day tournament, will almost certainly experience more of the same given he was the one who applied sandpaper to the ball during a Test away to South Africa in a blatant flouting of cricket's rulebook. "It would be a great story if he comes back into the team," Langer said at Edgbaston on Tuesday. "His development after what happened in Cape Town has been extraordinary." Langer, a former Australia opener, said: "We know what the reception is going to be. There's nothing we can do about it. We don't know (how he will cope) actually, but we'll find out. "He's a good kid and as tough as anyone you could meet. To endure the scrutiny of the past 14 months, especially the first part of it, I think he's had a pretty good dress rehearsal." Langer confirmed batsman Usman Khawaja, who missed Australia's World Cup semi-final defeat by England at Edgbaston with a hamstring injury, had been passed fit and would play in the opening match of the five-Test series. "He's a seasoned pro for us, he averages 40-odd in Test cricket, his hammy is good, he's running well, he's passed all the fitness tests, so he's ready to go," Langer said. Fast bowler James Pattinson is also set to feature in what would be his first Test since February 2016, lining up alongside Pat Cummins and one of Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle or Josh Hazlewood in Australia's pace attack. "There's probably three to be fair - Starcy, Peter Siddle and Josh Hazlewood - for one spot," added Langer. Australia holds the Ashes but has not won a Test series away to England since 2001.

Langer predicts hostile Ashes reception for Bancroft from England fans

Cameron Bancroft along with Steve Smith and David Warner have been included in Australia's squad for a five-Test Ashes series against England.&nbsp;

Australia have unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming Ashes series, which is scheduled to kick-off from August 1&nbsp;at Edgbaston.&nbsp;

All three mentioned&nbsp;batsmen served lengthy bans for their roles in a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/funny-twitter-reactions-on-steve-smiths-ball-tampering-scandal-126440">ball-tampering scandal</a> in South Africa last year.

In a press conference, they had admitted that they used sandpaper to the ball&nbsp;while fielding during a Test in Cape Town against South Africa.&nbsp;

Former captain Smith and his then deputy Warner were given 12-month suspensions by Cricket Australia, with Bancroft banned for nine months.&nbsp;

"We have chosen 17 players as this gives us the cover and flexibility we believe we will need to ensure we are in good shape throughout a demanding schedule of five Test matches in just over six weeks," said Chairman of Selectors Trevor Hohns.&nbsp;

Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh have been recalled while uncapped Queenslander Michael Neser is a surprise selection in the pace attack.&nbsp;

Wade, who last played a Test in September 2017, edged out Alex Carey as the squad's reserve wicketkeeper-batsman behind captain Tim Paine.&nbsp;

The pace department is led by world number one Test bowler Pat Cummins, alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle, Marsh and Neser.&nbsp;

Alongside&nbsp;off-spinner Nathan Lyon, all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne will serve as a second spinning option in the team.&nbsp;

"We have opted to select one frontline spinner in Nathan Lyon. We have faith in his ability, we know our strength lies in our pace attack and we have Marnus Labuschagne's leg-spin as another spin option as he has bowled almost 200 overs for county side Glamorgan in first-class cricket this season," said&nbsp;Hohns.&nbsp;

"We believe the squad is an excellent blend of high-quality batsmen and top-class fast bowlers, plus Nathan Lyon, who we regard as the world's best off-spinner in all conditions. It is a good mix of all the talents," he added.&nbsp;

Holders Australia looking to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
National selector Trevor Hohns has just announced our 17-man squad for the <a href="https://twitter.com/Qantas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Qantas</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ashes?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ashes</a> Tour of the UK: Paine (c), Bancroft, Cummins, Harris, Hazlewood, Head, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Lyon, MMarsh, Neser, Pattinson, Siddle, Smith, Starc, Wade, Warner <a href="https://t.co/xm0i0K9lW3">pic.twitter.com/xm0i0K9lW3</a>
— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricketAus/status/1154707936834457601?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Here's the squad:&nbsp;

Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Patrick Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

Cameron Bancroft along with Steve Smith and David Warner have been included in Australia's squad for a five-Test Ashes series against England. Australia have unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming Ashes series, which is scheduled to kick-off from August 1 at Edgbaston.

Cameron Bancroft along with Steve Smith and David Warner have been included in Australia's squad for a five-Test Ashes series against England. Australia have unveiled the 17-member squad for the upcoming Ashes series, which is scheduled to kick-off from August 1 at Edgbaston. All three mentioned batsmen served lengthy bans for their roles in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year. In a press conference, they had admitted that they used sandpaper to the ball while fielding during a Test in Cape Town against South Africa. Former captain Smith and his then deputy Warner were given 12-month suspensions by Cricket Australia, with Bancroft banned for nine months. "We have chosen 17 players as this gives us the cover and flexibility we believe we will need to ensure we are in good shape throughout a demanding schedule of five Test matches in just over six weeks," said Chairman of Selectors Trevor Hohns. Matthew Wade and Mitchell Marsh have been recalled while uncapped Queenslander Michael Neser is a surprise selection in the pace attack. Wade, who last played a Test in September 2017, edged out Alex Carey as the squad's reserve wicketkeeper-batsman behind captain Tim Paine. The pace department is led by world number one Test bowler Pat Cummins, alongside Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson and Peter Siddle, Marsh and Neser. Alongside off-spinner Nathan Lyon, all-rounder Marnus Labuschagne will serve as a second spinning option in the team. "We have opted to select one frontline spinner in Nathan Lyon. We have faith in his ability, we know our strength lies in our pace attack and we have Marnus Labuschagne's leg-spin as another spin option as he has bowled almost 200 overs for county side Glamorgan in first-class cricket this season," said Hohns. "We believe the squad is an excellent blend of high-quality batsmen and top-class fast bowlers, plus Nathan Lyon, who we regard as the world's best off-spinner in all conditions. It is a good mix of all the talents," he added. Holders Australia looking to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001. National selector Trevor Hohns has just announced our 17-man squad for the @Qantas #Ashes Tour of the UK: Paine (c), Bancroft, Cummins, Harris, Hazlewood, Head, Khawaja, Labuschagne, Lyon, MMarsh, Neser, Pattinson, Siddle, Smith, Starc, Wade, Warner pic.twitter.com/xm0i0K9lW3 — Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) July 26, 2019 × Here's the squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Patrick Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner

Cameron Bancroft joins Steve Smith and David Warner in Australia's Ashes squad

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