Thursday, 22 August 2013 00:00
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Reuters: Shane Watson scored his first Ashes century and a career best of 176 with 25 fours and one six helping his side to reach a commanding 307 for loss of 4 wickets at the close of first day’s play in the fifth and final test at The Oval yesterday.
With just under 3 overs to go before the end of day’s play Wastson fell to Broad. He and Steven Smith (unbeaten at 66) was involved in a 145 runs partnership.
The powerful all-rounder was struck on the head by a Stuart Broad bouncer before reaching his third test hundred as England recovered well from a chastening morning during which Watson launched a fierce assault on rookie bowlers Chris Woakes and Simon Kerrigan.
Graeme Swann dismissed Chris Rogers for 23 and James Anderson bowled Michael Clarke for seven to become England’s second-highest wicket-taker in tests.
But Watson, badly dropped on 104, survived to reach tea on 121 not out with Steve Smith on 15.
Australia captain Clarke won the toss and had no hesitation in choosing to bat under clear blue skies on a wicket which traditionally offers little help to bowlers.
