London: Jofra Archer (6/62) was once again the star for England as his six-for (second of series) rattled the Aussies to stumble for 225, conceding a crucial 69-run first innings lead in the fifth and final Ashes Test here at the Oval, Friday.
In reply to England’s 294, it wasn’t the best of the starts the Australians have hoped for losing both the openers with 14 runs on board. The burden once again fell upon Steve Smith (80, 146b, 9×4, 1×6) and Marnus Labuschagne (48) as the duo steadied the ship with a 69-run third wicket partnership.
However, Labuschagne didn’t last long as the right-hander was undone by an Archer delivery, caught plumb in front. Though Smith tried his best from one end, the former Aussie skipper lacked assistance from the other end as wickets fell at regular intervals.
Peter Siddle (18) and Nathan Lyon (25) tried their best down the order but couldn’t resist the fieriness of Archer. Sam Curran (3/46) also bowled well.
Earlier, England added just 23 runs to their overnight score at the sun-soaked Oval in London, dismissed for 294 on a good-looking pitch.
Jos Buttler (70, 98b, 7×4, 3×6), who counter-attacked impressively Thursday, could add only six runs to his overnight score before being dismissed by Pat Cummins (3/84) while Jack Leach was the last man out for 21. Mitchell Marsh’s (5/46) dismissal of Leach handed him a fifer on his return to the Test.
Australia won at Old Trafford last week to take a 2-1 lead in the series, meaning they will retain the Ashes urn regardless of the result at the Oval.
Brief scores: England 294 (Jos Buttler 70; Mitchell Marsh 5/46); Australia 225 (Steve Smith 80, Marcus Labuschagne 48; Jofra Archer 6/62, Sam Curran 3/46). Match to continue.