Australia’s decision to play all-rounder Mitchell Marsh ahead of batsman Travis Head reaped reward on day one of the fifth and final Ashes series Test at The Oval in London.
The series has largely been headlined by England’s Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes and Australia’s Steve Smith and Pat Cummins.
Marsh, however, took Thursday’s cue to put the tourists in command after welcoming a first Test cap since December 2018.
The right-arm seamer was outstanding en route to telling figures of 4-35. His removal of wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow and all-rounder Chris Woakes with in-swinging yorkers was outstanding.
Each of England’s top-seven batsman reached double figures, but none – bar the hard-hitting Jos Buttler – were able to graduate to innings of genuine significance. Captain Joe Root, who had weathered three ducks in five previous innings, somewhat returned to form with a tidy half-century. Not for the first time this series, though, he was eventually bowled by paceman Pat Cummins.
Buttler was characteristically counter-attacking with an unbeaten 64, and struck fast bowler Josh Hazelwood for successive straight sixes during a particularly prolific juncture for the hosts. He enjoyed solid support from typically defiant tailender Jack Leach.
England moved to 271-8 at the close of play. Butler and Leach will resume the quest for 300 and beyond on Friday.
Australia retained the Ashes title with a 185-run victory in last week’s fourth Test at Old Trafford in Manchester. They won the 2017-18 series, too.
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