Steve Smith provided a familiar face of resistance as he returned from concussion to lead Australia to 170 for three on a rain-shortened first day at the fourth Ashes Test.
Forced to sit out at Headingley, where England levelled the series in dramatic fashion last time out, the world’s number one batsman was well and truly back in the groove at Old Trafford, defying the home attack with another unbeaten 60.
England’s day began promisingly, Stuart Broad seeing off both openers with the new ball, but Smith’s stand of 116 with his Leeds stand-in, Marnus Labuschagne (67), swung things in the tourists’ favour.
Into day two, Smith went on to score his 26th Test ton despite losing Travis Head and Mathew Wade at the other end.
How big of a first innings score can he lead the Aussies to?
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