Ashes: Rogers', Smith's tons put Australia on top on Day 1 at Lord's

Australia lose only a solitary wicket before tons from Chris Rogers and Steve Smith hand them the advantage on opening day versus England

London: Chris Rogers and Steve Smith applied an uncompromising grind in their record double-century stand as England endured a chastening first day of the second Test at Lord's yesterday.


Australian opener Chris Rogers plays a shot en route his unbeaten 158 against England in the second Ashes Test at Lord's yesterday. Pic/AFP 

A stumps total of 337 for one had unwelcome Ashes echoes for England of Trent Bridge 1989 - when they conceded 301 for none on day one - with a dash of more recent vintage from The Oval 2012, South Africa piling up 317 for one as Saturday entertainment.

For much-travelled veteran opener Rogers, his Test-best 158 not out on his 'home ground' as a former Middlesex captain was a hugely gratifying way to mark his last international appearance here.

Silky Smith
Smith (129 not out) took the opportunity to immediately restate his world-beating credentials after losing his status as the International Cricket Council's number one batsman during Australia's 169-run defeat in Cardiff last week.


Australia's Steve Smith bats his way to a century at Lord's yesterday. Pic/Getty Images 

For England, full of resounding commitment to attacking intent under new coach Trevor Bayliss as they moved on from Wales to their own capital, this was a reality check of what will be required to regain the urn following their 5-0 whitewash defeat in Australia two winters ago.

England's sole success was David Warner's wicket, (off Moeen Ali for 38) a moment of individual misadventure which barely put the tourists out of their stride as they took uncontested control.

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