Shane Watson produced his best innings in years on day one of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval on Wednesday, but the infallible UK press were quick to shut down some rare Australian success.
Watson’s score of 147, his first Test century in almost three years, propelled Australia to a day one total of 4-307, however that wasn’t enough to stop England’s always credible press troop from lambasting the Australia’s success.
England opted to play some fresh faces in the final Test- a move a number of media outlets are critical of as England flirts with the prospect of taking an historical 4-0 series victory.
The Daily Mail went with the headline, “England’s experiment goes horribly wrong as Watson destroys new boys” as journalist Paul Newman slammed his nation’s selection choices.
“Flower and the rest of the England think-tank certainly compromised their chances of making Ashes history with a 4-0 series victory by coming up at The Kia Oval with one of the strangest and most unexpected selections of modern times,” wrote Newman.
“It is simply out of character for England to abandon the principles and policy that have taken them to three Ashes victories and producing instead what in theory was a five-man attack but what in effect turned out to be anything but.”
Former England captain Michael Atherton wrote a scaling comment in the The Times, saying England’s choice to take two spinners against Australia’s five seamers was a “superfluous” descision on a “biscuit-dry pitch”.
“Talk had been of making history, of setting down a marker for the winter,” wrote The Guardian’s Mike Selvey. “And to do this they would carry on doing what they do.
“Instead they cast aside the formula that has brought their success and brought in two debutant bowlers.”
Watson was fantastic in the opening day of play and received ample support from Steve Smith. Smith produced 66 not out as the duo put together a 145-run partnership.
Day Two play resumes shortly.
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