London, July 28 (ANI): Captain Pat Cummins (36) and Todd Murphy (34) played courageous innings as Australia gained a crucial lead of 12 runs in their first innings against England on the second day of the fifth Test match on Friday.

On the Oval ground, in response to England’s first innings total of 283 runs, Australia had lost their way at 239 runs at one point. However, Cummins and Labuschagne formed a partnership that tactfully faced the host bowlers, allowing Australia to eventually reach a total of 295 runs in their first innings.

Cummins was showcasing his defensive cricket skills at one end, while Labuschagne was dealing well with the loose balls on the other. Towards the end of the day’s play, Chris Woakes dismissed Labuschagne, breaking their partnership, and in the very next over, Cummins fell victim to Joe Root. With the conclusion of Australia’s innings, the umpires declared the end of the day’s play.

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Steven Smith‘s half-century (71) was the highlight of today’s match. Smith demonstrated his class by spending 225 minutes at the crease and handling England’s bowlers well. Before him, Usman Khawaja (47) and David Warner (24) made solid contributions to Australia’s start. Chris Woakes was the most successful bowler for England with three wickets, while Joe Root, Mark Wood, and Stuart Broad each took two wickets.