By Charles Reynolds
STEVE Smith’s remarkable first innings double-hundred has put Australia in pole position to retain the Ashes after a thrilling, yet rainaffected, first four days at Old Trafford.
Smith, back in the Australian side after concussion had ruled him out of the defeat at Headingley, was in the mood to make up for lost time, rescuing the tourists who were 28-2 inside the first 10 overs of the match, despite winning the toss and choosing to bat.
Stuart Broad’s hoodoo over the Australian openers continued emphatically here, England’s senior bowler dismissing ...