England vs Australia tea report: Chris Rogers and David Warner offer resistance sorely lacking in previous two Tests

Australia 184-2

(Getty Images)

England were reminded today of what Test match cricket is supposed to be like. After two barnstorming victories which secured the Ashes they were denied easy wickets by much more determined Australian batsmen on the first day of the fifth Investec Test.

By tea, the tourists had reached 184 for 2 which was comparative riches following their first innings of totals of 136 in the third Test at Edgbaston and 60 in the fourth at Trent Bridge. Both openers, Chris Rogers and David Warner, were removed after compiling their third century partnership of the series.

Rogers went first shortly after reaching 2,000 Test runs in his 48th innings, lured into playing at a ball outside off stump from Mark Wood by its steep bounce. Alastair Cook took the catch a first slip above his head at the second attempt.

Warner and Steve Smith then added a fitful 51 for the second wicket before the former, in sight of his first Test hundred in England, played forward to a ball from Moeen Ali which turned a fraction, took the edge and was taken comfortably by Adam Lyth at slip.

That brought in Australia’s captain, Michael Clarke, in his last Test match. England formed a guard of honour as he approached and Cook shook his hand. He might then have been run out first ball as he turned it to leg slip but Ian Bell’s underarm throw was a little too weak.

Clarke then demonstrated that he would not be stifled by his recent run of poor form by advancing down the pitch to Moeen and striking him over mid-on for a one bounce four.