Warner delighted to lose Oval toss

Author Photo
davidwarner - Cropped

David Warner was delighted to take advantage of favourable batting conditions after Australia lost the toss in the fifth Ashes Test against England.

England captain Alastair Cook opted to field first at The Oval, but Australia - who are trying to salvage some semblance of pride having slumped to a series defeat - took command by reaching 287-3 at the close on day one.

Australia's soon-to-be new captaincy hierarchy of Steven Smith (78 not out) and Warner (85) - who will be vice-captain - led by example in London.

"It was a very good day for us, a good toss to lose," he told Sky Sports in the UK.

"We knew it was going to be tough conditions, for us it was about leaving and respecting good deliveries."

Warner and Chris Rogers - playing his final Test - set the standard with an opening century stand before the duo were dismissed in the afternoon session.

And Warner is elated that a much-maligned top order took centre stage for the right reasons. 

"Me and Chris (Rogers) left well which put us in a great position," he added. 

"The England bowlers bowled well but I felt it was our day. To come out and show what we're made of was fantastic from our top order."

Author(s)
Sporting News Photo

The sports world explained. The Sporting News goes beyond the score to deliver the news, data, insights and entertainment that sports fans around the globe need to know.