Ashes, 5th Test: Watson seals Day 1 honours

Batting at No.3, Shane Watson plundered the English bowlers at The Oval as Australia ended Day 1 at 307/4. Watson made a career-best 176 to put the visitors in a position of strength.

England are playing with two debutants, Simon Kerrigan and Chris Woakes. Left-arm spinner Kerrigan had a day to forget, conceding 53 runs in his 8 overs, including 28 in his first two.

After two under-par Tests, James Anderson was back to his best, picking the wickets of David Warner and Michael Clarke to give England hope.

But the day belonged to Watson who reached his 3rd Test century with ease. He was dropped on 104 by Alastair Cook and would reach 176 before being dismissed by Stuart Broad.

Watson and Steven Smith, who is unbeaten on 66, added 145 runs for the 4th wicket to put Australia on top at The Oval.