Steve Waugh-like ton there from Smithers! Rearguard with tail as well. What a comeback in tough conditions!
Looks like normal service has resumed for both him and our our batting line-up, who are heavily reliant on one or two players scoring runs. Couldn't buy a run without Smith and Warner. Not even one partnership of significance from the top and middle order to get us out of that mess. I am amazed how many times we have to rely on our tail to save us.
I am one those people who doubt Paine's position in the team if it wasn't for the captaincy. He was the right man for the circumstances and a did a solid job containing the damage but a poor tour here with the bat and the selectors will be in a pickle. He didn't score many before the captaincy either. I would love nothing more than for him to stand up, score important runs and prove the likes of me wrong because that'd be important for us to win the Ashes. More than happy to be wrong on this one. Hopefully he does well.