Australia’s vice-captain in-waiting, David Warner, was pleased with the fight shown by the tourists’ batting line-up on the first day of the fifth Investec Test.
With the Ashes already decided, Australia could have rolled over at the Kia Oval, but having been put in to bat by Alastair Cook, they showed fight to reach 287 for three at the close.
Warner and Steven Smith hit half-centuries, while Chris Rogers made 43 and Adam Voges was unbeaten on 47 at the close.
Only retiring skipper Michael Clarke failed to make an impact, departing to Ben Stokes for 15, but Warner, who hit 85, was delighted with the character shown by the batsmen.
At the close of play, he admitted a change in mentality had paid off, saying: “I think for us it was about leaving and respecting those good deliveries.
“Me and Chris left well today which put us into a great position going into lunchtime. Getting off to none for 100 is a good start, but the England bowlers bowled well as well, but I thought today was our day.
“Getting bowled out for 60 was obviously pretty disappointing, but to come out today and show what we’re actually capable of was fantastic for our top order.”
An unbroken partnership of 101 between Smith and Voges ensured the first day went Australia’s way, but Warner is aware all the hard work could come to nothing if they come unstuck against the new ball on Friday morning.
“I think just like today, we’ve got to get through that first session and then bat big like we did at Lord’s”, he said.
“We’re in a great position at the moment but we’ve really got to capitalise on that tomorrow.”
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