Smith frustrates England, helps Australia to 155-5 in Ashes
LONDON (AP) — With his stubborn defense and his extravagant leaves, Australia batsman Steve Smith was again frustrating England in the Ashes on Saturday.
Smith was 53 not out and Australia was 155-5 at lunch on Day 4 of the rain-hit second test at Lord's, replying to England's first-innings total of 258.
Resuming on 80-4, Australia lost one wicket in the morning session, with Matthew Wade edging Stuart Broad to Rory Burns at third slip for 6.
Australia captain Tim Paine was unbeaten on 21 alongside Smith, who is proving to be the dominant player in this series having struck 144 and 142 in his team's 251-run win in the first test at Edgbaston. He has now scored a half-century in seven straight Ashes innings.
As striking as his shot-making and discipline with the bat was the way Smith was leaving deliveries bowled outside off-stump. He threw his bat over and around the ball, often pirouetting at the same time at the crease.
Smith was 13 overnight and he added 40 off 82 balls on Saturday.
Broad had team-best figures of 3-44 off 19 overs.
The draw was looking increasingly likely, with rain having wiped out the entire first day and two sessions on Friday.
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