An unbroken century stand from Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith put Australia on top at stumps on day two of the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG.
Khawaja was 91 not out at the close of play, while David Warner scored a half-century and prolific captain Smith (44no) reached the landmark of 6,000 Test runs in his 111th innings - joint second-fastest on the all-time list with Garry Sobers and behind Don Bradman - as Australia recovered from 86-2 to 193-2.
Pat Cummins finished with figures of 4-80 earlier on Friday after Smith took an outstanding slip catch to remove Dawid Malan for 62, Australia bowling the tourist out for 346 on a good pitch as it eyes a 4-0 series win.
THE HEADLINES
- Malan falls early to Mitchell Starc courtesy of a moment of magic from Smith, but Moeen Ali (30), Tom Curran (39) and Stuart Broad (31) offer resistance.
READ: Khawaja answers critics, Smith celebrates milestone to put Australia on top
- Broad bowls Cameron Bancroft without scoring and James Anderson snares David Warner (56) caught behind, but an unbroken partnership of 107 from Khawaja and Smith makes it advantage Australia.
- England leg-spinner Mason Crane bowls 17 overs for 58 runs without reward on debut.
MOMENT OF THE DAY
Smith was left red-faced when he dropped Alastair Cook in the fourth Test at the MCG, the England opener going on to make an unbeaten double century.
The skipper also put Malan down for 34 on day one in Sydney, but made amends by plucking a stunning one-handed catch diving low to his left to send the left-hander on his way early on Friday.
OPTA FACTS
- England has never lost when posting 340 plus in its first innings at the SCG (won 10, drawn three).
- Since the beginning of 2016, Smith has taken 52 Test catches, the most of any fielder. Joe Root is second with 37.
- This is Khawaja's highest Test score against England.
REACTION
Warner told ABC: "Usman is seeing the ball really well. He's been a bit annoyed with the way he's going but we're seeing the Usman we know. He looks good today."
England debutant Crane said BT Sport: "I had great fun out there. It's massive. It's everything you've been working towards for the last few years. It's a huge moment."
SMITH TO GO BIG AGAIN?
Try as they might, the England bowlers were unable to see the back of Smith yet again on day two.
Although desperate to get rid of Khawaja as he closes in on a first Ashes century, England will know if it is unable to dismiss the prolific skipper before too long on Saturday it could be facing a substantial deficit.
Australia should be optimistic of opening up a good lead on an excellent pitch even if it does lose its captain early on after laying solid foundations.
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