Chris Rogers's unbeaten fifty saw Australia make a steady start to their must-win third Ashes Test against England at Manchester's Old Trafford ground today.
Australia were 92 for two at lunch on the first day, with Rogers a Test-best 67 not out and Australia captain Michael Clarke unbeaten on five after yet another controversial Decision Review System (DRS) verdict this series contributed to the dismissal of Usman Khawaja.
Top-order batting has long been the Achilles heel of an Australia side who came into this match 0-2 down in the series and on a losing streak of six straight Tests -- their worst run since 1984 -- following a 0-4 loss in India earlier this year.
But in a match Australia had to win to regain the Ashes -- a drawn series would see holders England retain the urn -- Clarke opted to bat first after winning the toss despite the tourists being dismissed for just 128 in the first innings of their 347-run second Test defeat at Lord's.
Although Australia had recalled David Warner, usually an opening batsman, they stuck with all-rounder Shane Watson and left-hander Rogers as their first wicket duo.
The pair responded by putting on 76 before Watson was caught at first slip by England captain Alastair Cook for 19 off first change Tim Bresnan after James Anderson, on his Lancashire home ground, and Stuart Broad had seen several good outswingers go unrewarded.
