The Ashes 2013: 5th Test, Day 1 - Heroes of the Day

Steve Smith (66* off 133 balls – 9 fours, 1 six)

Steve Smith of Australia hits out during day one of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at the Kia Oval on August 21, 2013 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The NSW all-rounder has been in decent batting form in this edition of the Ashes, and he underlined his importance to the team with yet another steady innings. With Watson blazing away at the other end, Smith was content to play second fiddle for much of the 145-run stand, pushing the singles and rotating the strike. He even skipped down the track to loft off-spinner Graeme Swann into the stands, and duly progressed to his sixth Test fifty.

Australia would want the 24-year-old to score more runs on the morrow and get them to a substantial total. Terrific knock!