Smith slams second ton as Australia build lead at

Edgbaston

Test at Edgbaston on Sunday.—Reuters

BIRMINGHAM: England finally saw the back of Steve

Smith but only after a second century in his comeback Test
saw Australia compile a potentially match-winning lead in
the Ashes opener at Edgbaston on Sunday.
Ashes-holders Australia, bidding to win their first Test
series away to England in 18 years, were 356-5 at tea on
the fourth day — 266 runs ahead — with the hosts a bowler
down in the absence of James Anderson.
Smith made 142 following his 144 in the first innings of the
match — the former Australia captain’s first Test since the
end of a 12-month ban for his role in last year’s ball-
tampering scandal in South Africa.
Matthew Wade, in his first Test for nearly two years, was
86 not out after putting on 126 for the fifth wicket with
Smith.
Only three times have a side made more than 150 in the
fourth innings to win a Test at Edgbaston.