Ashes 2017: Craig Overton defends Joe Root's decision to put Australia into bat on rain-affected first day

Australia ended the day on 209-4 after Root decided to bowl first, but Overton - who dismissed Steve Smith for his maiden Test wicket - insisted England were very much still in the game

Craig Overton removed Steve Smith on an ultimately frustrating first day (Getty)

Craig Overton defended England’s decision to put Australia into bat after taking just four wickets on a rain-affected first day in Adelaide. Australia ended the day on 209-4 after Joe Root decided to bowl first, but Overton - making his Test debut - insisted England were very much still in the game.

“This morning it was overcast skies, so we tried to make sure we capitalised on that,” he said. “The first session didn’t go to plan, but they didn’t get away from us. They’re not too far ahead of the game, so if we can get early wickets, we’re confident. We’re pretty happy.

“We felt like we bowled pretty well all day. We didn’t quite get the results we deserved. We’ll maybe go out with the new ball, get a couple of wickets and get on top. It’s difficult when there’s rain breaks and having to come on and off. That was a challenge for us, but we spoke in the changing room about the need to get our lengths right, and afterwards we bowled a lot better.”

Even if Overton never plays another Test, he has quite a story to tell. He provided the moment of the day in bowling the world No1 Steve Smith to claim his first ever international wicket. “It was a pretty nice one,” he admitted. “My dream was always to play for EnglandYou can’t really put it into words what it means. And it was nice that my folks were here to see it. I hope I’ve made them proud.”

Australia’s No3 Usman Khawaja, meanwhile, said that Australia had the slight edge going into day two. “I had a feeling they might bowl first,” he said. “But at the end of the day, whatever you do, you’ve got to do it well. I wouldn’t say we’re streets beyond, but we’re pretty happy with 4-200. Tomorrow’s a big day for us.”

Khawaja also brushed off the verbal confrontation between Smith and England’s new-ball bowlers Stuart Broad and James Anderson. “It looked like there was a bit of banter,” Khawaja said. “I thought it spurred him on a little bit. The man averages 61, he can do whatever he wants.”