Ashes 2017-18: England defeated by Melbourne road and Steve Smith’s excellence while Barmy Army make a friend
England and Australia played out a draw at the MCG, and here are five key moments from day five
ENGLAND'S bid for a Melbourne victory was thwarted by Steve Smith's resilience on day five.
Joe Root's men couldn't dislodge the Australian captain and England were made to settle for a draw at the MCG.
Here are some of the key moments from day five.
Smith show
Is there anything Steve Smith can't do?
The Australian captain brought up his 23rd Test ton and third of this series after batting pretty much for two days to deny England.
Whatever the situation, Smith can adapt his game and this 259-ball century was probably one of his grittiest and most determined.
That partnership with Mitchell Marsh showed incredible concentration and application.
Flat as a pancake
It was pretty clear England weren't going to get any assistance from the Melbourne pitch.
From the moment England's Twitter feed showed an image of the pitch this morning with no signs of wear and tear, you knew it could be a long day.
This was an absolute road and one that was no good for Test cricket. Sure, there was a big Boxing Day crowd, but just 10,000 fans in attendance (including the large travelling contingent) on day five.
Nobody wanted to watch day five on this pitch - not even the people in this sports mad city.
Birthday treat
Joe Root was treated to a birthday song from the Barmy Army as he turned 27, then picked up the big wicket of Warner to break a day-long partnership.
In a desperate last-ditch attempt after Warner and Smith had denied them all morning, Root tossed one up outside off-stump that Warner couldn't resist.
CAPTAIN MARVEL Smith hits another ton as England settle for a draw on flat pitch at the MCG
The Australian opener thought he was depositing Root over his head for six, but sliced it straight up in the air and walked off furious on 86.
Not only was there a century with his name on, Warner opened the door for England that had been locked shut all morning.
Chalk and cheese
When Shaun Marsh edged Stuart Broad behind to Jonny Bairstow on the stroke of lunch, England thought they had an opening.
It was just what Australia didn't need from Marsh, but his brother came to the country and family's rescue with his application in the afternoon session.
Mitchell Marsh is a naturally aggressive player, but he changed his game for the conditions and didn't give England a chance.
He finished on 29 from 166 deliveries with just three boundaries. A stellar rearguard effort.
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New recruit
The Barmy Army made a friend on the afternoon session.
With the match drifting to a draw, they presented a police officer in their section of the stadium with a signed shirt.
The officer returned while wearing the shirt, much to the Barmy Army's delight.
