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Ashes PHOTOS: Smith helps Australia take control
Riding on a maiden Ashes ton from Steven Smith, Australia amassed a mammoth 492 for 9 on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England, at The Oval, on Thursday.
Smith lofted Jonathan Trott for six to bring up the three-figure mark as Australia, seeking a consolation victory in a series they trail 3-0, turned the screws on England.
England, in reply, were 32 without loss, a deficit of 460 runs, when bad light forced an early close to play.
Alastair Cook was 17 not out, with Joe Root on 13.
Ashes PHOTOS: Rain delays start of second day at Oval
Rain prevented play before lunch on the second day at The Oval.
Lunch was taken 30 minutes early with the hope that play would commence at 1.10pm local time following the standard 40-minute break.
At stumps on Day 1, Australia, down 0-3 in the five-match series and seeking a consolation victory, were 307 for 4.
Ashes PHOTOS: Rain delays start of second day at Oval
Shane Watson's Test-best 176 was the cornerstone of the tourists’ imposing total. It was only his third Test hundred -- his first in 25 matches and 48 innings since his previous best of 126 against India at Mohali in October 2010.
He was especially severe on England debutants Chris Woakes, a medium-pacer, and left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan who ended the day with expensive combined figures of none for 105 in 23 overs.
Steven Smith was 66 not out overnight having helped Watson add 145 for the fourth wicket.
England have never won four Tests in a home Ashes series, while it is 36 years since Australia last went through an Ashes without winning a single Test.
Ashes PHOTOS: Anderson struck early
James Anderson provided the home team an early breakthrough on the second day, getting past nighwatchman Peter Siddle's (23) defences.
It was Anderson's third wicket of the innings. The 30-year-old had, on the opening day, surpassed Bob Willis as the second highest wicket-taker for England in Tests.
Siddle helped Smith add 31 runs for the fifth wicket.
Ashes PHOTOS: Haddin looked in good nick
Brad Haddin (30) helped Smith add 65 runs for the sixth wicket.
Smith reached his maiden Test ton during the course of the partnership, with a huge six off part-time bowler Jonathan Trott.
However, just when the partnership looked threatening, a momentary lapse in concentration saw a premature end to Haddin's stay, the batsman dragging a Trott delivery onto his stumps.
Ashes PHOTOS: Harris made a quickfire 33
Ryan Harris provided a late burst to help the visitors' total get to the 500-run mark.
Harris's 27-ball 33 was inclusive of a boundary and two sixes. His innings was cut short when he was caught by Anderson off his own bowling.
It was Anderson's fourth wicket of the innings.
Ashes PHOTOS: Smith remained unbeaten on 138
Steven Smith remained unbeaten on 138, his knock inclusive of 16 hits to the fence and two over it.
The 24-year-old was also involved in useful late order stands, 37 for the seventh wicket with James Faulkner (23), 24 for the eighth with Mitchell Starc (13) and another 45 for the ninth with Harris.
Australia declared soon after Harris was dismissed.