With his stubborn defense and his extravagant leaves, Australia batsman Steve Smith was again frustrating England in the Ashes on Saturday.
Smith was 53 not out and Australia was 155-5 at lunch on Day 4 of the rain-hit second test at Lord's, replying to England's first-innings total of 258.
Resuming on 80-4, Australia lost one wicket in the morning session, with Matthew Wade edging Stuart Broad to Rory Burns at third slip for 6.
Australia's Steve Smith looks round as he takes a runs while England's bowler Stuart Broad reacts on day four of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoAlastair Grant)
Australia captain Tim Paine was unbeaten on 21 alongside Smith, who is proving to be the dominant player in this series having struck 144 and 142 in his team's 251-run win in the first test at Edgbaston. He has now scored a half-century in seven straight Ashes innings.
As striking as his shot-making and discipline with the bat was the way Smith was leaving deliveries bowled outside off-stump. He threw his bat over and around the ball, often pirouetting at the same time at the crease.
Smith was 13 overnight and he added 40 off 82 balls on Saturday.
Australia's Steve Smith smiles at England's bowler Stuart Broad reacts on day four of the 2nd Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Lord's cricket ground in London, Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019. (AP PhotoAlastair Grant)
Broad had team-best figures of 3-44 off 19 overs.
The draw was looking increasingly likely, with rain having wiped out the entire first day and two sessions on Friday.
More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports