England’s batting frailties exposed again as they waste a solid start and laboured to 271 for eight on the first day of the 5th and final Ashes Test against Australia at The Oval.

England’s batting frailties were exposed again as they wasted a solid start and laboured to 271 for eight on the first day of the final Ashes test against Australia at The Oval on Thursday.

The Australians, who have retained the Ashes, dropped England captain Joe Root three times as he made 57 but the hosts failed to take full advantage and only Jos Buttler’s late unbeaten 64 saved them from complete collapse.