England won the toss and invited Australia to have a bat first in the Test that was disrupted at the start by environmental protestors.

The Baggy Greens managed to post 339/5 at the close of play with the former captain Steve Smith leading the charge with the bat with an unbeaten 85.

Travis Head once again tormented the English bowlers with 77-runs, while David Warner in turn scored 66-runs, with the Klerksdorp-born Marnus Labuschagne scored 47.

Joe Root, who was schooled for a part in Bloemfontein at St Andrews’ was the pick of the bowlers with 2/19 in 8-overs.

At the close of play Warner said as a team the know what they got in Head, and that it something that excites the Baggy Greens.

“Trav is Trav - it's the way he plays and it's exciting,” said Warner who was bowled out by Josh Tongue.

“He's going to come out there and to be honest, we're lucky he's in our team because he can take it away from you in that half an hour patch.

“Striking at over 100 on that wicket is exceptional and that's what you get from Trav.”

Day two in St John's Wood is scheduled to get underway at noon.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport