Full scorecard

Only 72 overs were bowled on a rain-affected day one at Stormont, allowing just enough time to for Smith to raise the bat. His 104 not out came off 176 balls, producing 14 fours and a solitary maximum to rebuild the Australia A innings after two quick wickets rendered them 2-22 in the seventh over. Richie Benaud might have enjoyed the score, but Brad Haddin and the boys didn’t as Smith and Alex Doolan set out to rebuild. The pair put on 39 before Doolan played a loose drive outside off-stump, edging Trent Johnson behind for a smart 40 from 49 balls. Fifteen balls and four runs later skipper Haddin became the third victim bowled in the morning session, losing his bails to one that nipped back from the impressive Johnston. At 4-65 Ireland were buoyant in the field and rightly so – they couldn’t have asked for a better start after Kevin O’Brien won the toss and elected to bowl. Smith and new partner Moises Henriques then proceeded to deflate the Irish mood in the gusty and bitter conditions. The pair put on a master class of batting in UK conditions, starting slow, watching closely and jumping on anything overpitched. As they drew closer to their half-centuries the sun began to shine, relieving the onset of frostbite for a few moments more. Henriques though would have a chance to get warmer sooner, mistiming an on-drive to mid-on to fall for crisp 47. One-brings-two, or so the saying goes, and it has never rung truer than in this match. For the third time in the day another wicket was neighboured, this time Scotland centurion Peter Siddle for naught. That brace of wickets brought Max Sorensen’s tally to four for the day, just reward for his nagging line and length. Another partnership was ordered and delivered by Smith and James Pattinson, who advanced the score from 6-139 to 6-248 in 31.1 overs. Pattinson cut lose on anything short, especially off Paul Stirling’s gentle spin. His composure in what were the best conditions of the day underlined the strength in Australia’s tail-order talent with the bat. It was Smith though that rescued the day better than MacGyver, Bond, and Jones combined. His decision making in particular – leaving and playing – showcased his knowledge of the conditions and game situation. He was ruthless on the drive, picking up the three he needed with a sweetly timed shot through cover. More rain is expected tomorrow, but if it doesn’t Smith will be looking to dampen Ireland’s spirit with more runs and more time in the middle.