Today’s back pages: ‘Sandpaper Steve’ roughs up England and Dybala deal is in doubt

Smith roughs up England

There’s sandpaper puns aplenty on the back pages of today’s newspapers following Steve Smith’s superb century for Australia on the first day of the Ashes against England.

“Sandpaper Steve hits back”, the Daily Mirror reports, after scoring a magnificent 144 at Edgbaston yesterday. He was returning to Test cricket following his ban after last year’s ball-tampering scandal.

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The former Australia skipper “roughed up” England, says Metro, and the Daily Express and Daily Mail report that he’s now drawn a “line in the sand” following his suspension.

Australia were struggling on 122-8 but Smith led the fightback as they were all out for 284. In reply England survived the final two overs to end the day on 10-0.

Dybala in doubt?

The Independent reports that Manchester United’s move for Juventus striker Paulo Dybala is “hanging in the balance”.

United are struggling to strike an agreement with Dybala’s representatives and this is putting the deal with Juventus for Romelu Lukaku under severe threat.