Australia have edged day one of the fourth Ashes Test match against England after reaching stumps on 299-8.
Stuart Broad will get the headlines after Wednesday's play, with the pace bowler taking his 600th Test wicket, but the Baggy Greens will be delighted to have moved to the brink of reaching 300 after again losing the toss.
Before the contest at Old Trafford, there was much talk of David Warner's place being in jeopardy, but the veteran out-performed the more reliable Usman Khawaja.
Broad trapped the aforementioned opener in front of his stumps for just three, with Warner going on to make 32 from 38 balls before nicking a Chris Woakes ball to Jonny Bairstow.
Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith (41) put on 59 for the third wicket before the latter was out LBW to Mark Wood, but Labuschagne and Travis Head then frustrated England before Moeen Ali got Labuschange for 51 just before tea.
Stuart Broad takes his 600th Test wicket! 🙌💫 pic.twitter.com/w9BYEM7Tnp
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 19, 2023
Having entered the final session on 187-4, Australia were well set, but Broad's magical moment came soon afterwards as he became just the fifth bowler in Test history to take 600 wickets, Head (48) holing out to Joe Root on the boundary.
Cameron Green (16) hung around with Mitchell Marsh (51) for over 12 overs before the pair were out in the same Woakes over, but Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc backed up the work of their teammates to last almost 18 overs before Woakes collected his fourth wicket of the day to dismiss Carey for 20.
Pat Cummins (1*) has now joined a spirited Mitchell Starc, who accumulated 23 off 70 balls, at the crease ahead of what could be a pivotal day two, with Australia aware that they only require a draw to retain the Ashes which keeps the pressure firmly on England's shoulders.
Darren Plant
