THE FOURTH Men’s Ashes Test got underway at Old Trafford last night, with Australia notching 8-299 after again being sent in to bat. Wasted starts may come back to haunt Australia, while prolific England seamer Stuart Broad broke records on a relatively even opening day. Relive how it all happened.

HOW IT HAPPENED

Tails always fails

For the fifth time running in Tests, Australian skipper Pat Cummins lost the toss in what was a less than ideal start to the day. Though it was perhaps not a bad one to lose on this occasion, England remains a force when chasing and has enjoyed such small advantages in luck and weather throughout the three matches to date. Maybe a change of choice, or coin investigation is in the offing.

The positives of intent

Australia uncharacteristically lacked some form of intent and presence at the crease in Headingley, but things looked much different throughout day one. Scoring at a good tick, much of the top order was busy, ran well, and found voice out in the middle to signal a shift in attitude. Prime examples were David Warner‘s square cut for four off the opening delivery, and Steve Smith‘s lofted pull for six from his first ball. The latter, in particular, was a risk which paid off.

Change of plans

There was little to argue against Australia winning the first session, but England adjusted nicely after lunch. The oldest English seam attack since 1928 has some wise heads, and they tinkered with their straighter deliveries to make them the sparing surprise ball in each over. The plan worked as Mark Wood trapped Smith in front, before the paceman immediately took to Travis Head with a short ball barrage. The crowd got involved, the scoring rate slowed, and the momentum began to shift.

Broady’s gonna get ya

Having arguably been England’s most dangerous seamer throughout the series so far, it seemed only a matter of time until Broad broke through for his 600th Test wicket. Starting the day with 598, he caught Usman Khawaja on the crease to remove the opener for a mere three runs, but had to wait until after tea to make it 600. He felled Travis Head in a key breakthrough five deliveries into the third session, moving clear past Ian Botham as England’s highest wicket taker in Tests against Australia. He couldn’t nab Warner for an 18th time, though.

False starts

Come the close of play, it felt like Australia had perhaps let the opportunity for plenty more first innings runs go begging. A series of false starts may come back to haunt the tourists, who scored at a decent tick but failed to go big. Warner looked good for his 32, Smith and Head should have passed 50, Marnus Labuschagne finally notched his first half-century for the series – and just his second in 17 Test innings – while Mitch Marsh could only match his effort of 51. Only Khawaja failed to get a start among the top six, and Mitch Starc (23) and Cummins (1) will have to restart on day two with hopes of making up some lost ground.

DAY ONE SCORECARD

TOSS: England won the toss and elected to bowl.

1st Innings: Australia 8-299 (83), 3.60 RR

Mitch Marsh 51 (60), Marnus Labuschagne 51 (115), Travis Head 48 (65)
Chris Woakes 4-52 (19), Stuart Broad 2-68 (14), Mark Wood 1-60 (16)

SESSION BREAKDOWN

SESSION 1: Australia 2-107 (25), 4.28 RR
Points to… Australia

Notes: Both openers gone, but Smith and Labuschagne maintain Australia’s momentum at a good scoring rate to enter the lunch break with gusto, instead of just crawling there.

SESSION 2: Australia 2-80 (24), 3.30 RR
Total: 4-187 (49), 3.82 RR
Points to… England

Notes: England tightens the screw to restrict Australia’s scoring and makes two more key breakthroughs of set batters. The game is on a knife’s edge, but this was England’s session.

SESSION 3: Australia 4-112 (34), 3.29 RR
Total: 8-299 (83), 3.60 RR
Points to… England

Notes: Australia’s wasted starts continue as Woakes picks up a trio of wickets to finally begin digging into the tourists’ tail. Any runs are bonus now – bat long and reach 350 on day two.