Chris Woakes four-for gives England upper hand after Day 1 of Manchester Test

England bought an early wicket as Stuart Broad (2/68) despatched again the damaging Usman Khawaja lbw for 3 with ball that nipped again. David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne each bought begins, however neither may keep it up. The previous nicked a supply from Woakes exterior off stump, having made 32. Labuschagne went on to attain his first half-century of Ashes 2023, however was trapped lbw by Moeen Ali for 51.

Getting out after getting begins was the story of the day for Australian batters. Earlier than Labuschagne, Steve Smith fell to Mark Wooden for 41 off 52 balls, shifting throughout his crease and being caught in entrance of the stumps. Travis Head additionally seemed good, however fell for 48 off 65 balls, a knock which included seven fours. He turned Broad’s 600th Take a look at sufferer as he pulled the pacer to high-quality leg.

Mitchell Marsh eased to a half-century, placing seven fours and a six. He added 65 runs for the sixth wicket with Cameron Inexperienced. Nevertheless, Woakes dismissed each of them in the identical over to set Australia again. Inexperienced (16) was lbw to a supply that skidded on, whereas Marsh (51) nicked a jaffa after which Jonny Bairstow pulled off a blinder.

Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc tried a late fightback and even managed so as to add 39 runs for the eighth wicket partnership. Nevertheless, Woakes damage Australia once more, dismissing Carey for 20. The Aussie keeper-batter paid the worth for a tentative go away as he ended up edging the ball exterior off stump to the keeper.

On the finish of the opening day’s play at Outdated Trafford in Manchester, Starc was batting on 23 and skipper Pat Cummins on 1.

–By A Cricket Correspondent