Former England all-rounder Nasser Hussain believes the players are “just a little bit behind”. The fourth Ashes Test on the stumps on the first day – a day marked by surprises Stuart Broad winning in Manchester.
The English had a productive day with the ball after Ben Stokes sent the Australians to bat for a third Test in a row, leaving the visitors 8-299 at the end of the match.
While Chris Woakes led the way with 4-52, the headline of the day belonged to Broad, who became only the fifth man in history to take 600 Test wickets.
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Broad joined the illustrious club when he bowled the ball short, pulled Travis Head and was cleared to see Joe Root lift the ball to fine leg.
The 37-year-old joined fellow pace ace and long-time partner James Anderson in the 600-wicket club, as well as legendary pacers Muttiah Muralidaran, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble.
Muralidaran has 800 wickets besides his name, Warne 708, Anderson 688, Kumble 619 and Broad 600.
The only other men to reach 500 wickets are Glenn McGrath (563) and Courtney Walsh (519).
“A very good win,” Michael Atherton said in commentary as Broad moved to 600 Test wickets.
“It doesn’t matter what kind of batsman you are, to get a lot of wickets is amazing, but to act as a fast bowler, with all the stress on your body, is even more amazing.
“Based on this game and today, that’s Travis Head’s biggest threat.
“But it’s a very special wicket that Stuart Broad will remember for a long time.
“It’s an amazing achievement.”
Mitchell Starc (23) and Pat Cummins (one) were in the middle as the first day approached.
“England have been good all day,” Hussain commented.
“Another great day’s Test match.
“And England are just a little bit behind. If they win another toss, they will bowl well, they will catch well.
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“And Woakes and (Mark) Wood will be the additions to this side to support Anderson and Broad.”
David Warner looked promising early in the morning, removing three fours, but the batsman departed for 32 when Woakes caught him outside off.
Neither Australian opener troubled the English as Usman Khawaja managed just three runs before being trapped lbw by Broad.
Embattled Bairstow takes an excellent catch
What followed was a start but nothing more – Steve Smith fell for 41, Marnus Labuschagne 51, Head 48 and Mitchell Marsh 51.
With Marsh on 35, Cameron Green flicked the ball to cover and called his batsman a single, only to return it a minute or two later. Stokes was keen to jump the ball and catch Marsh from the bowler’s end, but the England batsman took a breather.
Jonny Bairstow has had a terrible series behind the stumps, but the England wicketkeeper pulled off a superb catch to send Marsh on his way, diving down and stretching to his right for a one-handed catch.
Alex Carey was rocked by a dangerous move by Mark Wood when his right elbow gave out. Woakes bowled the Australian gloveman shortly after, Carey opted to leave but in tears, as he did in the third innings of Headingley test.
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