Manchester : The first day of the highly anticipated fourth Ashes Test between Australia and England witnessed some gripping cricket at Old Trafford. At the end of the day’s play, Australia stood at 299/8, with Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh impressing with well-deserved half-centuries. However, Chris Woakes’ four-wicket haul ensured England’s presence in the game.
Starting the third session at 187/4, Australia’s Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh faced a stern challenge from England’s bowlers. Stuart Broad, in his first over of the session, dismissed Head for 48 off 65 balls, securing his 600th Test wicket and putting Australia at 189/5.
Marsh then formed a valuable partnership with Cameron Green, and the duo rebuilt the innings with a quick run rate. They brought up their fifty-run partnership swiftly, helping Australia reach the 250-run mark in 61.5 overs. Mitchell Marsh played a spectacular inning, reaching his half-century in just 56 balls, including seven fours and a six. However, Chris Woakes struck back immediately, claiming Green for 16 and Marsh for 51, reducing Australia to 255/7.
Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc took charge and kept the scoreboard ticking with a promising partnership. However, Woakes continued his impressive spell, dismissing Carey for 20, and Starc (23*) and skipper Pat Cummins (1*) ended the day with Australia at 299/8.
Earlier in the day, England’s Stuart Broad drew first blood by trapping Usman Khawaja leg-before-wicket for just three runs. Australia was at 15/1 when Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner started rebuilding the inning. They guided Australia to 39/1 at the end of 10 overs and reached the 50-run mark in 13 overs. The Warner-Labuschagne partnership seemed promising until Warner was caught by Jonny Bairstow off Chris Woakes for 32.
Labuschagne continued his steady play and eventually reached his half-century. However, Moeen Ali managed to dismiss him for 51 after an LBW appeal initially went in Labuschagne’s favor but was overturned by a successful England challenge. Steven Smith (41) and Travis Head (48) also made valuable contributions before the end of the second session, taking Australia to 187/4.
With the Test finely poised after an eventful first day, both teams will be eager to gain an advantage when they resume play on the second day. The spectators at Old Trafford can expect more thrilling action in this enthralling Ashes encounter.
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