The Ashes 2023: 4th Test (Day-1) Match Report (England vs Australia)

Day-1 of England vs Australia’s fourth test of the Ashes 2023 remained an action packed one as the Aussies posted a total of 299/8 on the scoreboard with half-centuries from Marnus Labuschagne (51) & Mitchell Marsh (51). Whereas from England’s side, an incredible bowling spells were witnessed from Chris Woakes (4/52) & Stuart Broad (2/68) wherein Broad claimed his 600th test wicket and also set the record of highest wicket taker against Australia in the Ashes.

The Ashes 2023, 4th Test (Day-1): How the day started off for Australia

The Aussies got a stumbling start as they the early wicket of the ace opener Usman Khawaja at a score of just 15 runs when he got leg before on a full length delivery by Broad. Though, the decision was challenged by the Aussies but was upheld by the umpires on review. Next came Labuschagne on the crease who along with Warner built a 46-run partnership before Warner got caught behind on a full length ball by Woakes. The Australian innings somehow got under control when both Labuschagne & Smith played sensibly and built a 59-run partnership but soon at a total of 120 runs, Smith fell prey to Mark Wood who got him leg before.

The new batter join Labuschagne was Travis Head, who has been in tremendous form throughout this series. Both the batters took a rational approach to take Australian innings further and added 63 runs together before Labuschagne got leg before on a straight one from Moeen Ali at a score of 183. Though, initially he was given not out by on-field umpires but as England asked for a review, DRS decision went in their favour. Labuschagne departed in frustration for 51 runs.

The Ashes 2023, 4th Test (Day-1): Stuart Broad claims 600th Test wicket

Soon after Labuschagne’s departure, Broad gave another blow to the Aussies when he claimed Head as his 600th test wicket when the former played a short ball towards boundary but got directly into the hands of Root. With this, Broad became the fifth bowler in test cricket history to join the 600 wickets club.

At this stage, Australia were 189/5 & having lost top five crucial wicket had put them in a critical condition where they required a stable partnership if they were to reach 300 mark. From hereon, Mitchell Marsh & Cameron Green built a much needed 65 run partnership which included Marsh’s brilliant 51. Both took Australia to a total of 254 runs when Cameron fell prey to Woakes who got him leg before wicket. In the very next over, Woakes again gave a blow to the Aussies when he claimed much desired wicket of Marsh who got caught behind at a total of 255 runs.

This brought England back on track as they got the wickets of all the ace batters in their bag and now only Alex Carey was left to be hunted. The game for the Aussies slowed down from hereon as now Carey along with Starc played a defensive game by adding 39 runs in 18 overs taking the total to 294 runs when Carey got an unfortunate edge on his bat on a ball he intended to leave, getting him caught behind.

The Ashes 2023, 4th Test (Day-1): At Stumps

In this way, Australia lost all its major wickets on day-1 only, though they reached a total of 299 runs with Mitchell Starc & the skipper Pat Cummins on the crease. England displayed an impressive bowling today as they kept claiming wickets on regular intervals which didn’t let the visitor reach a huge total. Both Woakes (4/52) & Broad (2/68) played a pivotal role in bringing back England into the game. Though, the Aussies still have two wickets remaining, which can add a further 20-30 runs more to the total whereas England on the other side would want to wrap up the Aussies’ innings in a matter of a few overs.

BRIEF SCORE: Day-1 (4th Test), The Ashes 2023
Australia: 299/8 (Marsh 51, Labuschagne 51, Head 48, Woakes 4/52, Broad 2/68)

The Ashes 2023, 4th Test (Day-1): Match Details

• Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester, England
• Dates: 19 Jul – 23 Jul
• Toss: Won by England, Chose to Bowl first
• Umpires: Joel Wilson (WI) & Nitin Menon (IND)
• TV umpire: Kumar Dharmasena (SL)
• Reserve umpire: Martin Saggers (ENG)
• Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SL)
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