Summary

  • Smith hits superb 144 on Test return

  • First Test since ball-tampering scandal

  • Aus recover from 122-8 to 284 all out

  • Smith puts on 88 with Siddle (44)

  • Smith adds 74 with last man Lyon (12*)

  • Broad 5-86, Woakes 3-58

  • Injured Anderson has scan on calf

  • First Test of five; Australia won toss

Live Reporting

Amy Lofthouse, Matthew Henry and Jack Skelton

  1. Aus 147-8

    These are annoying runs from England's perspective. Peter Siddle sweeps Moeen along the ground for four.

  2. Michael Vaughan
    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    I didn't like the booing of Steve Smith when he got to 50. I think you have to appreciate a craftsman, batting in tough conditions. He's shown how to bat in Test cricket.

  3. Get Involved

    #bbccricket

    Royal Panda: Smith managing the innings and the tail superbly. Best Test batsman in the world without a doubt. Real danger of Australia putting up 200+ still.

  4. Aus 142-8

    Steve Smith has hardly played a shot in anger all day but he tries to hit the first ball of Moeen's over into the stands.

    He misses. The England supporters whistle sarcastically.

  5. Jim Maxwell
    BBC Test Match Special

    There is outrageous mediocrity in the batting of both sides.

  6. Moeen Ali returns.

  7. Michael Vaughan
    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    England were bowled out for 85 only a week ago. I think we all get a little nervous when England bat in Test cricket.

  8. Aus 142-8

    Smith 59, Siddle 2

    Peter Siddle is looking solid. Maybe he could 'do a Jack Leach' at the top of the order. Stokes tests him out with a couple of full balls and then a couple of bouncers.

    Hmm. Not so solid this time. A push and a miss to end the over.

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  10. Not to put a dampener on things but the clouds are starting to gather over Edgbaston...

    Clouds gather during play on the opening day of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in BirminghamAFP

  11. Jim Maxwell
    BBC Test Match Special

    Steve Smith is playing one game and the rest of the batsmen are playing on another pitch.

  12. Aus 141-8

    Smith 58, Siddle 2

    It has been said so many times but Steve Smith's ability to look immovable is remarkable. He has the strangest of techniques but is so hard to get out.

    He is being supported by Peter Siddle here who is at least sticking with him.

    This partnership is worth an annoying 19.

    Steve Smith in actionReuters

  13. Get Involved

    Text 81111

    Limiting the Aussies to a poor T20 score in the first innings of the Ashes is decent, but I wonder how badly they would have fared at the 15 more intimidating venues?

    Bayliss, Brixton Bronchos

  14. Aus 138-8

    "EVERYWHERE WE GO," bellows the Hollies.

  15. Caption competition

    #bbccricket; text 81111

    Joe RootReuters

    The 16th biggest laugh in the world today.

    James, Lincoln

  16. Aus 136-8

    We've got 20 minutes to go until tea. Can England wrap this Aussie innings up?

  17. Michael Vaughan
    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    Steve Smith is giving an exhibition in how to bat. On the technical side, apart from Smith, the Australian batting has been atrocious.

  18. Aus 135-8

    Steve Smith is going to try and keep the strike. He sprints two twos to start Ben Stokes' latest over.

  19. Daniel Norcross
    BBC Test Match Special

    It has just been chaos and mayhem since lunch.

  20. Getting out leaving is never a good look...