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
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All this Jimmy Anderson pessimism is ridiculous. He's just one man. One man who has taken more Test wickets than any other fast bowler in the history of the game... Oh, wait, this is bad...
Adam, London
Is that worse? It sounds it to me. Again, if you are a calf muscle expert then let me know. Olly Stone is the substitute fielder on in place of Anderson.
Head clips one off his hip for two and then Woakes drifts a little further down the leg side. Tuffers lets out a little "urgh" on TMS. That sums up how we are all feeling.
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Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
Steve Smith sort of gets you off your rhythm. He makes you bowl balls that get you out of your comfort zone.
Chris Woakes will bowl the first over of this session from the Birmingham End. It has actually clouded over again now.
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
That first session was very similar to the Ashes Test here four years ago. Four years ago, Australia were 17-2 - today they were 18-2. They were 34-3 in 2015 and 35-3 today, and they reached lunch on 72-3 four years ago.
Smith 24, Head 27
The crowd is much more subdued now. They need a bowling spell to lift them. Steve Smith and Travis Head knock singles in Broad's over to take the partnership to 50.
It's a low-key start after lunch.
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
Ben Stokes lost his radar slightly. He'll have to pick it up with Anderson missing. He's one of those bowlers who need to find rhythm.
England still don't look totally sure of how to get Steve Smith out and they've had plenty of opportunity to work something out. He's batted long enough against them.
Earlier England had a short leg but not now after lunch. Broad is aiming for his pads but Smith never seems to miss.
Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match Special
It has been an extraordinary first session of the Ashes.
Here come the England players, followed by the Aussie batsman.
It looks like Stuart Broad is going to start off after lunch. Cometh the hour and all that...
#bbccricket
George Davis: No, Jimmy, Jimmy!
Daniel Smith: @jimmy9 please be ok!!!!!
Edgbaston is bathed in sunshine now with the players about to return for the afternoon session. Just to make you feel better.
The conditions look more favourable for batting.
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Is this revenge for Glenn McGrath stepping on a cricket ball in '05?!
George, London
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It's only a scan, folks. Let's not despair on day one of the Ashes!
Dave, Inverness
Anderson did stay on the field for the majority of that session.
Is that a positive or am I clutching at straws?
If any calf muscle experts are reading this then please do get in touch with your thoughts. It's like Wayne Rooney's metatarsal all over again.
We will of course bring you the latest news from the England camp once we get it.
#bbccricket
Niz: Have to say I was dubious when I heard originally they expected Anderson to be fit for the first test. A tear takes time and he is 37 now.
bigbrockbear: Anderson shouldn't have started for me. I'd rather have him chomping at the bit to get back in for next four Tests than put him in because he's England's highest wicket taker.
Charlierock: People bemoaning the selection of Jimmy over Jof who clearly aren't aware Jof isn't 100% either.
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent
That's not good news at all about James Anderson.
We were all wondering why Anderson didn't bowl more in that session and now it is clear.
In his absence, Australia were able to capitalise on some loose bowling in the second half of the session to recover to reach 83-3 at lunch.
That familiar figure of Steve Smith is still looming at the crease. The former captain dug in with Travis Head doing the majority of the scoring.