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. I know exactly what Aggers means. That unique mix of nausea, excitement, panic, pessimism, optimism and a lingering sense of dread. There's nothing else like it.

  2. Jonathan Agnew
    BBC cricket correspondent

    There's that really special feeling that you have on the first morning of the Ashes...

  3. TMS coverage

    BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra

    Test Match Special time!

    The team of Jonathan Agnew, Jim Maxwell, Daniel Norcross and Alison Mitchell are ready and waiting at Edgbaston. They're joined by Michael Vaughan, Phil Tufnell, Geoff Boycott and Glenn McGrath.

    Click the big button at the top of this page to listen.

  4. Stephan Shemilt
    BBC Sport at Edgbaston

    Once more unto the breach, dear friends. Only 18 days after winning the World Cup, England begin their quest to regain the Ashes. This summer of two parts has led to an unusual, low-key build-up, but there will be nothing low-key about the Edgbaston atmosphere today. The Hollies Stand has been waiting for the sandpaper mob for 18 months. Today, they feast.

    Tim Paine says there are 15 grounds more intimidating than Edgbaston. I think Snow White and the seven dwarves, on their way down Pershore Road, will have something to say about that.

  5. Get Involved

    Text 81111

    Going to miss the first session as due at my bankruptcy court hearing. But when I come out I do not want to be bankrupt and I do not want to see England 40-4 at lunch.

    Harvey, London

  6. Ben Stokes on Instagram: "Hate the night before, love the morning of, it all starts today."

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  7. 'We know our circle is unbreakable'

    Australia captain Tim Paine on handling English crowds: "It's great to be out on the ground. It's not as great if you're the person copping the songs, but it's one of those things.

    "The guys are looking forward to that. It's part and parcel of coming here and it can sometimes bind the group and make them even better.

    "We've spoken about making sure we're driving our own energy, building our own atmosphere out on the ground. If we can do that we know that our own circle is unbreakable."

  8. From the press box

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  9. The telly is showing Nasser Hussain spending a net session with Steve Smith.

    Smith just said that he's an awful sleeper because he spends so much time thinking about his cricket and his batting. It must be exhausting.

  10. 'I felt raw at end of last Ashes'

    England captain Joe Root on the last Ashes series in Australia: "You look back at an experience like that and take as much out of it as you can.

    "I felt absolutely gutted and raw at the end of it.

    "I never want to lose a big series like the Ashes, but it does make you more steely and desperate to turn things around this time."

    "It's an opportunity for this team to put themselves in the bracket with some famous teams, but we have to earn that right. We have to play some good cricket to get there."

  11. Pundit predictions

    3-2 either way? An Australia win? Or a good old fashioned rain-affected draw?

    Our pundit predictions are over here.

    Stokes and StarcGetty Images

  12. Australia, meanwhile, are still umming and ahhing over their playing XI.

    The final decision will be over the bowlers. Does Peter Siddle play? Who misses out; Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, or both?

    It does look as though David Warner, Cameron Bancroft and Steve Smith will all be in Australia's top four.

    SiddleGetty Images

  13. England have handily already announced their team, which has saved us all 24 hours of speculation.

    There's no Jofra Archer, who hasn't quite recovered from his side problem, which means England's bowling attack is made up of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali.

    Joe Root will bat at three, Joe Denly at four, and Jason Roy will open with Rory Burns.

    RoyGetty Images

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  15. The schedule

    If you've not booked your days off work yet, get a move on. This might help you plan your late summer...

    1-5 Aug: 1st Test, Edgbaston

    14-18 Aug: 2nd Test, Lord's

    22-26 Aug: 3rd Test, Headingley

    4-8 Sep: 4th Test, Old Trafford

    12-16 Sep: 5th Test, The Oval

    Play starts at 11:00 BST.

  16. View from the press box

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  17. Morning!

    Are we all ready?

    The first day of an Ashes series is always massive. But, after months of one-day cricket, this one feels extra special, somehow.

    I am so ready for this. Although when England are 30-3, I might not be as pleased to see a red ball swinging around corners...

  18. And now, 2019.

    What will it bring?

    Root and PaineGetty Images

  19. 2015. Stuart Broad did Stuart Broad things. 8-15.

    Stuart BroadGetty Images

  20. 2013. When Broad didn't walk, and it was really, really funny.

    HaddinGetty Images