Stuart Broad revels in ‘special’ feeling after taking a landmark 600th Test wicket – as England restrict Australia to 299-8 on day one of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford

Stuart Broad admitted he felt ‘really special’ after taking his 600th Test wicket for England, as Australia ended on 299 for eight on the first day of the fourth Ashes Test in Manchester.

‘It’s got a nice ring to it – getting your 600th Test wicket from the James Anderson End. There’s something pretty special about that,’ said Broad after getting Travis Head out in the first over after tea.

Broad is just the fifth man to reach the milestone and only the second pace bowler, after Jimmy Anderson to achieve the feat.

‘I got my 500th Test wicket here in front of no crowd (due to Covid). My dad was here as he was the match referee. So it felt pretty special today to get an ovation from the Old Trafford crowd. 

‘I’ve always loved playing here. To get my 600th here in front of a full house on the first day of an Ashes Test is pretty memorable,’ Broad added.

Stuart Broad becomes just the fifth man to reach the milestone of 600 Test wickets and only the second pace bowler, after England team mate Jimmy Anderson 

The veteran finished the day with two wickets after earlier dismissing opener Usman Khawaja

Broad’s 600th Test scalp was Travis Head, who fell just two runs shy of of his half century 

With more wickets (18) than anyone else in the series, Broad led England off on a day where Ben Stokes’ side bowled well after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first, with Chris Woakes the pick of the England bowlers, taking four wickets. And Broad admitted that he has felt rejuvenated under Stokes and Brendon McCullum since he was recalled last summer.

‘I have definitely got an addiction to Test cricket and the competitive side of it. Ultimately Baz and Stokesy have given me a new lease of life in a way. It is such a free changing room, it feels in the nicest possible way that you are playing club cricket, but at the highest level. That is such a great place to be as a 37-year-old,’ said Broad. ‘I would argue it’s been the most enjoyable year of my Test career which is an awesome thing to say at 36 or 37.’

Broad has played in all five of England’s Tests so far this summer and his 149 wickets across his career against Australia are the most by any bowler against the tourists.

‘I am very competitive on the field and Australia bring the best out of me on that front because they are so competitive as well. It’s been great to be involved in some brilliant battles this summer with Australia and I’ve loved every moment of this series. It’s the series that keeps on giving really,’ said Broad.

And Australia’s Marnus Labuschagne was full of praise for the England quick.

Marnus Labuschagne was full of praise for Broad after witnessing the Englishman’s display

Moeen Ali (middle) took the crucial wicket of Labuschagne who was dismissed for 51 runs 

‘His statistics speak for themselves. Especially this series, he’s been very impressive to show his versatility on wickets that don’t have as much pace and nip at times but he’s able to create really good angles on the crease with his swing. 

He was able to work on getting one to shape away a little bit and then he’s able to go the bouncer plan. 

When you’re doing that, it shows his versatility. We know that if conditions are good for bowling, he’s always going to be a handful but he’s shown through the series and through his career that when it’s not, he can still keep it tight, wait for his opportunity and work a batter out.’

Labuschagne insisted that it was a day where Australia missed out, with himself getting out for 51 after playing all around a straight delivery from Moeen Ali.

‘Where we were, and how many guys got themselves in, I think we would be slightly disappointed with no-one getting a big score,’ said Australia’s No 3.