The Ashes 2023 LIVE: England vs Australia score and latest updates as fourth Test begins at Old Trafford

Stuart Broad became only the second seamer to take 600 Test wickets as England‘s bowlers limited Australia on the opening day of a must-win fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Broad’s 600th wicket arrived just after lunch, drawing a set Travis Head into a hook to long leg as England repeatedly found ways to break partnerships on another nip-and-tuck day of this engrossing series.

Australia closed on 299/8, with Chris Woakes the pick of the England’s attack with figures of four-for-52 as four visiting batters fell between 41 and 51 in a series of squandered starts.

Despite a benign-looking pitch and the prospect of afternoon sunshine, Ben Stokes asked Australia to bat, motivated by his side’s 2-1 deficit in the series and the threat of a weekend washout, but in need of early breakthroughs to justify the call.

Stuart Broad responded by taking out in-form opener Usman Khawaja for three, moving to 599 Test wickets in the process, but England managed only one more before lunch when Woakes had David Warner caught behind for 32.

Mark Wood seared one into Steve Smith’s pads soon after the interval but a counter-punching Head put the pressure back on England’s attack, building a partnership with a more reserved Marnus Labuschagne, who notched his first half-century of the series.

But soon after Moeen Ali had extracted Labuschagne LBW on review, Broad returned to draw an error from Head and follow teammate James Anderson to a milestone also achieved by spinners Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne and Anil Kumble.

Mitchell Marsh followed Head’s lead, exhibiting his clean striking for a second Test in succession as an Australia batting order lengthened by the inclusion of two all-rounders threatened to show their worth, but the exemplary Woakes removed both Marsh and Cameron Green in the same over as England re-took control.

And Woakes found what could prove a vital late strike to end Alex Carey’s resistance and leave England just about on top with victory a must in Manchester.

Follow all the live action from Old Trafford as England face Australia:

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day one

• STUMPS: AUSTRALIA 299/8 (83)

• OUT! Alex Carey c †Bairstow b Woakes 20 (49b 2x4 0x6) - England strike late on with new ball

• OUT! Mitchell Marsh c †Bairstow b Woakes 51 (60b 7x4 1x6) - Woakes gets two in an over

• OUT! Travis Head c Root b Broad 48 (65b 7x4 0x6) - England strike immediately after the interval

• TEA: Australia 187/4 (49)

• OUT! Marnus Labuschagne lbw b Ali 51 (115b 6x4 0x6) - Australia lose their fourth wicket just before tea

• OUT! Steve Smith lbw b Wood 41 (52b 5x4 1x6) - Smith pinned LBW as England make breakthrough

• LUNCH: Australia 107/2 (25)

• OUT! David Warner c †Bairstow b Woakes 32 (38b 3x4 0x6) - opener falls after bright start

• OUT! Usman Khawaja lbw b Broad 3 (19b 0x4 0x6) - England strike early

• England win the toss and elect to bowl on first day of fourth Test

STUMPS: Australia 299/8 (83)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A pretty good day for England, ensuring that Ben Stokes’s decision to bowl first on a flattish deck under clearing skies was not made to look foolish with a series of timely strikes as Australia never quite got away from them. Chris Woakes was the pick of their attack, tidy and threatening throughout to lead the way with four wickets. It was an odd sort of day for Australia’s batters, the entirety of their middle order getting in before getting out and they’ll be frustrated to have thrown away an opportunity to really put England on the back foot in the game.

Still, the inclement weather due to come in this weekend complicates what might follow in this Test, and that gritty late stand between Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc has averted a true disaster. Get this total up to 350 first thing tomorrow and Pat Cummins will be happy enough - but that is a little way off yet.

STUMPS: Australia 299/8 (83) - Stuart Broad reflects on England’s day to Sky Sports

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“There were a few hugs and handshakes from staff who have been in the changing room longer than me, It was a pretty decent day of Test cricket, really - it was pretty nice and fitting to get my 600th Test pole at the James Anderson End.

“When I went past Glenn McGrath, who was my hero growing up, at the Oval last year that was really cool. I suppose it is a sign of longevity, really - I love Test cricket, I am addicted to Test cricket, I love the grit of it and the competitiveness of it. It feels very special to be on a list with some of the greats of the game.

“As a youngster, I remember getting my cap from Ian Botham in Colombo and receiving the cap I felt like I wanted to make memories in it and experience winning big series in that cap. I feel very lucky to have played with a lot of players in some great teams that have helped along the way.”

STUMPS! AUSTRALIA 299/8 (83)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 299/8 (83), Pat Cummins 1, Mitchell Starc 23, Chris Woakes 4-52 (19)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Woakes to deliver the day’s final sermon, Pat Cummins off the mark with a punch to James Anderson at mid-off that tumbles out of the fielder’s palms.

Mitchell Starc defends his 70th ball solidly - that’ll do us for the evening.

Australia 298/8 (82), Pat Cummins 0, Mitchell Starc 23, James Anderson 0-43 (17)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Oh so close to being chopped on! It’s been frugal but fruitless for Anderson again but that’s the closest he’s come, Starc’s incoherent limbs once more getting him into bother and fortunate that it an inside edge does not end up troubling the top of his timbers.

Australia 294/8 (81), Pat Cummins 0, Mitchell Starc 19, Chris Woakes 4-51 (18)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s two dimissals in a row like that for Carey, having gloved Woakes on to his stumps in the second innings at Headingley while attempting a similarly late discontinuation of the stroke. Pat Cummins is in with James Anderson sharing the new ball.

OUT! Alex Carey c †Bairstow b Woakes 20 (49b 2x4 0x6), Australia 294/8 (80.4)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A feather of an edge as he withdraws the bat and Alex Carey falls to the new ball!

That’s not the first time that Carey has fallen like that in this series, paying for his indecision as Chris Woakes nibbles across him. Up goes the bat but not before it’s kissed the top of the fresh Dukes’ head - Jonny Bairstow gobbles it up and that is a vital late breakthrough for England.

Australia 293/7 (80.1), Alex Carey 20, Mitchell Starc 19, Chris Woakes 3-51 (17.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nearly plinked back to the bowler! A horrible shot from Mitchell Starc, feet nowhere, arms all asunder, but an ugly contact off the bottom of his bat saves him as Chris Woakes sprawls towards it in his follow through.

Australia 293/7 (80), Alex Carey 20, Mitchell Starc 19, Mark Wood 1-60 (16)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Will Mark Wood continue with the new Dukes? Australia look pretty content hanging back against his thunderbolts, which are reduced in intensity as both a softer ball and a long day show.

It’s available...and, unsurprisingly, immediately called for by Ben Stokes, who entrusts Chris Woakes - the pick of England’s attack today - with first use.

Australia 293/7 (79), Alex Carey 20, Mitchell Starc 19, Moeen Ali 1-65 (17)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A skilful bit of bowling from Moeen Ali, nimbly moving his fingers around to release a carrom ball, flicked out of the front of the hand to slide on with the arm. It beats Mitchell Starc on the inside edge, thumping into his pads but too leg-sideish for England to consider any sustained appeal.

Starc replies with a cry of “have some of that”, a long-limbed lug over cow corner for four. That’s his first shot in anger against Moeen, who may well be done for the day with the new ball due before he starts his next.

Australia 289/7 (78), Alex Carey 20, Mitchell Starc 15, Mark Wood 1-60 (15)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Carey is in obvious discomfort, eyes pinching together as the doctor jabs at his jolted joint. 20 minutes left until stumps.

Australia 289/7 (78), Alex Carey 20, Mitchell Starc 15, Mark Wood 1-60 (15)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Alex Carey’s preferred fire-fighting method appears to be giving himself room, a vacant space fine of Moeen Ali at deep backward point of obvious intrigue. Carey slashes hard outside but picks out Moeen perfectly with a crisp cut.

Wood responds by following the Australia wicketkeeper, examining his arm guard. In fact, I think that might just have missed it - indeed, that’s slammed into the elbow and Carey calls for medical attention at the end of the over.

Australia 289/7 (77), Alex Carey 20, Mitchell Starc 15, Moeen Ali 1-61 (16)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wide of slip! The first sign of an issue for either of these two against Moeen, one just gripping in the surface slightly and taking the outside half of a driving Carey’s bat. Joe Root hasn’t a hope, landing slightly awkwardly on his shoulder as Stuart Broad plods after it to keep the batters to three.

Another change at the other end - Mark Wood to try his luck before the new ball is due.

Australia 286/7 (76), Alex Carey 17, Mitchell Starc 15, Chris Woakes 3-51 (17)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Woakes tests Alex Carey with a slower ball into the surface, the sort of delivery that might have brought joy in the death overs but ends up looking rather unthreatening with no need for a rush of runs. Carey knocks it on the head and trundles up the other end for a single.

Woakes finds a touch of tail into Mitchell Starc’s pads, but he’ll need a lot more movement to get him LBW from an over-the-wicket angle.

Australia 284/7 (75), Alex Carey 16, Mitchell Starc 14, Moeen Ali 1-58 (15)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“Very good again, Moeen,” Jonny Bairstow chirps as Mitchell Starc faces up to England’s spinner again. “Yes Harold!” is the next cry from the wicketkeeper as Harry Brook wears one on the shin in tight at silly point to save a single, a run that comes a ball later as Starc drives to the deep point fielder.

Australia 283/7 (74), Alex Carey 16, Mitchell Starc 13, Chris Woakes 3-49 (16)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just three overs in that spell from Anderson - will he be back when the new ball is available? Or might Ben Stokes give Mark Wood a quick blast with the fresh cherry before the close?

Alex Carey gets one away, cleverly opening the face to accentuate Woakes’s angle and beat deep backward point to the boundary. It’s been a series for the southpaws so far.

Australia 277/7 (73), Alex Carey 11, Mitchell Starc 12, Moeen Ali 1-57 (14)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc smears Moeen Ali’s last ball back to the bowler, the off-spinner getting his hands in the way to complete a scoreless set.

There will be a bowling change - but it’ll be Chris Woakes to take over at the James Anderson End.

Australia 277/7 (72), Alex Carey 11, Mitchell Starc 12, James Anderson 0-40 (16)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Onwards these two go, happy to make placid progress through this evening session. The new ball is only eight overs away, but a sluggish rate of play means we aren’t likely to see much of it tonight, provided Australia get to that point, of course. I wonder if, with two left-handers in, Joe Root might hurry through an over or two.

Australia 276/7 (71), Alex Carey 11, Mitchell Starc 11, Moeen Ali 1-57 (13)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Starc looks pretty stout so far, not venturing anything extravagant as Moeen tweaks and tweaks again. He does have an oddly excellent record with the bat at Manchester.

Australia 274/7 (70), Alex Carey 10, Mitchell Starc 10, James Anderson 0-38 (15)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’ll be fascinating to see how Australia reflect on their day this evening. Five of a top order getting in and then getting out between 32 and 51 would normally suggest a surface on which batters never quite feel fully in, but it hasn’t looked like that sort of deck today. There has always been just enough there for England’s bowlers, but it feels like a score of 400 or more was eminently achievable once the top order saw off the new ball.

One from James Anderson’s over.

Australia 273/7 (69), Alex Carey 9, Mitchell Starc 10, Moeen Ali 1-55 (12)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Moeen Ali will twirl in as the shadows begin to lengthen around Old Trafford, the offie liking the look of the lefties in league at the crease. A nudge to deep midwicket off Alex Carey’s bat is the only run of the over.

Australia 272/7 (68), Alex Carey 8, Mitchell Starc 10, James Anderson 0-34 (14)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Edged, but just short! James Anderson is on the money right away as he takes over from the end that bears his name, shooting one across and away from Mitchell Starc on the angle. Zak Crawley can’t manufacture a catch as it pitches a yard or so in front of him.

Competently clipped! And again! Two boundaries in a row through midwicket for Starc with Anderson straying on to his pads.

Australia 264/7 (67), Alex Carey 8, Mitchell Starc 2, Chris Woakes 3-43 (15)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood has to hare around the boundary to haul in an Alex Carey inside edge, which is just what you want as a fast bowler down at fine leg after a spell. Wood, always committed and a better fielder than an uneven bound can sometimes make him look, does the required work mightily effectively, preventing a boundary.

No cutting that off! A fetching, firm off drive from Carey as Woakes errs on the full side of a good length.

Australia 258/7 (66), Alex Carey 2, Mitchell Starc 2, Mark Wood 1-60 (14)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

With Wood not quite at full tilt, the two batters get though comfortably enough, Starc dodging a last ball that comes through a full ten miles per hour short of Wood’s fastest delivery of the day.

Time for a drink.

Australia 256/7 (65), Alex Carey 1, Mitchell Starc 1, Chris Woakes 3-37 (13)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Starc will have to face at least one ball of Mark Wood now, the left-hander able to eject a shorter ball from Chris Woakes into an open space on the legside and Alex Carey coming through for a single.

This’ll be the fifth of the spell for Wood - survive this and Starc might be in the clear for a little while...

Australia 255/7 (64), Alex Carey 1, Mitchell Starc 0, Mark Wood 1-58 (13)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hmm. Given Starc’s batting acumen and the limited size of this total, it’s slightly odd that Alex Carey is already turning down singles. He asks his partner to stay where he is after cutting Mark Wood’s first ball to deep point, trying to avoid undue exposure for Starc against England’s lower-order demolition man.

A maiden.

Australia 255/7 (63), Alex Carey 1, Mitchell Starc 0, Chris Woakes 3-36 (13)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s Australia’s lengthened line-up all but dealt with - into the “tail”, though Mitchell Starc has ten Test fifties. Mark Wood will try to blast through the remainder.

OUT! Mitchell Marsh c †Bairstow b Woakes 51 (60b 7x4 1x6), Australia 255/7 (62.5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two in the over! A stunning catch from Jonny Bairstow!

And how the England wicket-keeper loves it, pumping his fists as he rolls on to his back with a triumphant roar. It’s an excellent ball from Chris Woakes, targeting the top of off and nibbling at Mitch Marsh’s outside edge. Bairstow feet are slightly static, if we are hyper-critical, but he’s good enough to sprawl to his right to cradle it an inch off the grass at full stretch.

OUT! Cameron Green lbw b Woakes 16 (29b 1x4 0x6), Australia 254/6 (62.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It is only clipping, but that’ll suit England fine!

There’s more doubt about the appeal than perhaps first appeared, height and line a question as Chris Woakes attacks on the angle. Cameron Green plays down entirely the wrong line but might perhaps feel unfortunate to be triggered with it taking only a smidgen of the top of leg stump - but that’s all ball tracking needs to show, of course, for Joel Wilson’s decision to be upheld and England to break another developing partnership. Woakes strikes with his first ball back and Alex Carey wanders out to a smattering of boos.

OUT?

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Straight and slamming into the knee roll...given! Cameron Green reviews but that looked close live, and it only needs to be clipping...

Australia 254/5 (62), Cameron Green 16, Mitchell Marsh 51, Mark Wood 1-58 (12)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood targets the toes, forcing Cameron Green to jam his bat down like a pile driver and keep it out. England wonder if it might be toe first, but decline a review - the replay shows it is right off the willow with Green’s trotter safely withdrawn.

50 for Mitchell Marsh! His fine return to the Australia side continues, a 56 ball half-century coming with seven fours and a six to re-ignite the innings for a second Test in succession. He gets there with a tickle down the leg side.

Australia 245/5 (61), Cameron Green 12, Mitchell Marsh 46, Moeen Ali 1-51 (11)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A full toss from Moeen is slapped back past him for four, Ben Stokes darting and diving across from long-on but not managing to claw it back. Moeen seems to have just lost his rhythm nine overs into his spell, and Chris Woakes appears to be loosening up.

Australia 241/5 (60), Cameron Green 12, Mitchell Marsh 42, Mark Wood 1-48 (11)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another 50 partnership for Australia, and another dominated by a single batter with Mitchell Marsh scoring freely. Five of the top six have now got to at least 32, with a high score of 51 - Marsh will need to cash in, you’d think, if Australia are to get up to something north of 350.

Australia 237/5 (59), Cameron Green 11, Mitchell Marsh 39, Moeen Ali 1-50 (10)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Zak Crawley is twice in the action at deep cover, first a little fumble on the floor affording the batters two as he strides to his right, then an off-balance throw ensuring Mitchell Marsh is home safely with a couple more to this tally after Crawley had rounded the boundary to his left.

Australia 233/5 (58), Cameron Green 11, Mitchell Marsh 35, Mark Wood 1-45 (10)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood returns to try and bust open this burgeoning partnership. Mitch Marsh fought his fire with some heat of his own at Headingley, taking England’s fastman on, and the first indication here is he’ll repeat that approach, aiming an almighty heave at Wood’s first ball but missing it entirely to be struck in the midriff.

Run out chance but it slips through Ben Stokes’s fingers! The England captain roars to the heavens with Mitch Marsh kippered by his partner, called through and then sent back. Stokes had time to aim his shy but never quite got his digits around the ball, dropping it as Marsh scrambles. A let off for Australia.

Australia 232/5 (57), Cameron Green 11, Mitchell Marsh 34, Moeen Ali 1-46 (9)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Marsh looks full of intent here, dispatching back-to-back balls on the extra cover expressway, beating the fielder in the deep as they rattle to the boundary.

Australia 223/5 (56), Cameron Green 11, Mitchell Marsh 25, Stuart Broad 2-68 (14)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wow, huge movement off the pitch! Cameron Green is completely beaten, understandably, as a Stuart Broad wobble seam ball perhaps strikes a crack and jags sharply past his outside edge. That’s the first ball we’ve really seen go like that today off a length.

Shot! Mitchell Marsh refuses to be confined, lifting Broad in a muscular manner back over his head for a one-bounce four.

Australia 217/5 (55), Cameron Green 10, Mitchell Marsh 20, Moeen Ali 1-37 (8)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Marsh is hanging back agains Moeen Ali, his only real authoritative movement forward so far that launch over long-on. Joe Root, at slip, is up appealing as Marsh’s outside edge is beaten, but the impact on his back pad was a way outside of the line of off-stump.

Australia 216/5 (54), Cameron Green 9, Mitchell Marsh 20, Stuart Broad 2-62 (13)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Anderson had been off the field for the moment that Stuart Broad followed him to 600, but returns with a hearty hug and congratulatory word in the ear for his partner. Broad is briefly hopeful that number 601 will be clutched in the cordon after another visit to Cameron Green’s outside edge, but the nick is both down and in the narrow gap between third slip and gully and away to the fence for four.

Australia 209/5 (53), Cameron Green 4, Mitchell Marsh 18, Moeen Ali 1-36 (7)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes is not all the way back at long-on, and Mitchell Marsh therefore has the confidence in his leverage and brawn to take on Moeen as the off-spinner gives it a bit of air. A short leg, a slip and a catching mid-on are the fielders that seem of more concern to Marsh, who prods through the rest of the over with limited fuss.

Australia 203/5 (52), Cameron Green 4, Mitchell Marsh 11, Stuart Broad 2-54 (12)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Broad finds Cameron Green’s outside edge, but soft hands ensure it falls safe of second slip. Mitch Marsh shows his junior colleague how it is done, positively pulverizing a wider ball from Broad through cover.

Australia 197/5 (51), Cameron Green 3, Mitchell Marsh 7, Moeen Ali 1-30 (6)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Two Western Australian all-rounders together, Cameron Green and Mitch Marsh’s broad shoulders surely capable of re-laying their side’s foundations but knowing this could be a trying period. Moeen Ali beats the latter’s inside edge in a manner not dissimilar to how he got Marnus Labuschagne, but extra turn and, particularly, bounce means Marsh is safe. A fierce cut next ball is his first boundary.

Australia 189/5 (50), Cameron Green 0, Mitchell Marsh 2, Stuart Broad 2-49 (11)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England in with a real sniff now with Cameron Green to the crease, the all-rounder having flattered to deceive a little so far in the series before a bit of soreness kept him out of the Leeds loss.

OUT! Travis Head c Root b Broad 48 (65b 7x4 0x6), Australia 189/5 (49.5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Test wicket number 600 for Stuart Broad! Top edged to long leg!

Broad’s just the fifth to 600, and just the second seamer, following his great mate Jimmy Anderson, of course. It’s not, perhaps, how he’d have imagined getting there, but the bouncer tactic bears fruit again for England, Head hooking hurriedly, eager to get to 50 but out of control. Joe Root takes smartly running in off the fence - Broad now also has more wickets against Australia than any other England bowler.

Australia 189/4 (49.3), Travis Head 48, Mitchell Marsh 2, Stuart Broad 1-49 (10.3)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s short to start from Stuart Broad, back to the bumper cars to test Travis Head’s readiness for the resumption after a brew and an Eccles cake. That’s unlikely to bother the batter, though, down below 80mph and tugged to fine leg for a single.

Australia 187/4 (49), Travis Head 47, Mitchell Marsh 1

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It does look a glorious evening for batting, the skies blue, the sun bright, the pitch full of tawny charms. Stuart Broad will begin from one end for England.

Australia 187/4 (49), Travis Head 47, Mitchell Marsh 1

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Righty ho. It’s another crucial first evening, Australia looking like they’ll need that bolstered batting depth after three squandered starts from their top order. These two, as they showed at Headingley, have the ability to put the pressure on but England’s seamers were superbly consistent in that second session and are unlikely to give too much away.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:41 , Sonia Twigg

Tea: England really needed that wicket of Labuschagne, as it was starting to slip away from them slightly after they won the toss and elected to bowl, with Australia going into the tea break 187 for four.

Ali, who had gone for 17 in two overs before tea, claimed the key wicket of Australia’s number three, just after he had brought up his half century.

England have reviewed well all series and that was no different, successfully overturning the call of not out on field for the second time in the day to reduce Australia to 183 for four.

Head and Marsh are likely to take a more attacking approach, but England will keep plugging away and hope to get through at least most of the Australian batting attack before close of play.

TEA! Australia 187/4 (49), Travis Head 47, Mitchell Marsh 1

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 187/4 (49), Travis Head 47, Mitchell Marsh 1, Moeen Ali 1-22 (5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Moeen strays down the leg side, allowing Travis Head to nurdle around the corner and force Chris Woakes to stride after it. Woakes does brilliantly to hook it back in from the boundary and save a run, but gets up grabbing at a sore elbow. He’ll have time to rest it up during the interval, with a pause before Moeen’s fifth ball ensuring this will be the last over before tea.

Australia 184/4 (48), Travis Head 44, Mitchell Marsh 1, Chris Woakes 1-35 (12)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s Brum brothers are doing the job here, the pressure on Australia with tea fast approaching and the Warwickshire pair probing. Chris Woakes first beats an advancing Mitchell Marsh’s outside edge before wobbling one back into his thigh, an appealing finger pulled back down with height the obvious issue. Six dots.

Australia 184/4 (47), Travis Head 44, Mitchell Marsh 1, Moeen Ali 1-19 (4)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Marsh can be destructive down the ground against spin, but the all-rounder isn’t always swift to settle against slow bowling in the longer format. He’s off the mark with a block to the left of the bowler.

OUT! Marnus Labuschagne lbw b Ali 51 (115b 6x4 0x6), Australia 183/4 (46.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That one is stone dead too! Oh, Marnus!...

Labuschagne is furious with himself. It was the lazy stroke of a man not resetting fully after getting to fifty, a wave of the bat around his front pad as Moeen Ali finds just a hint of turn. It’s tough to see quite why Joel Wilson kept his finger down initially, the ball tracking to smash into leg stump, but England again employ DRS effectively to snare Australia’s number three a ball after he’d gone to 50.

Australia 183/3 (46.1), Travis Head 44, Marnus Labuschagne 51, Moeen Ali 0-18 (3.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Labuschagne’s inside edge is beaten - turned down but England have already got one on review...

Australia 183/3 (46), Travis Head 44, Marnus Labuschagne 51, Chris Woakes 1-35 (11)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cut with authority by Marnus Labuschagne, a roll of the wrists keeping it down and directing it straight of backward point.

And there’s his 50 (113 balls, six fours), a controlled pull through square leg hauled back by a sliding Moeen Ali but the three allowing Labuschagne to raise his bat for the first time in this series.

Travis Head celebrates his partner’s landmark with a pretty cover drive as he closes in himself.

Australia 171/3 (45), Travis Head 39, Marnus Labuschagne 44, Moeen Ali 0-18 (3)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A catching man at a short, wide mid-off and a very straight man back on the fence over that catcher’s shoulder as Moeen begins, finding turn and bounce from the middle of the surface to beat Travis Head’s attempted flick to leg.

Marnus Labuschagne comes charging down...and has that come off the bat? Jonny Bairstow trots up the pitch to collect as it loops away...off the thigh pad. Joel Wilson didn’t fancy it, and England sensibly turn down a review.

Chris Woakes joins his Warwickshire colleague in bowling partnership, taking over from James Anderson.

Australia 170/3 (44), Travis Head 38, Marnus Labuschagne 44, James Anderson 0-29 (13)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Anderson and Travis Head have a chat at the end of the over, Anderson muttering away over his shoulder with a half-smile as he puts his jumper back on.

England mix things up. Moeen Ali returns for his second spell having taken some tap in his first two overs immediately before lunch.

Australia 167/3 (43), Travis Head 35, Marnus Labuschagne 44, Stuart Broad 1-47 (10)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Head now has 35 of the runs in this partnership of 43, which shows both how tough Australia’s number three has found it to score since lunch. England’s legside battlements are well constructed as Stuart Broad attacks Marnus Labuschagne’s pads, but that leaves room on the offside for Labuschagne to soothe his run scoring sores with a textbook cover drive.

Australia 163/3 (42), Travis Head 35, Marnus Labuschagne 40, James Anderson 0-26 (12)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ooh, that’s smutty from Travis Head, the ball not there to be driven but planted back past James Anderson regardless with a racy flick of the wrists on contact. The slips are excited as Head throws his hands into a chasing drive, failing to connect, and he puts it away as Anderson offers him another couple of wider balls outside off at the end of the over.

Australia 159/3 (41), Travis Head 31, Marnus Labuschagne 40, Stuart Broad 1-43 (9)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 15:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Travis Head is never often becalmed for long, spanking Stuart Broad off the back foot before cracking a drive wide of mid-off for consecutive boundaries.

Australia 148/3 (40), Travis Head 20, Marnus Labuschagne 40, James Anderson 0-22 (11)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Travis Head jerks his head around, anxiously looking to see where his leading edge has skewed but finding it trickling harmlessly away to deep point. England’s bowlers have been excellent since lunch, curbing Australia’s free scoring to keep them very much in check.

Australia 147/3 (39), Travis Head 19, Marnus Labuschagne 40, Stuart Broad 1-32 (8)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are a way behind the intended over-rate, by the way. There has been a little bit of mitigation today - there was that long delay while Stuart Broad and the stewards dealt with an issue of glare behind the bowler’s arm, and Travis Head had a concussion check - but it’s hardly surprising to find Ben Stokes and co. not overly concerned given Usman Khawaja’s lobbying helped get penalties relaxed in between the third and fourth Test. Players will now be fined 5% of their match fee for each over a team is down (previously it was 20%) with the level capped at 50%, reduced from the previous upper limit of their entire match fee.

“I was pretty frustrated with what was happening,” Khawaja said at Old Trafford ahead of the fourth Ashes Test. “I just thought someone has to find a way to speak to the ICC about it. We had played three games and they’d been three really good games with results, [providing] entertainment and we were getting fined 80% of our match fee. It’s a lot of money.“[It’s] just really frustrating as a player, you are giving it your all out there, providing entertainment, then you are getting stung for it.”

Australia 146/3 (38), Travis Head 18, Marnus Labuschagne 40, James Anderson 0-21 (10)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ooh, that’s good from James Anderson, erect seam dancing off the surface and the late movement much too spritely for Marnus Labuschagne’s defensive stroke. Anderson joins ‘em up for his fourth maiden of the day.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:43 , Sonia Twigg

Drinks: It’s just meandering along at Old Trafford after lunch.

England claimed the key wicket of Smith when he was trapped lbw by Wood and they successfully reviewed to overturn the original decision of not out.

But otherwise, Australia have just kept the scoreboard ticking over.

In fact it was Smith who was scoring unusually quickly, hitting 41 from just 52 balls when he was out.

England will hope to find some more breakthroughs before tea, while Australia will want to put faith in a solid partnership between Labuschagne and Head.

Australia 146/3 (37), Travis Head 18, Marnus Labuschagne 40, Stuart Broad 1-31 (7)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Broad joins his old mucker in making a belated post-lunch return, back into the attack and in search of number 600. A suspicion of a bit of low bounce as the bottom of Marnus Labuschagne’s bat earns the right-hander a single into the offside, bowler and batter chatting it all through at the bowler’s end as Broad takes us through to drinks.

Australia 145/3 (36), Travis Head 18, Marnus Labuschagne 39, James Anderson 0-21 (9)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia have been guilty of being a little lazy between the wickets across the series so far, turning down opportunities to exert extra pressure on England’s fielders. There’s been a marked improvement in that regard today, David Warner setting the tone early on and now Travis Head picking up where he left off, the square leg fielder charging in but unable to prevent a second.

Australia 142/3 (35), Travis Head 16, Marnus Labuschagne 39, James Anderson 0-18 (8.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Anderson relieves Mark Wood, who looked a little weary running back to retrieve a single at the end of his last over. Anderson finds a hint of swing away from Marnus Labuschagne, who follows it as he drives with a half-stop in the covers keeping it to one.

Australia 141/3 (35), Travis Head 16, Marnus Labuschagne 38, Chris Woakes 1-23 (10)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That’s gorgeous from Travis Head, creaming a Chris Woakes half-volley through extra cover as he at last gets a full ball to latch on to.

Australia 135/3 (34), Travis Head 11, Marnus Labuschagne 37, Mark Wood 1-44 (9)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood goes again for the fifth of his spell, Travis Head right back in his crease but maneuvering a hip height ball between two of the three catchers in the deep along the carpet for four.

Ben Stokes calls for a helmet, joining Harry Brook under Head’s nose. The skipper is very, very close in on the offside, lunging limbs at the ready if Head parries anywhere in the vicinity. Head, then, changes his method, swiping Wood over a cowering Brook for another boundary through square leg.

Australia 126/3 (33), Travis Head 2, Marnus Labuschagne 37, Chris Woakes 1-17 (9)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Woakes straps on a new shoe, busting his boot after striding through the first ball of his latest over. His four since the interval have cost only four, Woakes and his fresh set of spikes completing a maiden.

Australia 126/3 (32), Travis Head 2, Marnus Labuschagne 37, Mark Wood 1-35 (8)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Wood tests Marnus Labuschagne’s concentration with a yorker, delivered at high pace but dug out effectively enough by the batter. A direct hit at the bowler’s end requires a quick check with the third umpire, Travis Head safely home for two having been understandably eager to get back to the non-striker’s end.

Australia 123/3 (31.1), Travis Head 2, Marnus Labuschagne 34, Mark Wood 1-32 (7.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Struck! Short, fast and nasty from Mark Wood, Travis Head throwing his head back but unable to evade as the side of his grille bears the brunt of a heavy contact.

Australia 122/3 (31), Travis Head 2, Marnus Labuschagne 34, Chris Woakes 1-17 (8)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Woakes continues with England employing a similar field for him against Travis Head, clearly believing that the bouncer is the best method of attack. Head has actually handled the ploy pretty well in the last couple of Tests, and ducks and weaves effectively here before flipping one to deep square leg to retain the strike.

Australia 121/3 (30), Travis Head 1, Marnus Labuschagne 34, Mark Wood 1-32 (7)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Travis Head arrives to find himself familiarly short of company - the field spreads with Mark Wood prepared to launch into a bumper barrage with only a gully and short leg around the batter. Harry Brook, under the lid in close, is nearly in business as Head fends his second ball at his feet, but it lands on the offside.

A flap off the hip gets Head’s innings up and running.

OUT! Steve Smith lbw b Wood 41 (52b 5x4 1x6), Australia 120/3 (29.2)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Three reds! Steve Smith has missed a straight one and Mark Wood makes the breakthrough!

It had all been looking so good for Smith, working away comfortably as he closed in on another half-century, but Wood has done him for extra pace and a bit of skid from the surface given his low release point. It looked close live, Wood certain that the bounce wouldn’t be an issue, and ball tracking shows Nitin Menon to be wrong and Wood very, very right.

Off trudges Smith for 41 - England have an opening.

Australia 120/2 (29.2), Steve Smith 41, Marnus Labuschagne 34, Mark Wood 0-31 (6.2)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Now then! A ball after being crashed through the covers for four, Mark Wood angles one back in and beats Steve Smith’s inside edge. Nitin Menon shakes his head but England review...

Australia 116/2 (29), Steve Smith 37, Marnus Labuschagne 34, Chris Woakes 1-16 (7)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A solid start from both batters after lunch, secure technically with England yet to give them anything to free the arms to. Marnus Labuschagne is very tidily forward to block back to Chris Woakes.

Australia 113/2 (28), Steve Smith 34, Marnus Labuschagne 34, Mark Wood 0-27 (6)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Smith isn’t happy as a throw from the deep strikes the back of his bat, that side of the blade otherwise unblemished and the resultant red dot likely to put off a man of obsessive tendencies at the crease. Marnus Labuschagne had been keen to get through for another run after Smith’s unintended deflection but is sent back by a gesturing hand as Smith lets the mid-off fielder trundle after the ricochet without haste and collect.

Labuschagne ducks beneath a head-hunting Mark Wood’s bouncer to end the over.

Australia 111/2 (27), Steve Smith 34, Marnus Labuschagne 32, Chris Woakes 1-13 (6)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A few of the Australians look a touch parky on the Old Trafford balcony, and Marcus Trescothick, England’s batting coach, too - the former Somerset opener has swapped shorts for trousers at the interval and is hiding beneath the hood of his raincoat despite the afternoon sunshine.

Smith is squared up a little by the final ball of a maiden, but his nick thuds only into his back thigh pad.

Australia 111/2 (26), Steve Smith 34, Marnus Labuschagne 32, Mark Wood 0-25 (5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s bowlers are still trying the odd ball or two down the legside each over, hoping that Ben Stokes may be busied at leg slip. Mark Wood jumps wide of the crease to try and probe at Steve Smith’s pads, the seamer producing a trademark tumble in his delivery stride, but a blocked single into the offside brings up the 50 partnership.

It’ll be Chris Woakes from the other end.

Australia 110/2 (25.1), Steve Smith 33, Marnus Labuschagne 32, Mark Wood 0-24 (4.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And that’s a pleasant way to resume, Marnus Labuschagne up on his toes and guiding Mark Wood through point as Australia’s number three gets going again.

England’s regular number three, meanwhile, has had shoulder surgery:

Australia 107/2 (25), Steve Smith 33, Marnus Labuschagne 29

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The sun is out at Old Trafford, with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith ready to tuck in after lunch. Labuschagne has frittered away plenty of starts in the last year or so, but if ever there was a day to break his run without a ton, this feels like it might be it.

Lunch: Australia 107/2 (25)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne union has so far put on 46, with Australia’s maestros beginning to brandish their batons in the 15 minutes or so before lunch. This does look a very nice batting deck, with England’s early threat coming mostly through the air, and both these two and David Warner able to score reasonably freely. I don’t think the home side have bowled badly at all, though Stuart Broad was perhaps a little loose early on, and that the batters have cantered along at more than four an over says a lot about this surface. Australia can, essentially, bat England out of the series today, particularly with a wet weekend wipeout very much a possibility.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:01 , Sonia Twigg

Lunch: At lunch the game is relatively even, England made two early breakthroughs, but it will be the dangerous partnership of Smith and Labuschagne who will start after the break with Australia 107 for two.

Labuschagne has offered up some chances, including an edge between third slip and gully at a catchable height when he was on 12, but their run rate has been good.

Broad trapped Khawaja lbw and Woakes had Warner out edging behind, but it was almost a typical morning of Test cricket at the start of the Old Trafford Test.

Australia took a liking to Ali in his first over, when he was taken for 12, including a big six down the ground from Smith.

England have diligently chased everything, but there have been a few more loose deliveries than Stokes’ side would have liked.

LUNCH! Australia 107/2 (25), Steve Smith 33, Marnus Labuschagne 29

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 107/2 (25), Steve Smith 33, Marnus Labuschagne 29, Moeen Ali 0-17 (2)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Substitute Matthew Hurst, a wicketkeeper by trade, shows his ability in the outfield, sweeping around the cover boundary and diving full length to cut off a fierce Marnus Labuschagne cut, keeping the batter to only two. England’s close-in fielders thump their hands together as Hurst strides back into position.

Moeen tries to hustle through but there’s no time for another as Smith finishes positively with a punch straight of mid-off for a couple - that’s lunch.

Australia 102/2 (24), Steve Smith 31, Marnus Labuschagne 26, James Anderson 0-17 (8)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:58 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Up comes the Australia 100 via another Steve Smith boundary, an aerial back cut away from Chris Woakes’s reach at a deepish backward point. Not fully in control from Smith, having to reach for a very wide ball from James Anderson, but more signs of aggression even with lunch now only an over away.

Moeen will see England through to the interval.

Australia 98/2 (23), Steve Smith 27, Marnus Labuschagne 26, Moeen Ali 0-12 (1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia were reserved against Moeen in Leeds, rather allowing him to settle and then tie up an end without feer of being picked apart. He starts around the wicket with a slip and a short leg, and a deep cover, too, who is in use as Marnus Labuschagne smothers the spin and cover drives.

Hoisted! Australia don’t want Moeen to simply wile away, Steve Smith sashaying down and launching the off-spinner over long-on. Smith then drives straight of mid-off for three.

Australia 86/2 (22), Steve Smith 17, Marnus Labuschagne 24, James Anderson 0-13 (7)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Smith’s shuffle to off prompts an attempt at a leg stump yorker from James Anderson, Smith all contorted as he toe pokes it with the bottom of his blade to the square leg fielder. A third maiden of the day from Anderson.

Ben Stokes changes the pace. Moeen Ali into the attack having got both of these brilliant batters to fall in foolish fashion at Headingley.

Australia 86/2 (21), Steve Smith 17, Marnus Labuschagne 24, Stuart Broad 1-30 (6)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Pat Cummins has his hood up like Emperor Palpatine, afforded extra time in his civvies with Australia’s batting order lengthened. Carey, Starc, Cummins looks a very, very strong eight, nine, ten.

The captain claps as his deputy clips four through square leg, Steve Smith getting right across his stumps but always trusting his coordination.

Australia 81/2 (20), Steve Smith 12, Marnus Labuschagne 24, James Anderson 0-13 (6)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A scratch of the temple from James Anderson, working hard on the ball to try and keep it chatting away. Old Trafford is often a place for reverse swing but the damp forecast, lush outfield and verdant square means you’d say we’re unlikely to see much, if any, over the next five days. The apparent early trueness of this surface suggests there are runs to be had, with Australia cruising at more than fours through this first session.

Australia 78/2 (19), Steve Smith 10, Marnus Labuschagne 23, Stuart Broad 1-25 (5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A lovely cut from Steve Smith through the vacant point region, the ever idiosyncratic batter still finding time for a flourish, kicking his legs in a half-split almost like a floor gymnast as he strikes the ball.

Broad does tempt Labuschagne into a tickle, but it’s too wide for Ben Stokes and too fine for long leg.

Australia 69/2 (18), Steve Smith 5, Marnus Labuschagne 19, James Anderson 0-10 (5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Still a leg slip in place, with Ben Stokes again occupying the catching position and hoping for a Marnus Labuschagne error. Anderson can’t draw one, Labuschagne letting one go by his left leg as the old stager returns with a maiden.

And here’s his favourite dance partner - Stuart Broad also returns.

Australia 69/2 (17.1), Steve Smith 5, Marnus Labuschagne 19, James Anderson 0-10 (4.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Anderson is back for another rumble, tucking his tongue into his right cheek at the top of his mark as the trumpeter toots. The clouds just seem to have rolled back in after a brighter first hour.

Australia 69/2 (17), Steve Smith 5, Marnus Labuschagne 19, Chris Woakes 1-13 (5)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A tight leave from Marnus Labuschagne, trusting the bounce perhaps but finding that this Chris Woakes ball keeps a little low. Jonny Bairstow whistles as he takes on the half-volley having watched it hiss at the top of off-stump.

Australia 68/2 (16), Steve Smith 5, Marnus Labuschagne 18, Mark Wood 0-21 (4)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s not quite been as repeatedly rapid as his opening spell of the series, but this is plenty brisk enough from Mark Wood, Marnus Labuschagne down like a startled groundhog as a 94mph bouncer soars overhead.

Australia 65/2 (15), Steve Smith 4, Marnus Labuschagne 16, Chris Woakes 1-12 (4)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Calmer thereafter from Smith.

Australia 65/2 (14.2), Steve Smith 4, Marnus Labuschagne 16, Chris Woakes 1-12 (3.2)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Almost picks out fine leg first ball! That’s nearly an extraordinary lapse in judgment from Steve Smith, dismissed softly in the second hit at Headingley and hooking happily here. Mark Wood is ever so slightly in off the fence, presumably not anticipating an immediate full blooded heave from Smith to a short ball, and is beaten over his head for a one bounce four.

OUT! David Warner c †Bairstow b Woakes 32 (38b 3x4 0x6), Australia 61/2 (14.1)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But David Warner falls next ball!

Warner throws his head back with a groan - a well compiled 32 but that’ll be all for the opener. It was full from Chris Woakes, inviting the left-hander to drive and finding just enough movement off a scrambled seam to flick the outside edge. Jonny Bairstow snares the edge behind the stumps.

Australia 61/1 (14), David Warner 32, Marnus Labuschagne 16, Mark Wood 0-18 (3)

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nicked for four! The extended break nearly does for Marnus Labuschgne, Wood’s extra pace prompting him to play a ball that could have been left comfortably on length. England have switched from four adjacent slips to three and a gully - and guess where the edge goes?

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