Stuart Broad takes 600th Test wicket as England edge thrilling first day at Old Trafford

Stuart Broad joined Test cricket’s exclusive 600 club as he and Chris Woakes kept England’s hopes of a rousing Ashes comeback alive on day one of the fourth Test at Old Trafford.

Three years after taking his 500th wicket at the same ground, Broad completed another century of scalps to join a hall of fame that includes only four other names: Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, teammate James Anderson and Anil Kumble. Among fast bowlers, Anderson and Broad stand alone in the pantheon.

The 37-year-old dismissed the series’ top run-scorer Usman Khawaja early on and returned after tea to bounce out Travis Head as his landmark victim, overtaking Sir Ian Botham’s record of 148 Australian wickets in the process.

After the match, Broad said: "It was a pretty decent day and there is something nice about getting a 600th pole from the James Anderson End!

"It's a very special feeling. When I went past Glenn McGrath, my hero growing up, that was really cool. I suppose it's a thing of longevity and I am addicted to Test cricket. I like the grit and competitive nature of it. It's great to be on that list with some of the greats of the game.

"I remember getting my cap from Ian Botham in Colombo and my mindset was never that playing Test cricket was the achievement, but having an impact on it. I've played in some great teams along the way."

Asked if Ashes cricket brought the best out him, he said: "I think so. I like the extra scrutiny and how much the public in England and Australia love it.

Stuart Broad- Travis Head (2023)pic.twitter.com/HNYFI65RO0

"I've been able to forge battles against some players for a long time – people like David Warner and Steve Smith. For me it's been my ability to back up and play consistently. My injury