Birmingham:Courtesy of Steven Smith's 24th test ton, Australia who were reeling at 122/8 managed to post 284/10 at the end of day's play. Australia have now put up a fighting total as the game has now grown interesting.
In reply, England put up 10 runs in 2 overs with Rory Burns (4) and Jason Roy (6) present in the crease.
Earlier, England seamers Stuart Broad (4/38) and Chris Woakes (3/35) maintained their good show with the ball from the Ireland test as the hosts reduced Australia to 154/8 at tea on the first day of the first Ashes Test at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground on Thursday.
With Australian wickets falling a pack of cards, it was Steven Smith who kept one end under control with his valiant knock of 144, his 24th century in Test cricket.
Resuming the third session from 154/8, the visitors scored at a fluid rate to quickly up Australia's score while simultaneously trying to pressurise the English bowlers.
As wickets kept falling for Australia, it was Smith who kept the scoreboard ticking.
Smith was joined by Peter Siddle (44), who showed resistance with the bat as the former notched up his century in the 73rd over. Both Smith and Siddle kept on facing the England bowlers courageously to help their team touch the 250-run mark in the 76th over.
The duo shared a magnificent 88-runs stand for the ninth wicket which saw Australia averting an early all-out in Day One, however, Siddle was later undone by Moeen Ali as Australia lost their ninth wicket for 210.
A 74-runs partnership soon flourished between Smith and Nathan Lyon before Smith was dismissed by Stuart Broad in the 81st over.
