Ashes 2023: Wood's fiery spell and Marsh's impressive century steal the show on Day 1 of 3rd Test

In the highly anticipated 3rd Ashes Test, England won the toss and elected to bowl first in the third Ashes Test. Both sides made three changes to their playing XI, aiming to gain the upper hand in the pivotal match.

The day started with a significant milestone as Australian batsman Steve Smith became the 15th Australian player to feature in 100 Test matches. However, it was England's Stuart Broad who drew first blood by dismissing David Warner for the 16th time in Tests in the very first over.

Mark Wood, displaying his lightning pace, produced the second-fastest spell by an England bowler since 2006. His thunderbolt cleaned up Usman Khawaja, leaving Australia in a spot of bother early on.

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After the first drinks break, Marnus Labuschagne fell to the returning Chris Woakes for 21. Steve Smith, on 22, unsuccessfully reviewed a caught-behind decision before departing. Australia's Travis Head received a reprieve as Jonny Bairstow dropped a straightforward chance off Wood.

At lunch, Australia was positioned at 91/4, with Head and Shaun Marsh at the crease. Shortly after the break, Marsh was given a lifeline by England captain Joe Root, who dropped him on 12 at slip. Marsh capitalized on the opportunity and aggressively reached his fifty off just 59 deliveries.

Head played the supporting role as both batsmen stitched together a crucial partnership. The duo added 50 runs between them before England's Ollie Robinson left the field due to an injury.

During the second drinks break, Australia stood at 147/4, with Head on 20 and Marsh on a well-deserved half-century. The resilient pair continued to frustrate the English bowlers, forming a solid 100-run stand off just 118 balls. Australia crossed the 200-run mark in the 46th over.

In his comeback Test, Mitchell Marsh showcased his class by reaching a magnificent century off just 102 balls. However, Woakes dismissed him for a quickfire 118 right before tea.

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At the end of the second session, Australia reached 240/5, with Head holding steady on 39. Root dropped Head, but on the very next delivery, he made amends by dismissing the batsman. England's Wood then ran through the Australian tail, picking up four wickets in a spell, including two in the same over, to complete a five-wicket haul. Australia was eventually bundled out for 263.

In England's response, Australian paceman Pat Cummins struck early, removing opener Ben Duckett and debutant David Brook. Mitchell Marsh then dismissed Zak Crawley, leaving England at 68/3 by the end of the day's play. Skipper Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow remained unbeaten at the crease.

Day one of the third Ashes Test showcased exciting cricket, with Wood's fiery spell being the standout performance. The match promises more thrilling action as both teams continue their battle for supremacy.