Ashes 2023: Play of the day from ENG vs AUS Test, Day 1

England batter Harry Brook headed back to the pavilion following a bizarre dismissal during the Day 1 of the first Test against Australia, at the Edgbaston, in Birmingham, on Friday, June 16. Following a brisk start by the Three Lions, Australia eventually landed the blows to send the top-order packing for 124 runs. While Zak Crawley got 61 off 73 balls which featured seven boundaries, Ollie Pope collected 31 off 44 and Ben Duckett got a paltry 12 off 10 balls. 

Despite this, the English side obtained some momentum injected by Harry Brook and Test specialist, Joe Root, as the pair combined to raise an invaluable 51-run stand for the fourth wicket. Just when Brook seemed to be in his zone, the right-hander was sent packing in a rather peculiar fashion while being up against the Australian spin wizard, Nathan Lyon.

In the second ball of the 38^th over, Lyon got some extra turn coupled with bounce upon which the ball hit Brook’s pad and went up in the air. However, much to Brook’s misfortune, the ball came down and ricocheted off his right leg, thereby crashing onto the stumps.

A freak dismissal.

Live clips/Scorecard: https://t.co/TZMO0eJDwY pic.twitter.com/cIUQaANJ2x

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 16, 2023

With this, Brook, who was left dumbfounded by the bizarre dismissal and headed back to the dugout with a breezy 37-ball 32, cracking four boundaries at a strike rate of 86.48. Following his dismissal, the Three Lions were reduced to 175/4 in 37.2 overs.

Nathan Lyon, Boland-Hazlewood duo chipped in with wickets before tea to keep Australia in hunt

Meanwhile, veteran spinner Lyon claimed two wickets whereas Scott Boland and Josh Hazlewood got one scalp apiece. The Ben Stokes-led England will look to take control of the contest and post a solid total at the close of Day 1. However, the Aussies have remained on level terms, giving the home side a run for their money. It remains to be seen Pat Cummins’ Australia can push through and get a few more wickets before the end of the day's play.