Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh scored respective half centuries as Australia ended Day 1 of the fourth test at 299/8 at Old Trafford in Manchester on Wednesday.
After winning the toss and electing to field first, Stuart Broad drew first blood by trapping Usman Khawaja leg before wicket for 3.
David Warner along with Labuschagne added 46 runs for the second wicket stand before the former (32) nicked a delivery from Chris Woakes to wicket keeper Jonny Bairstow behind the stumps.
Labuschagne featured in yet another crucial 59 run stand for the third wicket alongside Steven Smith before the latter (41) was dismissed leg before wicket by Mark Wood with a quick delivery.
The 29 year old Labuschagne reached a well deserved half century, but fell immediately as he missed a flick off Moeen Ali and was trapped in front of the stumps.
Stuart Broad then claimed his 600th test wicket by dismissing Travis Head (48) caught by Joe Root at fine leg while attempting a hook, leaving the visitors in a spot of bother at 189/5.
The pair of Mitchell Marsh and Cameron Green brought the innings back on track with a 65 run stand for the sixth wicket before Woakes struck twice- first by dismissing Green (16) leg before wicket and then Marsh to a spectacular one handed catch by Bairstow for 51.
Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc featured in a crucial 39 run stand for the eight wicket stand before the former fell to Woakes for 20.
Australia ended the day at 299/8 with Starc and skipper Pat Cummins unbeaten on 23 & 1 respectively.
Stumps at the end of Day 1
Australia 299 for 8 (Labuschagne 51, Marsh 51, Woakes 4-52, Broad 2-68) vs England