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Australia vs England: Australia wins first Test by 9 wickets

Cummins-Murphy partnership defies England to keep Ashes chances alive

Australia have taken a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with Steve Smith's unbeaten 80 helping the hosts to victory in the first Test at Edgbaston.

England, bowled out for 146 in their first innings, were set a target of 374 to win, but were dismissed for 288 in their second innings, losing by nine wickets.

David Warner (86) and Travis Head (69) put on 147 for the first wicket for Australia, before Smith came in and saw the tourists home. The victory was Australia's first in England since 2019, and keeps their hopes of regaining the Ashes alive.

James Anderson took three wickets for England, while Ollie Robinson and Stuart Broad took two each. However, it was the partnership between Cummins and Murphy that proved to be the match-winner for Australia.

The pair came together with Australia still 12 runs behind England, but they put on 49 for the ninth wicket to take the lead. Murphy finished on 17 not out, while Cummins was unbeaten on 33.

England will now need to win the second Test at Lord's, which starts on Thursday, to keep their Ashes hopes alive.

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