Australia declared their first innings after posting a mammoth 497 for 8 on Day 2 of the 4th Ashes Test at Old Trafford in Manchester on Thursday. Aussie batting mainstay Steven Smith scored a double ton, while Marnus Labuschagne, skipper Tim Paine and Mitchell Starc compiled haf tons to help the Aussies post a monumental total and take control in the match .

At stumps, England were 23/1, still trailing by 474 runs with three days of play remaining. England lost Joe Denly, opening for the first time with Jason Roy pushed down, for just 4 with Pat Cummins taking his wicket. Rory Burns was batting on 15 with nighwatchman Overton on 3.

Resuming on their overnight score of 170 for 3, the Australians lost Travis Head and Matthew Wade cheaply in the opening session but in-form Steve Smith continued to hold one end up and stitched some handy partnerships with skipper Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

Smith who has been in stellar form all through the Ashes series brought up his 3rd Test ton and 26th overall in his stellar Test career. Smith also became the highest centurion among active cricketers in Ashes. The prolific run scorer is only behind Don Bradman and Sir Jack Hobbs for most tons in the Ashes series. Smith had scored his previous two double tons in 2015 and 2017, both against England.

Stuart Broad was the pick of the English bowlers picking up three wickets, while Jack Leach and Craig Overton scalped two wickets each.

Brief scores: Australia 1st innings: 497/8decl (Steve Smith 211, Marnus Labuschagne 67; Tim Paine 58, Mitchell Starc 54 not out; Stuart Broad 3/97); England 23/1.