England’s veteran fast bowler Stuart Broad admitted Australia are very competitive and they bring the best out of him. Broad returned with figures of 2-68 on the opening day of the fourth Test match against Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester on Wednesday.

The lanky fast bowler pinged Australian opener Usman Khawaja to take the first wicket of the day for England after Ben Stokes decided to bowl first. Broad then got the big wicket of dangerous Travis Head (48), who had once again got off to a flying start.

Head was Broad’s 600 wicket in Test cricket and with it, the veteran became the second fast bowler after James Anderson to get to the landmark. Furthermore, Broad surpassed former skipper Ian Botham tally of 148 wickets to become England’s most successful bowler against Australia in Test matches.

“I think so,” Broad said on Sky Cricket when asked if Australia bring the best out of him. “I find them the most enjoyable series to play in – I love the extra pressure, scrutiny and how much the public love it in England and Australia. I have been able to forge great battles and it has been a pleasure to play against those guys.

“Aussies are very competitive people and I think that brings the best out of me. I love that eye-to-eye battle [with the opposition] and the Aussies bring that the most out of all teams. I thrive off that.”

Broad has been at his best in the ongoing Ashes against Australia as he is the leading wicket-taker with 18 scalps. The right-arm pacer has been right on the money and has made the most of his experience.

Meanwhile, Australia ended the opening day’s play at 299-8 after Mitchell Marsh and Marnus Labuschagne scored 51 runs each. On the other hand, Chris Woakes returned with figures of 4-52 and he was the pick of the bowlers for the home team.