Mitchell Starc has powered through damage in his left bowling shoulder to set up Australia’s push for their first Ashes series win in England in 22 years.
Battling pain in his acromioclavicular joint, Starc took four wickets on Thursday to help bowl England out for 289 on the first day of the fifth and final Test.
Australia then went to stumps on 1-61, with David Warner the man out for 29 after throwing away another start by flirting with a Chris Woakes ball outside off stump.
Momentum has swung by the hour in this enthralling series, but Australia are clearly on top after day one.
And much of that is due to Starc and his 4-88 in trying circumstances.
After damaging his shoulder at Old Trafford last week, Starc spent time off the field on Thursday after hurting it again returning a ball in the field.
But he returned to lead Australia’s charge as they look to consolidate their 2-1 series lead.
He first bowled Ben Stokes for five, before also removing top-scorer Harry Brook on 85.
It came as England collapsed from 3-184 to all out for 283 in 54.4 overs, after throwing away a start of 0-62 early on.
Unwilling to get scans until the end of this Test, Starc also cleaned up England’s tail by having Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes (36) caught.
“It’s just a case of throw a bit of tape on it and get back into it,” an understated Starc said of his shoulder.
“It’s fine … it’s just a bit of discomfort.”
Thursday could have been even better for Australia had the tourists not dropped five catches, including the most costly one by Alex Carey when Brook was on five.
Australia’s wicketkeeper has had a fine series, but erred when he attempted to take an edge to his right off Pat Cummins’ bowling with one hand rather than two.
Brook made the most of his reprieve, driving neatly, pulling Mitch Marsh over midwicket for one six and hooking Cummins for another.
But after he drove a full ball straight back past Starc for four, the left-armer went wider to Brook, drew his edge and had him caught at second slip by Steve Smith.
Starc’s delivery to dismiss Stokes was his best.
Angling the ball in at the left-hander, the 33-year-old was able to move it back away and take the England captain’s off stump.
Starc has become renowned for performing when hurt, producing a similar effort with a detached tendon in his bowling finger at the MCG last year.
“It’s something I have built on,” Starc said.
“I have played for over 10 years and been through a few niggles and injuries over the time. There have been times where I have left the team a man down, or others have.
“We all push through niggles and what not.
“We have a big week ahead of us to try and win this Ashes series. And a few weeks off, so there is no reason not to get up for this week.”
Todd Murphy also took 2-22 after winning back his spot from Cameron Green, bowling with good control on a wicket that offered little spin.
The tweaker bowled an injured Moeen Ali for 34, with the spinning allrounder’s groin a concern for England for the rest of the Test after being hurt batting.
Josh Hazlewood claimed 2-54 for Australia, bowling both Joe Root (five) and Jonny Bairstow (four) when they chopped on.
