I couldn't have scripted it better says McGrath

Glenn McGrath joined the exclusive 500-wicket club. File picture / Brett Phibbs

LONDON - Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath says he could not have scripted his 500th test cricket wicket any better, having bowled his side to first-day honours in the Ashes cricket opener against England at Lord's.

In a remarkable first day, Australia were bowled out for 190 after winning the toss, but struck back to have the home side 7-92 at stumps.

McGrath, 35, became the fourth man to join the exclusive 500-club when he had England opener Marcus Trescothick (four) caught at third slip off the first ball of the final session and his haul of five for 21 was his 27th bag in test cricket and his third at Lord's.

Brett Lee (2-34) joined the party with two late wickets.

England's hopes of erasing a 98-run deficit rests with debutant batsman Kevin Pietersen (28 not out).

Fast bowler Steve Harmison was the star for England with 5-43, and along the way he hit Australia's top three batsman, including Ricky Ponting, who suffered a cut cheek when his helmet grille was pushed back into his face.

McGrath, who donned gold-streaked boots after he took his 500th wicket, was delighted to reach the milestone with his wife Jane, children James and Holly, parents and friends watching.

"I couldn't have scripted it any better and probably the first real time I thought about it was this morning at breakfast, which was surprising, and I started to get a few butterflies in the stomach," he said.

"It was probably more anticipation with the test series coming up as well - first test, first day, pretty big series - so it was a combination of both, but to go out there and knock it over and finish day one with it under the belt, it's a great feeling."

McGrath said the Australians were determined to strike back in the final session.

"We still felt it was up to us where the game went from here," he said.

"I thought Brett bowled exceptionally well too, Jason (Gillespie) bowled well and Shane (Warne) landed them pretty well for his two overs so it probably was a bowler's day, day one."

Harmison made his statement of intention clear from the second ball of the day, when he cannoned a sharp delivery into Justin Langer, who needed treatment for a blow just above his right elbow.

Harmison also struck Matthew Hayden and Ponting in the helmet, and the Australian skipper had a gash on his right cheek treated.

The England quick was pleased with the way he dismissed several of Australia's batsmen, who were hurried by his bounce and pace.

"I enjoyed it, a few plans came through for me today and I was pleased with the way I bowled," Harmison said.

"But obviously the way the game is at the minute, it's disappointing to be sitting here now and you have to bowl first and you bowl a team out for 190 and you're seven for 92."

- AAP