Ashes 2017/18 - Gabba Day 1 - The Ashes Begins

Unusually for Brisbane, grey skies adorned The Gabba as the Captains gathered for the coin toss to get this eagerly anticipated series under way. Joe Root called correctly and despite the temptation to be excited by a green tinge, chose to bat.

With much being made of England's inexperienced batting line up it was a mere 16 deliveries into the series before veteran of 147 Tests Alastair Cook was dismissed by a beaut of a delivery from Mitchell Starc, the slightest sideways movement bringing an edge that Handscomb pouched with aplomb at first slip. You could have been forgiven for thinking that England were there for the taking with two Ashes debutants at the crease and Cook removed, but James Vince was watchful while punishing anything overpitched. Particularly productive through the cover region, Vince's innings was aesthetically pleasing much in the style of Michael Vaughan back in 2002/03.

Mark Stoneman's innings, while less fluent, was the anchor that England needed as he notched up 53 from 159 balls. Surprisingly, Josh Hazlewood was fairly placid with the new ball and save for his wicket ball to Cook so was Starc. Perhaps the most tenacious was Pat Cummins, revelling in the chance to perform with the backing of a home crowd for the first time. From around the wicket he brought enough doubt into Stoneman's mind that despite being very well set he was beaten for pace and clean bowled.

Nathan Lyon, curiously vocal in the lead up to this series, twirled away and without luck. Tim Paine shelled a chance from Vince that perhaps should have been taken off Lyon, but it's one of those that either sticks in the gloves or bounces awkwardly off a palm agonisingly out of reach. Having been so tidy behind the stumps for the whole of the day up to that point, it was perhaps a surprise that this one slipped by, however others may argue that someone who has not been keeping much at all in Tasmanian colours could be forgiven for being a little rusty. In the end, Vince only added 15 more runs before being run out in spectacular fashion by the aforementioned Lyon effecting a direct hit from cover.

Joe Root's maiden innings of the series wasn't exactly notable, and on 15 Cummins trapped him in front. Initially Umpire Marais Erasmus turned down the appeal, but upon review the stars aligned for Australia and England were 4 down. Dawid Malan and Moeen Ali saw England safely to the close, Malan once again showing that England's new faces do not bear any of the mental scars that Australian players publicly have stated that they wish to open.

On the face of it, honours appear to be even so far. Australia will feel they have a foot in the door with Root and Cook both gone cheaply. Equally, England will feel that whilst the pitch nearly always favours batting first in Brisbane, conditions throughout the day were very bowler friendly, particularly the rain delay over the lunch break allowing the seamers more movement upon the recommencement of play. A switch of ball also worked in Australia's favour, however England will take heart from only being four wickets down with almost 200 on the board. Moeen Ali is dangerous and with Bairstow to come followed by dangerous tail-enders in Woakes and Broad, England will want at least 400 on the board by the close of play tomorrow.

This is what Test cricket is all about, a superb way to start The Ashes. The second day promises to be compelling viewing.