A gritty England dismissed Australia’s bold predictions of a bloodbath with a resolute batting display, but the hosts fought back late on day one at the Gabba on Thursday (November 23).
England reached stumps at 196 for 4 on a rain-interrupted opening day’s play with Dawid Malan 24 not out and allrounder Moeen Ali unbeaten on 13. After being in a strong position at 127 for 1 approaching Tea, England lost three key wickets, including the prized scalp of captain Joe Root (15), who fell to a fiery Pat Cummins (2 for 59 from 19 overs) after an overturned lbw decision through DRS.
During the Ashes build-up, hot favourites Australia promised a bumper barrage but – until their late fightback – were unable to conjure the pyrotechnics against a gallant England top-order on a surprisingly staid Gabba deck. Overcoming the early loss of star opener Alastair Cook (2), in-form batsmen James Vince (83) and Mark Stoneman (53) combined for a 125-run partnership in a stoic stand fusing heart, technique and talent to highlight England’s dogged approach.
The century stand matched England’s haul during their wretched series four years ago in a determined first step to exorcising those lingering demons. It was also the first time England produced a second-wicket century partnership in the Ashes since the second Test in December of 2010.
Just when it appeared England were embarrassing Australia’s bravado and mind games, the hosts stormed back into the contest when Cummins knocked over Stoneman with a gem of a delivery just before Tea. Shortly after, Vince agonisingly fell short of a maiden century when he was run out by a brilliant direct throw from a scavenging Nathan Lyon at cover. There was much pressure on the offspinner coming into the Test after his pre-series ‘trash talk’ but he backed it up through dangerous turn and his spectacular run-out of an unlucky Vince, who almost doubled his previous highest Test score but was unable to produce the big innings England desperately required.
There were times during the day when Australia looked jarringly flat as if all the pre-series bluster had grinded them down. Eventually, they rediscovered their groove through the efforts of Cummins and Lyon (0 for 40 from 24 overs) to claw their way back into the contest.
Earlier, with the spectre of Nasser Hussain’s infamous decision lingering, Root resisted putting Australia into bat after winning the toss despite a tinge of grass on the pitch and the ominous overcast conditions. Recalled veteran Shaun Marsh overcame fitness doubts to take his place, meaning allrounder Glenn Maxwell missed out on a debut home Test.
With several indelible Ashes moments eventuating in the first over – notably Steve Harmison’s wild first delivery in 2006 – there was a swirl of anticipation and excitement as Mitchell Starc opened the bowling.
However, Cook watchfully negotiated Starc’s fury with composure until the third over when he nicked a perfectly pitched delivery to first slip. Despite all the talk of a bumper barrage, Starc and Josh Hazlewood bowled full until the fifth over when the left-armer banged one in short but the ball barely reared off a subdued wicket.
England were unable to rotate the strike with the first single not coming until the seventh over. Stoneman, in particular, was anchored to the crease as the run rate hovered around two runs an over but, importantly for the unfancied tourists, Australia’s aggressive start had been stymied.
Lyon came on to bowl earlier than expected and immediately threatened on a Gabba pitch – in contrast to perception – helpful to spinners able to conjure bounce. He looked dangerous from the get go, pinning England’s batsmen to the crease and conceding just eight runs from his opening spell of six overs.
After play was halted for 95 minutes due to rain, Lyon opened up on resumption and combined perfectly with Cummins as runs continued to be hard to muster. Vince eventually used his feet to Lyon in a bid to release the shackles before flourishing and reaching his maiden Test half-century off 106 balls.
England then broke free as Australia struggled to exude patience preferring to stick with their mantra of blasting out opponents. In contrast, a dogged England impressively stuck to their disciplined approach and refused to get drawn into verbals with frustrated Australian quicks.
It became quite obvious that England weren’t going to be scythed in a firm retort to the prevailing mockery by gleeful locals in the build-up.
Undoubtedly it is still far too early for confident prognostications but, right now, England look up for the fight although Australia seemingly have the firepower to counter the challenge.
Brief scores: England 196/4 (James Vince 83, Mark Stoneman 53; Pat Cummins 2-59) vs Australia.
