Another England horror show start in Brisbane – day one of the Ashes series
Rory Burns was bowled with the first ball of the series and England were skittled out for 147.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England endured a dispiriting start to their 2021-22 Ashes campaign, slumping to an underpowered 147 all out as Australia’s pace attack ran riot in Brisbane
Here the PA news agency rounds up the alarming day one events at The Gabba.
History repeating
When Burns was skittled by the first ball of the series it was a dramatic and dreadful moment for England, but not an entirely unprecedented one. In fact, it was the second time they had kicked off an Ashes campaign with an immediate wicket – Stan Worthington caught behind off the bowling of Ernie McCormick in December on the same ground in December 1936. Back then, Worthington’s team-mates rallied to 358 and won the game at a canter. Burns can only cross his fingers for such an outcome.
Root’s risky call
Nasser Hussain’s decision to send Australia in to bat after winning the toss at The Gabba in 2002 is remembered as one of the biggest captaincy blunders of modern times. By the end of the first day, Australia had racked up 364 for two and the wheels were off for the tourists. But Joe Root should not have feared making the same call this time, with overcast skies, an unsettled forecast and a green pitch to make use of. They are the kind of conditions an English attack dreams of Down Under and Root’s decision to give the opposition bowlers first use backfired badly.
Magic number
Tweet of the day
Australians up and down the country could not resist revelling in their side’s dominance, up to and including the emergency services.
England’s lowest totals in the 1st innings of a Test in Australia
- 45 - 1887, Sydney
- 75 - 1894, Melbourne
- 112 - 1998, Perth
- 118 - 1879, Melbourne
- 113 - 1888, Sydney
- 123 - 1989, Sydney
- 133 - 1882, Sydney
- 134 - 1958, Brisbane
- 147 - 2021, Brisbane
The Barmy Army’s night shift
With England’s travelling fans shut out of the tour, a group of hardcore supporters from the Barmy Army met in a London establishment to cheer the team through the night from several thousand miles away. It all got a bit much for the resident trumpeter, who took a chance for 40 winks after a demoralising first session.
England did not see that Cummins
Pat Cummins took five wickets against England for the first time as he marked his debut as Australia captain with fine figures of five for 38. “It was a dream start really,” said the quick afterwards, with a broad smile. His opposite number Root will hope his bowlers can get off to a similar “dream start” on day two.
Armbands for Ash
England’s players took to the pitch wearing black armbands, honouring the memory of player Eileen Ash. The former England Women’s international died over the weekend at the age of 110, having been the world’s oldest Test cricketer Ash made her debut in 1937.
Storm Warning
The second day is scheduled to start early, but more wild weather is expected on Thursday, with Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology warning of a risk of “possibly severe” storms, and a 70 per cent chance of showers.