huge scalp for the toiling Australians.“In terms of a fast bowler’s wicket, it’s pretty much the dream wicket. One of the most satisfying I’ve ever got,” Cummins said.
Australia have a formidable record at the intimidating Gabba, where they have not lost a Test match since 1988, and where England haven’t won in 31 years.But Vince and Stoneman had few problems mastering Australia’s fast bowling trio before Cummins bowled Stoneman, the Surrey opening bat, between his bat and pad for 53 nearing tea.
It looked as though Vince would go on and crown his resilient innings with a century after passing his previous highest Test score of 42.Vince survived a big moment nearing tea when he edged Lyon on 68, only for the deflection to bounce away off the top of the gloves of recalled wicketkeeper Tim Paine.
Vince put on a 125-run second-wicket stand with Stoneman as the Australian bowling attack struggled on a slow-paced Gabba pitch.It was a spirited recovery after the early wicket of Cook in the third over. The former England captain only lasted 10 balls before he edged pace spearhead Mitchell Starc to Peter Handscomb at first slip for just two.
It continued an uncertain start to the Ashes tour for Cook, who amassed 766 runs in England’s 3-1 series victory in 2010-2011 but who has just one half-century in five innings on the current visit.Stoneman continued his prolific form following his century and three half-centuries in the four innings of the warm-up games.
TOSS: ENGLAND
ENGLAND FIRST INNINGS
Cook c Handscomb b Starc 2
Stoneman b Cummins 53
Vince run out 83
Root lbw b Cummins 15
Malan not out 28
Ali not out 13
Extras (B-1, NB-1) 2
Total (4 wickets; 80.3 overs) 196
Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-127, 3-145, 4-163.
BOWLING: Starc 19.3-4-45-1 (1nb), Hazlewood 18-4-51-0, Cummins 19-6-59-2, Lyon 24-9-40-0.
Match officials: Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Marais Erasmus (RSA); TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL); Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIS).