England bat in first Ashes Test

BRISBANE: England captain Joe Root won the toss  and chose to bat  against Australia in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba on Thursday.

While admitting that he would have batted too if he had won the toss, Captain Steve Smith Despite doubts about the fitness of David Warner and Shaun Marsh said that both the batsmen were fit to play.

Warner has been having treatment for a neck strain, while Marsh has had back trouble, with all-rounder Glenn Maxwell placed on standby.

Australia have a remarkable record at Brisbane´s intimidating ´Gabbatoir´ where they have not lost even a single Test match since 1988, England have been  win-less in 31 years.

Australia Squad: 

 David Warner, Cameron Bancroft, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Peter Handscomb, Shaun Marsh, Tim Paine, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon.

England Squad: 

Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jake Ball.

Umpires: Aleem Dar (PAK), Marais Erasmus (RSA)

TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney (NZL)

Match referee: Richie Richardson (WIS)