Hello everyone. England emerged victorious during this summer's Ashes series but as we've seen in the past, beating Australia in their own back garden is a different challenge. Can the hosts claim back the urn this winter? Or will England win the famous series for the fourth time in a row? It all starts tonight and I'll be here to talk you through it.

It's a gorgeous morning in Brisbane. Australia love playing here and they'll know how important it is for them to start the series well.

Few England supporters will ever forget the scenes the last time the tourists visited Australia. It was a famous victory three years ago and England will be desperate to repeat that result.

Three months haven't passed since Alastair Cook guided his team to victory over Australia. Scheduling issues means that Australia's opportunity for revenge arrives earlier than usual. Two Ashes series in one year. It doesn't get much better than that.

The first ball will be bowled in around 50 minutes, but there's plenty of questions to be answered before then. Has Matt Prior proved his fitness in time to take his place in the team? Rumours in Brisbane this morning has suggested that Nathan Lyon will be left out by the hosts. It would be a big risk to start the series without a spinner.

Michael Carberry is expected to partner Cook at the top of the order for the tourists. The Hampshire batsman has played just one Test but it looks like England will place Joe Root in the middle order following his brief stint as an opener.

Prior's troublesome calf has been a big talking point in the last couple of weeks but the most recent reports from Brisbane suggests that he will have the gloves on this week.

Chris Tremlett seems to be marking his run-up, so that should prove that he has won the battle to be named as England's third seamer alongside Stuart Broad and James Anderson.

Australia received a boost of their own earlier this week when Shane Watson was given the all-clear by the medical staff. The all-rounder divides opinion but his experience is vital for the home team.

Is this the series when Mitchell Johnson silences the England supporters? His quality is obvious and when he's on his day, batsmen around the world will tell you just how good the left-arm seamer can be. However, he just hasn't done it on a consistent basis. Maybe that will change this winter.

It's a very special day for all of the players out there today, but Kevin Pietersen has once again dominated the headlines. The batsman will make his 100th Test appearance for England in this game. What a player he has been since bursting onto the scene back in 2005. The Australian media has targeted him this week but I'm not sure if that was a great idea. Expect him to rise to the occasion over the next five days.

Every opinion seems to suggest that it would be a good choice to bat first today. It's a typically hard pitch in Brisbane and the Kookaburra usually goes soft after two sessions.

The toss will take place in about five minutes. That's also when the teams will be confirmed by both captains. The most recent update from the Gabba suggests that Lyon may now play. Do Australia know who is playing?

It's difficult to describe just how much pressure is on Australia prior to this series. Michael Clarke knows anything other than victory this winter will be a failure. Time for the toss.

AUSTRALIA WIN TOSS AND ELECT TO BAT FIRST: Cook calls heads but the coin favours with Clarke, who takes advantage of the conditions by choosing to bat. Full team news to follow.

AUSTRALIA: Warner, Rogers, Watson, Clarke, Smith, Bailey, Haddin, Johnson, Siddle, Harris, Lyon

ENGLAND: Cook, Carberry, Trott, Pietersen, Bell, Root, Prior, Broad, Swann, Tremlett, Anderson

No surprises from either captain really. George Bailey makes his debut for Australia following his recent superb form in the ODI team. Lyon does beat James Faulkner to that final spot.

It's a very good toss to win for Australia but I don't think the tourists will be too upset about bowling first. James Anderson and Stuart Broad always fancy their chances against the Australian top order, while Tremlett should love this pitch.

Clarket at the toss: "The wicket looks fantastic and the forecast is good. It might do a bit early on, but if we can get through the first hour there's runs to be scored. Everybody is sick of talking, both teams are keen to play. Let's get under way."

You've heard it all before, I'm sure of that, but the first hour is certainly going to be crucial. It's a good pitch but England's bowlers should get some movement early on. Rogers and Warner will be desperate for a solid start.

The Gabba is filling up quickly now as the first ball approaches. We've got the national anthems to come first but then Anderson will be ready to get the series underway with the new ball.

Some of England's preparations have been interrupted by rain but they'll be ready for today. A few members of the squad have been targeted by fans, rival players and media. Clarke said the time for talking was over. Who will deliver today?

Both teams are out on the field for the national anthems. We're just moments away from action in Brisbane.

Both sets of supporters are in good voice for the national anthems. Warner and Rogers are now making their final preparations before they take on the new ball.

You know the first delivery is almost here when Anderson starts throwing a medicine ball around. England's bowling coach David Saker gives the seamers a final pep talk before Pietersen leads his teammates out on a special day for him. Here we go!

Everything is in place. Three slips and a gully in place for the tourists. Anderson with the shiny red ball in hand. Rogers will face the first delivery. Game on.

Good shape on the first delivery from Anderson, who will surely find some movement early on here. Rogers gets some bat on the first ball to calm nerves around the ground. There's some very nice carry through to Prior behind the stumps. Rogers leaves well outside his off-stump early in the over. The opener uses his feet well to keep out the in-swinger from Anderson. Maiden over.

Broad is the pantomime criminal in Brisbane following his refusal to walk after edging the ball to slip in the summer. His name is met with jeers from the home supporters. How will he respond?

Hello David Warner! Broad starts with a short ball and Warner takes on the challenge to get off the mark with a superb pull for four runs. The Australian supporters continue to cheer when the umpire signals a no ball. Broad responds with a couple of deliveries on a very good length to force Warner to leave. The opener then shuffles across his crease to nudge a couple into the leg-side. Six from the over.

Rogers glares at the pitch when he takes a blow on the thigh early in Anderson's over. The bowler is left frustrated when Rogers gets off the mark with a single off an inside edge. Warner then reaches the rope for a second time with a superb drive. Anderson shouldn't be too worried about that though, he needs to pitch the ball up on this pitch. Close! It's almost the perfect response from the bowler when a Warner edge drops agonisngly short of Bell at gully. Warner 10 Rogers 1*

Breakthrough for England! Broad targets the ribs with a good short delivery and Rogers can only fend the ball away to Bell, who takes an easy catch on this occasion. Big moment for the tourists. Watson in next.

Watson is immediately forced into a square position at the crease by a fired up Broad. Australia's number three lunges forward to block his second ball. Close! Broad almost has his second wicket of the over when Watson's wild drive almost offers a catch to Carberry at point. The fielder was inches away from getting fingers on the ball there. Warner continues to do his business as he clips a full delivery away for four runs. Stunning from Warner, who makes it 11 from the over with a brilliant cover drive.

Anderson tests Watson's technique by targeting the pads and the batsman is fortunate to see a leading edge drop safely on the off-side. The fielders in the slips voice their approval as Anderson continues to shape the ball nicely. Trott is sent into the deep at mid-wicket and Watson accepts the invite to pick up a couple of runs. We've seen it all in these first five overs. Warner 14* Watson 5

Has anyone told Warner that this isn't a Twenty20 match? The opener moves to 18 from just 14 deliveries with a flamboyant shot over Prior's head to collect four off a short ball. Another drive from Warner almost gets him in trouble when the ball cannons into the pads off the inside edge. Broad wants lbw when he nips one back but a quick meeting between the bowler, Prior and Cook results in no further action being taken. The ball pitched outside leg-stump, so it's a good decision not to review. Four from the over.

I think Cook will turn to Tremlett soon on this hard pitch but Anderson continues for now. A leg-bye allows the batting duo to rotate the strike early in the over. Anderson has been slightly too short in his opening spell and Warner looks relaxed at the crease as he defends the remaining deliveries.

Watson times an on-drive well but Tremlett stops the ball at mid-on. Good pace shown by Broad in the over but he struggles to force the batsman into a mistake. Plenty of bat on ball from Watson, but no runs. Maiden over.

England need to keep the pressure on the hosts. Cook will be desperate for at least another wicket before the ball goes soft. It's Tremlett's turn with the ball.

Warner gets off strike with a nudge into the leg-side for one. As expected, there's some good bounce early on from Tremlett, who seems to get bigger everytime I see him play. The seamer is slightly too short midway through the over and Watson takes advantage to cut the ball past point for four. Five from Tremlett's first over.

Warner once again collects a run with a clip off his hip. Broad goes fuller to Watson, who is eager to use his front foot to his advantage following the troubles in the summer. Cook looks on from first slip as Watson continues to find the middle of the bat when defending. Good battle going on between bat and ball. Warner 20* Watson 9

His form might not be the same, but the Australians will not have forgotten the damage Tremlett caused during his last trip to the country. Warner is eager to leave outside off-stump as the bounce from the seamer begins to become obvious. A pull behind square drops well short of Pietersen and the opener picks up a run.

Anderson is back into the attack as a replacement for Broad. The seamer resists the urger to go round the wicket to Warner, who keeps out the first two balls in the over. A thick inside edge is half-stopped by Bell at gully and Warner takes the opportunity to collect a single. It's a lot quieter out there now following the frenetic start. England will be concerned by the lack of movement at this stage.

Warner's firm drive is well blocked by Anderson at cover. The opener then chooses to leave the ball when Tremlett settles on a tighter line close to the off-stump. A shorter delivery is well directed but Warner dodges the danger. The left-handed batsman spoils a potential maiden by reaching the rope with a superb cover drive. Time for a drinks break. Warner 26 Watson 9*

England made a crucial early breakthrough but Australia will be pretty happy with their work in the first hour. It seems to be a very good pitch to bat on. The tourists will need to work hard to claim wickets.

Anderson goes full with his length early in the over and he's met by some stubborn defence from Watson, who then chooses to take advantage of short ball by pulling a single to deep mid-wicket. Anderson cannot resist having a couple of words with the batsman on the walk back to his mark. Just one run from the over. Warner 26 Watson 10*

It's clear that Watson has been doing a lot of work with the coaches in the last couple of months. His defence has looked solid early in this innings and he hasn't been forced into those ugly positions he got into during the summer. Tremlett is tidy once again in the over but he's not carrying much threat yet. It's a maiden.

Anderson is slightly too straight, which allows Warner to clip a single into the leg-side. Watson's straight drive is met with warm applause from the Brisbane crowd. No boundary on this occasion, with just three runs being collected. Steady stuff from the hosts.

It's not full inside the Gabba, which I must admit I'm surprised about. The supporters that have arrived for the first session react positively when Watson rotates the strike with a quick single. Warner has slowed down since those early flurry of boundaries but his attitude is good as he nudges the ball into the off-side for a rushed single of his own. Two from the over. Will Swann get an early bowl?

That last question is quickly answered as the ball is thrown to Swann, who will fancy his chances against the left-handed Warner.

Warner is immediately on the front foot but his drive is well blocked at cover. Shot! Warner is refusing to allow Swann to settle as he lofts the second ball over mid-off for four runs. Another shuffle down the pitch follows but there's no run on offer this time. Swann is going to be in for a battle if Warner sticks around today. Good cricket.

Tremlett continues and he's certainly adopting the right approach by sticking to a full length, but he's not being given much help by the ball. Watson is batting very sensibly in this first session, which will give Australian supporters a boost. It's all gone a bit flat in Brisbane. Maiden over.

Carberry is quick to react when Warner searches for a single to point. A firm drive is directed straight to the fielder at cover as Warner continues to put pressure on Swann. A slightly wider delivery invites the cut but the opener once again fails to beat Carberry. Close! Warner almost picks out Anderson at mid-wicket off a full-toss but the ball drops short of the fielder, who does superbly to restrict the batsman to a single. Watson follows his partner by using footwork to collect a run. A cut from Warner brings another single. Warner 34* Watson 15

The jeers are back, and so is Stuart Broad. Warner pulls in front of square for three runs and there's almost a worrying moment for England. Anderson's knee gets stuck in the turf to bring back memories of Simon Jones and that awful injury a few years back. Fortunately, he looks to be gine. Superb effort from Tremlett at mid-on to stop Watson's drive. Screams for a catch from England when Watson chips the ball into the air but it drops well short of Tremlett. Anderson and Broad are already unhappy with the condition of the ball, so the umpires take a look. Kumar Dharmasena and Aleem Dar seem to agree with the touring bowlers and they choose to change the ball. Will the replacement offer some help to England? Warner cuts away for a couple before ducking a bouncer.

Watson advances down the pitch to flick the ball behind square on the leg-side for a single. Warner isn't interested in nibbling at a wider ball as Prior provides his teammates with some encouragement from behind the stumps. The opener pushes a single to long-off to make it two from the over. Warner 40* Watson 17

Warner sits deep in his crease to nudge Broad into the leg-side for one. Broad finds the top of the bat with a good delivery, but Watson's thick edge drops well short of Bell at gullly. Cook has responded to the lack of movement by taking a slip away, leaving just himself and Swann in that area. Close! Watson's watchful innings almost comes to an end when an edge sails into the gap between the slips and gully. That was a rare loose shot from Australia's number three but he picks up four runs. Just under 10 minutes left in the session.

Good rotation of the strike from the batting duo as Australia continue to be proactive when facing Swann. England's spinner is being forced to change his pace to wrestle back some of the control. There's some good bounce for Swann but Warner keeps the ball down by playing with soft hands. Good bowling. Two from the over.

Huge wicket! Broad strikes again on the stroke of lunch when Watson needlesly plays at a wider one and proceeds to offer a catch to Swann, who does well diving to his right at second slip. That's a very good time to take a wicket on a pitch like this one. Clarke comes to the crease.

That wicket ha injected some life back into the England team. Clarke does well to keep out the first delivery, before sitting back to keep out a shorter ball. Excellent over from Broad to end the session.

LUNCH: England started the session well and they've made another breakthrough just before lunch to put themselves in a decent position. Watson looked in good form today but he's thrown his wicket away. Warner is leading the way for the hosts. Clarke 0 Warner 42*

England will be back in around 40 minutes to take aim at Clarke, who will probably be expecting some short stuff early in his innings. We're going to join the players by taking a break but make sure you come back in 35 minutes for the second session of the day.

We've seen two hours of cricket in this five match series and it's been a very tight start in Brisbane. Broad ensured that England stayed with the hosts by removing Watson just before the interval. Australia shouldn't be too concerned because there's plenty more runs to be scored on what looks like a very flat pitch.

Watson continues to frustrate but the same cannot be said for Warner, who found the perfect combination of fluent attacking shots and stubborn defensive play in that first session. He is currently unbeaten on 42.

Clarke faced just three balls before lunch arrive and England know eaxctly how important it is not to let the hosting skipper settle. I would expect some bouncers from the seamers as they look to test Clarke's troublesome back.

England knew they wouldn't be able to dismiss the hosts cheaply today and they've done pretty well so far. The next wicket will be crucial, as the current batting duo have the tools to do some serious damage in the second session.

The players are back out in the middle. Swann will start the second session with the ball in hand.

Good pace and bounce from Swann early in the over. Warner opens the face slightly to earn a single on the off-side. Clarke, one of the finest players of spin in the world, is unable to get off the mark immediately but he soon finds his first run with a flick through square-leg. The skipper will be on strike at the start of the next over. Warner 43 Clarke 1*

No surprise to see a man at leg-gully for Clarke but Broad goes fuller early on as the hosting skipper is forced to wait for the inevitable short ball. Clarke finds the middle of the bat with the drive but Tremlett dives to his left to prevent any runs from being scored.

The plan works for England! Clarke is sent packing when he finds Bell at short-leg while trying to fend off a brilliant short ball from Broad, who claims his third wicket of the day. That's a huge wicket for the tourists. Australia are in a spot of trouble now as Steve Smith strolls out to the middle.

Smith safely negotiates his first two deliveries. Superb over from Broad. He executed the plan perfectly and Cook will be very happy with his seamer.

Warner continues to remain calm as he starts a new over with a single on the leg-side. Swann has a big role to play now as England look to keep the pressure on Australia following Clarke's departure. Smith looks a different player to the one we used to see as he gets off the mark with a push to mid-off. Warner shows off his pace to sneak a single to Carberry at point.

Warner really needs to hang around for the hosts as they look to take full advantage of the conditions. A fuller delivery allows the opener to drive two through cover and he then rotates the strike with a quick single. Smith shuffles across the crease to work the ball to mid-wicket for one. Close! Broad smiles at Warner when an attempted cut shot almost ends in the batsman edging the ball to Prior. This is a crucial stage of the day. Anderson will return to the attack.

Smith leaves well early in the over as Anderson looks to attack the off-stump. The right-handed batsman is forced to play a shot at the fourth delivery and he picks up a single to mid-off for his trouble. Warner moves to within one of a deserved half-century with a flick into the leg-side for a run. Decent return from Anderson. Warner 49* Smith 3

Broad goes full early in the over before being punished with a wide when his bouncer passes head height.

Broad does it again! Warner falls one short of his half-century when he picks out Pietersen with a wild shot outside off-stump Broad is on a roll now and Australia are in trouble as Bailey comes to the crease on debut.

Bailey takes a deep breath, before getting off the mark with three runs on the leg-side. England have a big opportunity to take control of this match now. Australia are in desperate need of a partnership following the departure of the key man Warner.

Anderson settles on a very good line to Bailey, who must be nervous as he looks to dig his team out of trouble. Close! Inches away from a fifth wicket for England when an outside edge drops just short of Prior and Cook. The hosts cannot afford to lose another batsman. Bailey collects a run with a flick to fine-leg. Good cricket from Smith as he steals the strike with a quick single off the final ball of the over.

It's quite simple. One of these players must make a big score for the hosts. Broad looks in superb rhythm as he sends down three dot balls at the start of the over. Smith gives the home supporters something to applaud when he plays the perfect straight drive to earn four runs. Smith 8 Bailey 3*

Bailey almost gets himself into trouble when he comes close to edging the ball to Prior while attempting to execute the pull shot. Anderson's accuracy will be key throughout the day as England look to keep it tight when the game settles down. Bailey's game is in decent order though as he safely negotiates a maiden over.

Broad is given a rest by his skipper as Tremlett returns to the attack for a new spell. Smith greets the seamer with a powerful pull shot through mid-wicket for four runs. Good response from Tremlett to bring Smith onto the front foot with a fuller length. Smith ends the over in the same way he started it as he takes Australia to 100 with a superb pull for four more.

Two slips, a gully and a short-leg in place as Bailey faces up to a new over. Anderson is close to finding an edge when he tempts the batsman to go fishing outside off-stump.

It just gets worse for the hosts. Bailey is once again encouraged to play outside off-stump and his eagerness to feel bat on ball gets him into trouble. Cook takes a good low catch off the outside edge and Anderson has his first wicket. Australia in big trouble on an excellent batting pitch. Brad Haddin in next.

Haddin immediately gets off the mark with a push through cover for one. Smith shows Bailey how it should be done as he leaves well before defending when he has no option. Great over from Anderson.

Haddin hands the strike to Smith at the start of the over by taking a single into the leg-side. Tremlett strays down the leg-side to allow Smith to pick up two to Trott at fine-leg. A nudge off the pad earns Smith another run. Tremlett finds the edge but the contact is firm enough to give Haddin a couple of runs through third-man.

Lovely stuff from Anderson as he probes away at Haddin's off-stump. It nearly brings another wicket when an outside edge races past Root at third slip to give the batsman two runs. Anderson delights the England supporters when he shows of his football skills with the ball. Pietersen delights the Australian supporters when he fails to match his teammate moments later. Smith 19* Haddin 7

Tremlett may not boast the pace he did when he was slightly younger but his control for a big man is very impressive. Smith doesn't look in the mood to join his teammates on the sidelines as he displays his defensive shots. It's a maiden over. Time for some drinks.

You cannot praise England enough for what they've achieved so far today. It seems to be a batting paradise out there but the tourists have put themselves in a very good position. Australia's batting lineup have not impressed, with more than one batsman being guilty of throwing their wicket away.

Gorgeous technique from Haddin, who reaches the rope with a pull shot to punish Anderson's short ball. A couple of defensive shots are followed by a clip through mid-wicket for a couple more runs. Smith 19* Haddin 13

Tremlett almost sneaks one through but Smith gets his bat down in time to protect his stumps. No surprise to see the seamer get some extra bounce but Smith does well to work the ball into the leg-side for one. Just the single from the over. Tremlett is doing a very good job today, despite not having a wicket to add to his figures.

Swann is back on for a new spell. Smith watches the first ball bounce and drift down the leg-side. Good signs for the spinner. Smith advances down the pitch but Swann changes his pace well to force the batsman to defend. Nice variations shown by Swann but Smith spoils a potential maiden with a single off the last ball.

Tremlett gets his line slightly wrong and Smith is able to pick up a couple of runs to fine-leg. Hopefully I don't put the commentator's curse on Smith, but he really his showing his teammates how it should be done outside off-stump. Too many Australian batsmen seem too eager to play shots out there. You have to be able to leave well in Test cricket, they know that. Smith adds another run behind square on the leg-side to make it three from the over.

Well, it must be a team plan to attack Swann. Smith charges down the pitch but the execution isn't easy on the eye as he slogs the ball just over Root at mid-wicket. Haddin adopts the same tactic a couple of deliveries later but he is able to find the middle of the bat to collect four. Australia cannot afford to give another wicket away. Swann will fancy his chances. Seven from the over. Smith 27* Haddin 17

Shot! The Australian supporters come alive when Smith hammers a pull shot through square-leg for four.

Tremlett gets the wicket he deserves as Australia continue to struggle. Smith is surprised by the extra bounce and the outside edge gives Cook an easy catch at slip. England are dominating in Brisbane.

Every English supporter's favourite Australian arrives as Mitchell Johnson walks out to the middle. Tremlett finds some good bounce again to force the left-handed batsman into a difficult defensive position. An excellent day for England continues.

Haddin hands the strike to his partner early in a new over. Johnson gets off the mark with a couple when a thick edge races past Trott at slip. Swann changes his pace well to force Johnson back slightly as Cook places a fielder at gully. Excellent from Root at cover to prevent Johnson from adding to his tally late in the over.

Good move from Cook as he once again turns to Broad, who must be enjoying the stick he's getting from the Australian supporters. Haddin only knows how to play one way, so he's not going to change his game today. A shorter delivery is clubbed over mid-wicket for four by the experienced wicketkeeper. Anderson gets down well at mid-off to block Haddin's drive down the ground. Haddin 22 Johnson 2*

Anderson dives to his right to stop a firm drive from Johnson, who finds Root a ball later with an equally powerful shot. It's a good over from Swann as he forces Johnson to come forward to defend. Maiden.

Huge appeal for lbw from Broad and the slips, but Kumar Dharmasena shakes his head. Cook, Prior and Broad come together before deciding to review. However, Cook is left furious when the umpire informs them that they took too long to make the decision. Luckily for England, Hawkeye suggests the ball would have missed leg-stump. Johnson is eager to leave the ball outside off-stump. A shorter delivery is pulled away for a single. Broad fires in a great bouncer to Haddin, who is struck on the arm and the ball loops over the slips for a single. Three from the over.

Swann makes a mistake when fielding off his own bowling to allow Haddin to collect a single. Johnson finds Anderson twice at cover with the drive, before picking out Root with a similar shot. Cook is getting his fields spot on today. Good captaincy. 10 minutes left in the session.

Haddin continues to find singles as he hands the strike to his partner early in a new over. Johnson is struggling to pick the gaps when facing both pace and spin early in his innings. Broad's short ball isn't a problem for Johnson, who leans back to avoid the danger. A leg-stump half volley gifts Johnson a single to fine-leg at the end of the over.

Swann is doing his job well as he continues to restrict the freedom on offer to Johnson. Wow! Where has this shot come from? Johnson has had enough of defending as he launches a massive six over mid-wicket. He then collects a couple more with a clip through fine-leg. Probably time for one more over.

I didn't see this one coming. Cook thinks the introduction of Root could bring a wicket just before the tea break. The part-time off spinner comes from around the wicket to bowl to Haddin, who has no problems with getting forward to defend. Root switches angles later in the over to complete a maiden.

TEA: England head into the break in a commanding position. I don't think things could have gone much better for Cook and his team. Australia are in a lot of trouble and they've crumbled under the pressure today. Haddin 24 Johnson 12*

Broad, Anderson and Tremlett have all executed the plans well today. Australia haven't done enough on a pitch crying out for a score of 400+. England may be thinking about batting later on in the final session.

Smith and Watson both made good starts but they've failed to convert that into a big score. Warner looked in great touch for his 49 but a strange cut shot saw his innings come to an end.

I can't believe the Australian media, coaches and supporters really thought they would concern Broad at the start of this series. In fact, it's done the complete opposite. Broad has produced his best today and he's collected four vital wickets today.

What must Michael Clarke be thinking during the break? His problems against the short ball have been exposed again today by Broad but the scoreboard gives him even more problems. Australia need something from their lower order.

Haddin needs to dig his team out of trouble in the final session of the day. He'll be positive, as he always is, but he just cannot afford not to produce a big innings.

There's no demons in the pitch. In truth, there's just no excuses for the hosts. England have played their part superbly but this Australian batting order need to take responsibility quickly, or this could be another disappointing series.

The players are heading back out to the field now. It's a recovery mission for the hosts. They have to win the final session of the day in Brisbane.

England must continue to be positive. Johnson will give them chances and Cook needs to trust his bowlers to keep taking wickets. Swann will bowl the first over of the session.

Swann keeps it tight early in the over. Johnson picks up a run with a thick outside edge through third-man. Swann refuses to change his angle for the right-handed Haddin and he does well to send down two more dot balls. Haddin 24 Johnson 13*

It's Anderson who gets to share the ball with Swann at the start of the session. A straight delivery allows Johnson to nudge a single into the leg-side. Anderson drops his length slightly and Haddin punches a couple through the covers. Six! Stunning shot from Haddin as he pulls a short ball into the stands. Brilliant cricket. Anderson responds by beating the bat with a wider delivery.

Johnson slices a drive through point for two early in the over. Swann flights a couple of deliveries before sending down a couple of quicker balls to test Johnson. Just two runs scored. Johnson 16 Haddin 32*

Haddin gets on top of the bounce to nudge a single into the leg-side. Anderson strikes the pads but he correctly abandons an appeal for lbw. Johnson miscues a drive but the ball hits the pad after clipping the inside edge. Anderson is beginning to cause problems with his straight bowling to Johnson, who survives the over.

Great work from Bell at short-leg to keep Haddin on strike early in Swann's over. Haddin is batting sensibly at the moment as he wisely blcks out a good over from England's spinner. Maiden.

Johnson gets off strike early in the over with a single to fine-leg. Anderson should be encouraged when Haddin begins to play away from his body. No mistakes yet, with just a single being scored off the over.

Swann continues to change his pace effectively as Johnson faces up to another over of spin. Root is glared at by Swann when Johnson's drive sneaks past him at cover and brings four runs. A single hands the strike to Haddin, who blocks out the rest of the over.

Anderson comes around the wicket to start the new over and he's immediately worked away for a single by Johnson. Haddin is forced to play, and miss, when Anderson finds a hint of movement outside off-stump. A wider delivery gives Haddin the freedom to cut and he does so with great effect to pick up four runs. Haddin 37 Johnson 23*

19 overs until the second new ball arrives, 29 more overs scheduled in the day. Root makes sure he does his job well this time at cover to keep Johnson on strike. Swann's eagerness to vary his pace means Johnson isn't able to free his arms like he usually does. Maiden over.

First bowling change of the session as Tremlett replaces Anderson. Haddin collects a single behind square on the leg-side. Johnson swings wildly at a wider one to excite the slips for a brief moment. Good bowling from Tremlett to then deliver a yorker, which Johnson does well to keep out. Johnson finds a run on the leg-side to make it two from a very good Tremlett over.

Johnson is wary of the bounce Swann is getting but he has left the ball alone well. Swann breezes through another over without conceding a run.

Tremlett is building some pressure and that almost brings a wicket when Haddin comes close to edging the ball behind as he attempts the cut. No more rewards for the seamer, who is justifying his selection today. Just one single from the over.

Broad does well enough at mid-off to restrict Haddin to a single at the start of the over. Swann can't help but smile when an expansive drive from Johnson sends the ball into the pads off the inside edge. The spinner loses his length slightly to allow Johnson to cut two runs past backward point and take this partnership past 50. Haddin 40* Johnson 27

Johnson has no problem with taking on the short ball as he pulls a couple of runs to deep mid-wicket. Tremlett's decision to adopt a much fuller length brings applause from his captain at first slip. Good work from Tremlett again. Will Cook turn to Broad for a short spell before the new ball?

Swann is trying to create a dangerous angle by coming round the wicket to Haddin, who has applied himself well so far. It's a very tight over from Swann. No freedom on offer for the batsman, with just a single being scored.

Cook does decide it's time for Broad, who is greeted by jeers once again. Haddin strikes the bowler on the leg with a firm drive but Broad doesn't dare show any sign of being in pain in front of the Australian supporters. Johnson clips the ball through mid-wicket for one to rotate the strike again. Haddin then pulls a short ball behind square for the third run of the over. Haddin 43* Johnson 30

Swann comes back over the wicket to Haddin, who is invited to drive on a couple of occasions. A quick change of pace forces the batsman back in his crease. Haddin pushes the ball straight down the ground to get off strike. Johnson takes the aerial route to beat mid-off and claim four runs at the end of the over.

This pair have done well to calm things down since tea. They've shown their teammates how to bat on a flat pitch at the Gabba. Haddin pulls a short delivery through square-leg for a single. Broad comes round the wicket to send down a short ball, which Johnson unsuccessfully attempts to guide over Prior's head. Another single is added off the fourth ball. Two from the over.

England need to break this partnership. One wicket could bring two or three at this late stage of the day. Swann wastes no time in dipping into his bag of variations. Johnson defends well before reaching the rope again with a lofted shot down the ground for four. Eight overs left until the second new ball becomes available.

Root is introduced to the attack again as Cook looks to rush through some overs before the second new ball arrives. Haddin defends early on before collecting two with a nudge into the leg-side. It's a pretty good over from Root on his return. Swann and Root need to keep things tight in the next few overs.

Six! Swann gives the ball some flight and Johnson accepts the challenge to launch a maximum straight down the ground. Great batting. Both Australians closing in on half-centuries. Haddin 47* Johnson 45

Good cricket. Haddin nudges the ball into the leg-side to hurry a couple of runs early in the over. 50! Haddin sneaks a single to reach his 13th half-century. It's been an important innings for the hosts but they need more from him. Root goes slightly quicker to Johnson to stop him from going over the top. Time for a drink in Brisbane.

Johnson and Haddin are applying themselves well on a very good batting pitch. England are still on top and they'll have a chance to make it an even better day when the second new ball arrives.

Haddin resumes play by pushing a single straight down the ground. Johnson is forced onto the back foot by a couple of quicker balls from Swann. Shot! Johnson attacks again to smash four runs over mid-wicket, moving to 49 in the process. Five from the over.

Positive move from Cook as he throws the ball to Tremlett for the 77th over. Even more positive from Haddin, who drills a straight drive to the rope for four. Tremlett recovers well following that loose delivery to make sure no more runs are scored by Haddin off the next five balls. Haddin 55 Johnson 49*

Johnson fancies a single on a couple of occasions early in the over but Haddin sends his partner back to his crease. A powerful shot off the back foot is well stopped by Root at cover. 50! Johnson reaches his half-century in style when he lofts the ball over cover for four runs. Great batting from him and he deserves the applause. Johnson adds three more to make it seven from the over.

Cook needs to rally the troops at this late stage of the day as England look for a wicket or two which would make it the perfect start. Tremlett starts his over with four dot balls but Johnson ruins the run with a quick single. Superb from Pietersen at deep mid-wicket as he puts in the dive to prevent Haddin from reaching the rope again.

Johnson begins the 80th over by bringing up the century partnership with a single down the ground. Haddin displays his delicate side when he guides the ball past slip for a couple of runs. One more single makes it four from the over. The second new ball is now available. Haddin 60* Johnson 58

Broad is brought into the attack as England immediately take the second new ball. 10 overs left in the day and it could be a very important spell in the context of this match.

Old ball, new ball, it doesn't matter too much to Haddin as he drives the first delivery of the over through the covers for three runs. Big appeal for lbw from Broad but it looks like Johnson got an inside edge on that one. Prior shakes his head and Broad walks back to his mark. Johnson clips a couple through square-leg when the ball drifts onto his pads. Good signs for England though as there's definitely some swing in the first over with the new ball.

No prizes for guessing who shares the new ball with Broad as Anderson comes back on for another spell. Haddin lives dangerously when he chips the ball just short of Tremlett at mid-off. Anderson strays onto the pads to gift Australia a couple of leg byes. Much better later in the over from the bowler when he beats Haddin's outside edge with one that just holds its line.

Johnson punishes a half-volley with a powerful drive through the covers for four. Good response from Broad as he follows an in-swinger by pushing the ball past the outside edge.

Broad makes the breakthrough! A hint of movement back into Johnson is enough to send the batsman packing as the stumps feel the force. Five wickets for Broad and he's determined to enjoy this moment as the jeers start again. Excellent bowling. Siddle in next.

Anderson catches the edge but the ball drops well short of the slips on its way to the boundary. Haddin reaches the rope again with a firm drive down the ground for four more. A single hands the strike to Siddle for the first time and he's immediately off the mark with a push into the off-side for a couple. 11 runs from Anderson's over. Six overs left in the day.

Haddin pulls a short ball behind square for a single. Beauty! Broad sneaks one between bat and pad but somehow the ball manages to miss both the inside edge and the top of off-stump. Siddle clips a single through square-leg and he'll keep the strike.

Siddle can do some damage with the bat but it's all about survival at this stage of the day. Anderson beats the bat with one that holds its line outside off-stump. Great shot from Siddle to earn four on the leg-side with the pull when Anderson loses his length. England's swing bowler responds with a gorgeous delivery to beat the bat again. Haddin 73* Siddle 7

Tremlett is back into the attack for a short spell before the close of play. Haddin shuffles across the crease to nudge the second ball away for a single. Siddle is always eager to feel bat on ball and his defence looks solid on the back foot. Just one run in the over.

Good line and length from Anderson as he finds the edge again but to Haddin's relief the ball drops short of Bell at gully. A leg-bye hands the strike to Siddle, who frustrates the bowler again when he misses the ball outside off-stump.

No more frustration for Anderson as he takes his second wicket of the day when Siddle edges the ball to Cook, who takes another smart catch at first slip. What a day for the tourists. They couldn't have wished for a better start.

A leg-bye allows Haddin to get off strike. Ryan Harris is the new batsman but he's not too interested in playing outside off-stump. Tremlett goes fuller to force a shot and Prior appeals for caught behind, with little support from his teammates. Harris pushes a couple of runs through the covers to get off the mark. Just one over left in the day. Haddin 75* Harris 2

Lovely timing from Haddin to earn three runs through mid-wicket at the start of the over. Great delivery from Anderson to beat the outside edge again. Harris opens the face slightly but he can't pierce the gap in the slip region. A firm drive from Harris straight down the ground earns him a couple of runs. No more runs scored by Australia's number 10. An excellent day for the tourist comes to an end.

CLOSE OF PLAY: Australia were confident after winning the toss but it's England who end the day in control of the first Test. Broad bowled superbly to claim 5-65 and he was well supported by every member of the bowling attack.

Cook deserves some praise today. England's skipper was positive when he needed to be but he also rotated his bowlers well to ensure that they were fresh when the second new ball arrived.

It looked like a great toss to win for Australia but they haven't been able to dominate with the bat on a superb pitch in Brisbane. Brad Haddin ends the day unbeaten on 78 and he'll return tomorrow alongside Ryan Harris, who has four runs to his name.

The job is far from done, but England have produced some great cricket on day one to move into a commanding position. Thanks for joining me today and make sure you return at 11.30pm tonight when our coverage of day two will begin. Goodbye.