England captain Joe Root has called correctly and won the toss for the first Ashes test at the 'Gabba in Brisbane

He's decided to bat first.

But the tourists have sprung a major surprise with Stuart Broad left out, joining fellow veteran paceman James Anderson in sitting out the first test.





It means the tourists will have a bowling attack of Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, Chris Woakes and spinner Jack Leach.

Aussie captain Pat Cummins not unhappy with losing the toss in his first test.



Play is just underway.

NEWSTALK ZB'S INTERNATIONAL CRICKET COVERAGE WITH RESENE. NEW ZEALAND'S MOST TRUSTED PAINT, YEAR AFTER YEAR.