Scorecard

After all that build-up, it seemed certain that the opening day of the Ashes – an even, absorbing one – was always likely to be a little tetchy. But that was about all that went according to the script. The pitch, and the outfield, were slow. Australia’s quicks were only threatening in patches (with Pat Cummins the pick by a length but Nathan Lyon the best bowler), and James Vince looked the part, for plenty longer than a mere cameo. It even rained!

“I don’t know how he doesn’t have six-fer,” Cummins reflected of the off-spinner. “I told him he should say something before every game.” Lyon’s bowling remained superb to the last; it is hard to imagine how he could have had a better day without taking a wicket or ending a single career. With this much spin on day one, he might just be the game’s key mover. He has an excellent record at The Gabba, and an excellent record this year. Surely no one expected that.

Vince was a delight, and provided the innings England had so long believed he had in him – even if another brainfart terminated it prematurely. He struggled with Lyon, but handled the seamers with some ease, cover-driving beautifully and leaving well too. He looked plenty tighter than before, scolding himself for every half-error, and correcting himself with the firmest defence.

That pair’s excellence was a fillip for England’s selectors, who had a better day than Australia’s. Paine’s drop was a howler, while there were times in the big stand when Steve Smith would have longed for another bowling option – namely Glenn Maxwell as Lyon wheeled away. The third batting newbie, Dawid Malan, who battled hard against Lyon then cashed in as Cummins flagged, has a chance to please James Whitaker and the gang even further. Malan and Moeen Ali ’s task is stiff – the new ball is just three deliveries old.