(Cricket news) Day 1 of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba as expected was called off early. Rain and bad light interrupted but not before Australia ran riot and dismantled the England batting line-up for just 147 runs.

England made a few controversial calls by leaving out the experienced Johnny Bairstow in favor of the relatively young Ollie Pope. With James Anderson already rested, England decided to leave out Stuart Broad and play Mark Wood instead. It was the first time since 2006 that an England XI at the Ashes didn't have either of Broad and Anderson. The big call was electing to bat first after winning the toss which massively back fired for Joe Root.

Australia on the other hand stuck with their senior bowling quartet despite underwhelming performances. It did the trick as Mitchell Starc launched a rapid in-swinging yorker on Rory Burns' leg stump on the very first ball which knocked over the England opener's stumps. Australia got off to an incredible start with Burns out for a duck. Dawid Malan walked in to join Haseeb Hameed in the middle. Malan's stay was a short one as he edged Josh Hazelwood's good length ball straight to debutant gloveman Alex Carey. The Yorkshire batter could have left the ball which would've comfortably missed the stumps due to the excess bounce at the Gabba but uncertainty got the better of him.

Hazelwood wasn't done there as he continued with his relentless line and length to new batter Joe Root. The England skipper was caught at first slip with another good length delivery by Hazelwood as England lost their 3rd wicket for just 11 after 6 overs. Skipper Pat Cummins then got into the act as he dismissed the returning Ben Stokes with a bouncing good length ball which was angled in into the left hander. England went into lunch at 59/4 after absolute carnage by the Australian quicks.

Also read: I am 100% committed to doing my best at the Vijay Hazare Trophy – Indian cricketer Yash Nahar

Hameed's gritty innings where he got 25 off 75 balls while wickets kept crumbling at the other end was ended by Pat Cummins. Jos Buttler and Ollie Pope put together the highest partnership of the England innings at 52. Buttler in particular took on the bowlers and counter attacked like he usually does. Mitchell Starc returned to break the partnership as Buttler edged his ball to Carey while on 39. After failing to pick up a single wicket in the entire 4 match series against India, Cameron Green finally got his maiden Test wicket. Ollie Pope couldn't resist pulling his short ball towards Josh Hazelwood who took a good catch. 

Captain Cummins brought himself back into the attack and cleaned up the tail in no time. Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood lasted only 7 overs. Cummins ended the innings with fifer, his first against England. Nathan Lyon failed to pick up a wicket in his 9 overs. He will have to wait for his 400th Test scalp. Rain and later bad light made sure that the Aussies didn't come out to bat. The England bowlers have a massive task ahead. The 4 pacers will be hoping to see a few clouds early the morning tomorrow to try and make inroads.