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Ashes 2017/18, 1st Test: Hits and misses

Australia v England - First Test: Day 5
Hosts Australia thumped to victory in the 2017 Ashes opener

The fortress of the 'Gabbatoir' remains unbreached at the Ashes, as Australia took a 1-0 lead in their pursuit to regain the iconic urn and preserve an unbeaten record in Brisbane that stretches back to 1988.

It was a gripping contest for the first three days before the touring party's batting failed to show any resistance, and hosts Australia came in touching distance of a win on the fourth evening itself.

Needing 170 to win in the final innings, Australia were just 56 short when David Warner and Cameron Bancroft walked out to resume batting on Monday morning.

It turned out to be a walk in the park for the Australian openers as they handed a crushing 10-wicket defeat to England.

The day-night Test that begins on Saturday can now be considered a must-win for England's morale. But before the Ashes action moves to Adelaide, let's have a look at the hits and misses from the first Test.


Miss: Chris Woakes

Australia v England - First Test: Day 4
Australia v England - First Test: Day 4

Chris Woakes, who took six wickets in the final Ashes warm-up game, was the frontrunner to fill the void left by England's celebrated all-rounder Ben Stokes.

Unfortunately, Stokes was dearly missed in Brisbane by his countrymen.

With 17 runs in two innings and a wicket - Pat Cummins, Woakes certainly failed to live up to the hoopla associated with his 'dangerman' status.

Touted as 'the best number 9 in Test cricket', the 28-year-old moved up the batting order to number 8 but could not fill Big Ben's boots.

Woakes, who was raring to rattle Australia before the start of the Test, will have to prove his mettle as a bowler, and only that will define the success of his first Ashes trip. 

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