England fought back after losing the early wicket of Alastair Cook on the opening morning of the first Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane on Thursday. The former England captain only lasted 10 balls before he fell to pace spearhead Mitchell Starc in the third over to get the Australians a crucial early wicket in the five-Test series. But in-form opener Mark Stoneman and James Vince steadied the tourists to take them to 59 for one at lunch after winning the toss at the Gabba. Stoneman, who has scored a century and three half-centuries in four innings so far on tour, was unbeaten on 25 with Vince not out 32.

England's batsmen Mark Stoneman (R) and James Vince (L) walk back to the pavilion at lunch break on the first day of the first cricket Test of the Ashes series between England and Australia in Brisbane on November 23, 2017. Pic/AFP