Joe Root is plotting how England can "upset the apple cart" for Australia at the Gabba. The last side to beat Australia were the West Indies in 1988. The England captain acknowledged the Ashes hosts' ominous record in Brisbane, where the first Test begins today, but publicly pondered the impact it will have on the series if his team can pull off a surprise victory.

England captain Joe Root speaks at a press conference in Brisbane yesterday. Pic/AFP