Got a feeling Aussies will win 3-1.

England batting looks weak and the bowling is full of sameness.

Australia have a good bowling attack but their batting is pretty weak. They haven’t won a test series for a wile. Think England hold an upper edge just because they have a stronger batting. I expect stokes to be back by 3rd match so should boost the team

Both teams have a few holes which should make it a competitive series. I fancy the Aussies to win this opening battle but think England can take a 2-2 to claim the war.

Hard to look past Smith and Starc as the top run scorer and wicket taker.

Australia have a strong pace attack in their home conditions. I think they'll win.

comment by Blue Heaven (U20912)
posted 59 minutes ago
Australia have a strong pace attack in their home conditions. I think they'll win.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
That they do, but we've got plenty of experience to call upon against a fairly inexperienced batting line up.

There are issues with both batting line-ups. England are playing three inexperienced guys. Some of them might come good - or the whole line-up might get blown away.

I think we'll see both teams struggle if they don't get first innings runs on the board, us more so than them. I can see us getting blown away a couple of times but if we can get it right in the other 3 then it might be enough to pick up at least 2 wins and get a draw in the other.

Woohoo the ashes!!! Cant wait not to watch it.

Any highlights on terrestrial TV? Last time ITV 4 had them... Absolute joke that a playing nation can't see it as it's on BT..

Dont fancy our chances in Brisbane, but if we can avoid defeat on a pitch that is usually favourable to the Aussie bowling attack then that will put us in a great position

It will come down to weather England get enough runs... 400 runs batting first is a must.. Once you get over the new ball it gets easier. In fact it becomes ridiculously flat for the bowlers..

Get a draw by hook or by crook in the first test just like 2010 then go on to win the series. Would have picked ballance as an extra batter this test rather than ball. Need runs on the board.

Hazlewood will be leading wicket taker and Smith will be highest run scorer.Still I think England will win series 3-2 in my view.

Both teams have dodgy batting line ups but Australia have better pace bowlers for Australian conditions, I think the Aussies might shade the series by the odd test

comment by Wetherbyterrier (U2075)
posted 4 hours ago
Any highlights on terrestrial TV? Last time ITV 4 had them... Absolute joke that a playing nation can't see it as it's on BT..
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Nope, BT Sport have exclusive rights but will be showing highlights for free on BTSport.com and the BTSport App

England bat first..its massive need to make it count..My nerves are jangling!

comment by Liverpoolwhoelse17 (U16825)
posted 32 seconds ago
England bat first..its massive need to make it count..My nerves are jangling!
----------------------------------------------------------------------
same here

bat first is the logical choice but I did wonder if we would have a bowl to try and protect the openers from an early demoralising skittling. IF we can get through to lunch only 1 or 2 down it will be a good morning.

always best to bat first in most cases.. The weather forecast is decent enough and you get results in Brisbaine. Its a matter of whether England bat well enough the first time around.

yes. root did the right thing rather than the easy one - the psychology and tone set in the very first innings of an ashes series is so important

Good start.

Cook gone

England have been playing on very slow wickets.. that length was fine to play forward too in the other games.. this pitch as more pace.

England are gonna get hammered in this series.. I don't see any player counter attacking.. we will bat to slowly.. so wont got anywhere.. It will come down to if England can bowl out Australia cheaply.

Never seen Stoneman or Vince before

Stoneman and Vincent started well. For the hype, this is still a good wicket.