England Elect to Bat in First Ashes Test

Brisbane: England won the toss and chose to bat on the opening day of the first Ashes Test against Australia at the Gabba on Thursday.

Tasmanian left-arm orthodox spinner Xavier Doherty will make his Test debut, while Michael Clarke took his place in the Australian lineup after passing a fitness test on his injured back.

England have not won the Brisbane Test since Mike Gatting's team prevailed by seven wickets six tours ago - on their way to the tourists' last Australian series victory in 1986/87.

England could not find a tougher ground to launch their Ashes defence, with Australia unbeaten in their last 21 Tests at the Gabba since losing to Viv Richards's West Indians in 1988.

But Ponting's men have slipped to fifth on the ICC Test rankings, one below England, and the lowest Australia have been since the rankings first appeared in 2003.

Australia have lost their last three Tests, to Pakistan and India (twice), something that has not happened for almost 22 years.

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The Ashes 2010-11 News

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England Fast Bowlers Shahzad and Tremlett to Fly Home [+]

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Australia Rest Watson, Clarke for Final England ODI [+]

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Clarke Leads Australia in Thrilling Win [+]

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Yardy Return as England Elect to Bat Against Oz [+]

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Aussies Out to Continue Dominance, England Play For Pride [+]

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Ferguson Added to Aussies ODI Squad Against England [+]

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Plunkett to Join England Squad as Cover [+]

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