Captains Ricky Ponting and Andrew Flintoff make the toss at the Gabba. Ponting was successful with his call. Hamish Blair / Getty Images
First honours to Australia at the Gabba today, as the opening Test in the Ashes series got underway in Brisbane.
After the first session of play, Australia reached 109 for the loss of one wicket.
Earlier, the two Australian openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden had given the
home side a fine start with an opening stand of 79 before Andrew Flintoff captured the wicket of Hayden for with his score on 21.
Langer went to lunch unbeaten on 68.
Australia won the toss and captain Ricky Ponting decided to bat first on a fine sunny day in Queensland.
Earlier, England chose to play veteran Ashley Giles as their left-arm spinner.
Giles has not played a test for a year because of hip problems, but got the nod over Monty Panesar, who has impressed throughout 2006.
It is understood Giles was preferred because of his better batting and fielding abilities over his rival, primarily to strengthen England's long tail.
Batsman Ian Bell was also passed fit to play after being struck on the wrist during the week.
Fast bowler Sajid Mahmood is the 12th man for England.
TEAMS
England: Andrew Flintoff (captain), Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood, Kevin Pietersen, Geraint Jones, Ashley Giles, Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison, James Anderson, Sajid Mahmood (12th man).
Australia: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting (captain), Damien Martyn, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Stuart Clark, Glenn McGrath.
