Australia's Pat Cummins on removing Joe Root for 15: "It wasn't a plan to him. In terms of fast bowlers' wickets, it's the dream. To set him up with an outswinger, then trap him with an inswinger, it only comes off one in a hundred times."

On James Vince, who made 83: "He looked solid. I played a bit with him for Sydney Thunder. From what I've seen he takes the game on. He looked a pretty good player.

"England looked pretty intent on saving their wickets. The pitch was a bit English - a bit slower and some balls popped up. Maybe they batted like they do back home."

Pat Cummins, who removed Mark Stoneman and Joe Root in his 2-59: "We talk about special plays and the Lyon run-out cracked open the partnership.

"I said to Lyon he should stuff before every game, with the way he bowled today. It was a huge effort. He bowled beautifully. I don't know how he didn't take six wickets, let alone one."

Mark Copeman: I won't be celebrating Thanksgiving today, but I'm currently thankful for Vince and Stoneman.

Who's the turkey?

Keep these coming in please...

• Who was your player of the day?
• Your play of the day? Lyon's throw to run out Vince?
• Predictions for day two?

Image source, Getty Images

England's James Vince, who watched the 2013-14 Ashes from the stands, on playing his first Ashes Test: "The anthem got a few shivers going down the spine. I was batting early, so I didn't have much to think about.

"I felt reasonably calm considering the occasion. I tried to enjoy it and maintain focus. I didn't want it to get on top of me and I thought I got the balance quite right."

James Vince, whose 83 was almost double his previous highest best score of 42, said: "If I could have my first go at Test cricket again, I would, but that's in the past now. I've been focused on capitalising on this opportunity and nailing a place in the team."

On Matthew Hayden's comments that he did not know half of England's players: "Hayden's comments give you an incentive to make a statement. It's nice to spend some time in the middle and get some confidence. If he didn't know who we were, he probably does now.

"I didn't take too much notice of the pre-match comments. I've had stuff after I got called up. I guess it gives you more inspiration to prove people wrong."

Unusual for Hayden to be so outspoken...

Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special

The thought of Moeen, Mitchell Starc, a new ball and 40,000 people tomorrow makes me think we're set for some real entertainment.

Liz Mitchell: Time to catch up with what I slept through...

You missed Gower flying a plane overhead..

• This is the 15th time that Mark Stoneman has reached at least 50 in first class matches in 2017, from just 32 innings.
• This is Alastair Cook's fifth successive score under 25 in Tests.
• Mark Stoneman left over a third (31) of the 90 deliveries he faced in the morning session. He played and missed only once.
• Well known for his prowess on the off side, 41 of James Vince's 83 runs were scored through the covers.
• From his 28 Ashes innings, this is only the second time Joe Root has been dismissed lbw.

That Stoneman stat is class.

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

England have done pretty well but, as we always say, that first session is massive. They should be looking at 350 minimum.

Jack Blackburn: Player of the day: Vince - great performance under doubt and pressure. Play of the day: Nathan Lyon’s run out. Prediction: England to struggle in first hour, but to make 300-350.

Nearer 350 would be a good score for the England bowlers

Image source, EPA

England's James Vince, who made a Test-best 83: "It was nice to get some runs early.

"Not getting a ton disappointing. No matter what score you get you always want more. It would have been nice to be there at the end of the day, but stuff like that happens in cricket.

"I'm sure lying in bed I'll have a few thoughts about missing out, but if you'd offered me 80-odd I'd have taken it.

"Next time I probably won't take that run. It was a good bit of fielding. He bowled pretty well and deserved something from the day."

Patrick Brennan: Player of the day - Vince (pleasant surprise). Play of the day - Lyon's run out of Vince. Predictions for day 2 - Eng 320 all out; Oz 90-2 (Warner out cheaply, Smith looking menacingly good)

Good protocol Patrick. You can be the first to hold the urn.

Tom Murrihy: Is Pat Cummins actually Stirling Archer in disguise?

Is that a cartoon?

Image source, EPA

With the weight of leading a side off his shoulders it was (is) hoped that Alastair Cook would lead the fight from the top this series.

However, it hasn't started well for the Essex man. His opening 2017-18 innings lasted 10 balls and 13 mins when he was caught off the bowling of Mitchell Starc.

Cook has averaged 27 and 24 on previous tours. Hmmm...

Here's what former Australia batting and WK great Adam Gilchrist said on BT Sport: "Alastair may be 140 Test matches into his career but as a result of this dismissal, the mind-games begin for him now.

"It’s not about whether he’s got the shots, the Australia media were building a case on him ahead of this Test match. There were a couple of failures in the warm-up games."

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

Malan has played nicely. He stays on the back foot and comes forward once he gets the bowlers to pitch it up to him.

Jack Pickthorn: Pat Cummins and James Vince shared out the players of the day trophy for me. Good innings also from Stoneman and Malan also showing glimmers of hope.

We want your...

• Player of the day
• Play of the day
• Predictions for day two

OK, so bar the early dismissal of ex-skipper Alastair Cook (more on reaction to his dismissal in a bit), the tourists began well at the cauldron that is the Gabba.

Ashes debutants Mark Stoneman and James Vince put on a 125-run partnership on a slow wicket before seamer Pat Cummins - with a Mitchell Johnson-inspired 'tache - finally got some joy by taking the wickets of Stoneman and then skipper Joe Root.

Nathan Lyon, speaking on BT Sport: "It was a good challenge with Stoneman and Vince batting well, so we're happy with that fightback.

"It will harden up and still be good to bowl on for the quicks so we're looking forward to tomorrow.

"England are a great side and we need to come out and bowl well.

"I'm very happy with the run out - you practice it all day at training so it's nice to see it come off.

"For me it was one of those days were you create chances with the ball and they miss. I thought I bowled well without much luck."