A full ball from Hazlewood comes swinging into Vince, and he flicks it off his pads and comes tearing through for two runs. That's really clever from Vince - he ran the first one hard, knowing that the fielder down in the deep would have to run around to collect the ball, and then came tearing through for the second.

Dan Norcross
BBC Test Match Special

Image source, Getty Images

A second-wicket century partnership, which I'd wager is a rarity for England over the last year or two.

Drinks are done. Mitch Starc is back, a grubby looking cherry in his hand. And an easy single brings up the 100 run partnership between these two! It's acknowledged by the Gabba crowd, while Starc glares moodily at the floor. England, as someone has just pointed out, had one century stand in the entire of the 2013-14 tour. A full ball is bunted away by Stoneman, and Pat Cummins gets a high five as he throws himself on top of the ball.

Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

If Joe Root doesn't have a bat for a while then all well and good.

If he doesn't get a bat until tomorrow lunchtime, then even better.

If you're just joining us, then good morning! What's gone on today, I hear you ask?

Well, England were 2-1 after Alastair Cook fell early on to a fine Mitch Starc delivery. However, Mark Stoneman and James Vince have played patiently to avoid any further wickets.

It's been a mature partnership from the (relative) newbies, full of good running and cover drives from Vince. This pitch is slow, and Australia haven't been able to find that extra zip.

Shot! That's four for Mark Stoneman as Josh Hazlewood overpitches, and Stoneman whips the ball off his stumps and through mid-wicket. And Hazlewood has the perfect response. A pacey delivery draws Stoneman forward and the ball just beats his grope outside off stump. Stoneman, perhaps not surprisingly, remains watchful for the rest of the over.

Samuel Cardwell: Vince really is all about driving - his wagon wheel is straight out of the 19th century. Possibly the most 'pleasant' batsman since Bell - I hope he can keep it going.

Image source, Opta

The running between these two has been really good. It's been well judged, the two of them picking the gaps and then running hard. Vince lets consecutive deliveries from Starc go pinging by his off stump, before easily swaying out of the way of a short one. Starc follows it up with a few words, and then an superb 91mph yorker that Vince just about manages to miss. He's certainly looked the most threatening today. The 'tache aside.

Lester Broom: Vince you little star, come on England!

John Fell: Yes! James Vince!! Maiden 50 on the board!

Image source, Getty Images

The Barmy Army are in fine voice as Josh Hazlewood runs in to bowl. Stoneman continues in his unfussy way, leaning into a straight drive that has David Warner scampering along after it. The same man then shoots Hazlewood a big ol' grin as he ducks into a bouncer that skims along the front of his grille.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport at the Gabba

Even as recently as the final Test of the English summer, if you said that James Vince would score the first half-century of the Ashes series, you'd have been sent to see a doctor.

Image source, Getty Images

It took Vince 106 balls to reach his fifty. I think his temperament has been bang on. Mitch Starc is on for a blast, and his first ball is punched through the off side by Mark Stoneman for a couple. Shot! Oh, that is lovely from Vince. Starc serves up a juicy half volley and Vince is elegance personified as another cover drive goes flying away to the boundary.

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

Well played James Vince, he'll be absolutely delighted, as will everyone in the dressing room.

He's in the number three slot, which is so crucial, and he's gone out there and got his first Test fifty. Brilliant.

Image source, reu

50 for James Vincepublished at 37.4 overs

37.4 overs

What a time to bring up your maiden Test half-century!

It's Vince's seventh boundary of the innings as he gets his foot forward and drives Hazlewood to the ropes. He raises his bat to the Barmy Army, who are on their feet to applaud his endeavors.

A bowling change! Here's Josh Hazlewood.

Matt Roberts: This is the first time in my life I’ve been able to fully stay up & watch the Ashes in Australia. My main thought: my god I love Test cricket.

Kat Dickens: Listening to TMS makes night-time feeds of my baby an absolute joy.

Image source, Getty Images

Cummins will continue, and that's four! Vince goes for that cut shot again, up on his toes, and he absolutely whacks it through point. Cummins is searching for some extra pace but this pitch just doesn't have it. Vince has plenty of time, able to hang out on the back foot and work an easy single. David Warner jogs in for a chat with Cummins as Stoneman sets himself, but the England opener is stoic. He taps a few balls here and there to see out the over.

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

This is what England have to do - just keep the Aussies out there as long as possible. Grind them down.

They used to keep us in the field for days and it's a real killer.

This is good from England, with Vince working a single from Lyon's first delivery, before Stoneman stoically defends the next couple. There's still plenty of noise from the keeper and slip but Stoneman looks unruffled. In fact, he looks completely disinterested in whatever they're saying to him.