Stuart Broad has practically come skipping up to the umpire as he removes his hat and jumper. Cameron Bancroft lets the first two deliveries go past his off stump, before blocking the next one away. That's just a touch too short from Broad I'd wager, but he gets one to rise into Bancroft's midriff, striking him a tremendously uncomfortable place. He doesn't even flinch. A maiden.

Image source, Getty Images

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

With the way Australia knocked off the runs at the Gabba, it makes it crucial for England to get a few wickets early.

It wasn't hooping around.

Jimmy got one to go across on the angle but it didn't look like it was massively swinging.

Ooh. There's decent carry on show as Jonny Bairstow collects a delivery at head height, before Stuart Broad hands a floppy hat back to a member of the crowd after it had blown off. Nice of him. Down the leg side goes Anderson and Warner tries to get a little tickle on it, before he throws a big ol' drive at a wider delivery. Warner licks his lips as Anderson gives him a filthy look. Just the one from the first over.

Image source, Getty Images

Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

It is a bit harsh on Jake Ball but bringing in Craig Overton means there is someone else for the opposition to think about.

I don't mind it. It is a good decision.

Dearie me, it's windy out there. James Anderson offers up a touch of width with the first delivery of the match, and Cameron Bancroft nurdles it away for a single.

Australia are under way.

There's plenty of England support inside the ground as the players make their way out.

Unsurprisingly, it'll be James Anderson to open the bowling for England. Here we go...

Matt Roberts: Choosing to bowl does risk somewhat sending the message to the Aussies that we’re scared of their bowlers & lack confidence in our batting. If I was Steve Smith that’s certainly what I’d be saying.

Ben Walton: Bowling first is probably what’s gonna cost us the Ashes.

Image source, Getty Images

The England players are wearing black armbands in honour of first-class umpire Russell Evans,, external who passed away earlier this week.

Joe Root gathers his men just beyond the boundary rope to dish out his pre-match orders, while David Warner and Cameron Bancroft lurk nearby.

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Adelaide

Believe it or not, those figures on the top of the stand are a choir. Can't imagine being that high is good for your singing. Especially when it's blowing a hoolie.

Image source, BBC Sport

It's anthem time!

Pretty much all the England players are wearing those big cable knit jumpers, which suddenly makes me feel a bit better about being in a very cold office.

BBC Radio 5 live

Ex-England captain and the most elegant left-handers you could hope to see, David Gower, spoke to 5 live yesterday about Adelaide.

"This a key game because I think everyone acknowledges that Adelaide probably gives them a slightly better chance than, for instance, the WACA of sneaking a win in and evening up the series," he said.

"They started OK in Brisbane - it was even stevens for the first couple of days, their motivation should have been as high as it possibly can be.

"This is extra motivation and if you’re 1-0 down in a Test series with four to play if you need whatever gets you going that bit further at the start of the next game then fine take it."

Image source, Getty Images

Stephan Shemilt
BBC Sport in Adelaide

England will not feel more at home on this entire tour. Not only is it grey and chilly, but the whole atmosphere is... English. Whereas Brisbane was harsh, this is gentle, civilised. The walk to the ground, across the river, could have been Stratford or Chester. If the Gabba takes no prisoners, Adelaide welcomes those in a posh frock and gives them a glass of champagne.

Australia captain Steve Smith: "We would have had a bat. It looks a pretty good wicket. The new ball might do a little bit, but there's less grass and it's a bit harder on day one than the previous two day-night Tests and hopefully we can make the most of it first up.

"I think England are thinking there might be a little bit of overhead, and some swing. They're going to come out hard. It's going to be a great atmosphere and let's put on a good show."

BBC Weather's Philip Avery: "Saturday will be a partly cloudy day with some bright spells and also the risk of the odd shower. Some good spells of sunshine are anticipated. Through the second half of the afternoon and into the evening, the risk of showers will lessen, and winds will ease."

Richard Balmforth: When your alarm goes off before 3am it can only mean it’s an #Ashes away tour.

Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia pace bowler on BBC Test Match Special

I don't think you would be too concerned to be bowling first.

There is enough grass, enough life in the pitch. You can't get carried away as a bowler. You have got to get it full and in the right area.

There is enough natural variation out there. You have to do less as a bowler.

Er. There's now blue sky and sunshine above the Adelaide Oval...

That's a big call from Joe Root. He's the first captain to bowl first at Adelaide since Azharuddin back in 1992.

BBC Test Match Special

England captain Joe Root speaking to TMS: "I think it is a great opportunity for us if we deliver skills to the best of our ability. There is a bit of live grass and we have to delivery what we know we can do.

"I think there has been enough talk as there was first one (Test)."

Here is one very proud dad who, I'm sure, will be watching on.

England captain Joe Root asked why he chose to bowl at the toss: "The overhead conditions, and the chances of two pink balls on the first day, it is a chance to take some wickets.

"All we have to do is worry about what we do well. We were very good for three days in Brisbane. We have got to get on with it."