Time for the anthems. There are some England fans in the big Brisbane bowl but they're massively outnumbered.

"Please welcome to the teams to the field..."

There's a huge cheer as Pat Cummins leads his side out. The England players are wearing black armbands for Eileen Ash.

Tom Peppiatt: Rather pessimistic, but concerned I might fall asleep and wake up to Australia batting.

Marka: Just need Broad to do an angry interview, then skittle the Aussies in the next four Tests now.

This atmospheric image is from inside the England dressing room, taken by England media manager Danny Reuben.

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

If you don't get big first-innings scores in Australia, you don't win Tests. It's as simple as that.

English optimism is alive and kicking...

Samuel: What happens first? I go to bed or England all out?

The feeling in my stomach has only got stronger since the toss. Eeek.

The Gabba is filling up.

There's nothing like day one of the Ashes, is there?

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

This England batting line-up is vulnerable and can be flaky. They've got to show their mettle now. They can't be 30-4.

Image source, PA Media

There has not been an Ashes Test without Stuart Broad or James Anderson since 2006.

That decision is going to be debated over and over for the next few days.

For now, though, the focus turns to the batters.

Image source, Getty Images

The good news is you're already in the right place.

We'll be here throughout the night with live text commentary and we'll also have video clips of the wickets and big moments.

You can listen to Test Match Special commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, BBC Radio 4 or by clicking play at the top of this page.

We're also very excited to say there'll be a highlights show for UK readers on the BBC iPlayer from 17:00 GMT each day.

Image source, Getty Images

I've already read the words 'good toss to lose' 20 times. It's probably the right call for England to bat - it's Brisbane after all - but it's a brave one.

You're not going to be able to sleep comfortably, that's for certain.

Australia XI: Warner, Harris, Labuschagne, Smith, Head, Green, Carey (wk), Cummins (c), Starc, Lyon, Hazlewood.

England XI: Burns, Hameed, Malan, Root (c), Stokes, Pope, Buttler (wk), Woakes, Robinson, Wood, Leach.

Australia captain Pat Cummins: "The buzz has been amazing. We probably were going to have a bat but I think it is 50-50. We are really excited to get out there.

"I thought one of Broad or Anderson would play each Test. He bowled well in England but it is a different country."

England's Joe Root on leaving out Stuart Broad: "We are blessed with a very good seam attack and it was a difficult decision to make. There's five Tests and it's important they're ready to go when called upon at any time. We have prepared and planned really well. We're grateful to get the opportunity to play a series like this and we want to make the most of it."

Confirmation from Joe Root that Stuart Broad has been left out of the England team for the first Test.

Joe Root has won the toss!

Pat Cummins has emerged for the toss for the first time as Australia captain.

Here we go...

Phil Tufnell
Former England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

I can't catch my breath, it's unbelievable not to select Broad. The Australians left-handers must be jumping for joy. I can't understand when the spinner will bowl! It's green with rain delays likely!