Australia bat first at the Gabba in 1st Ashes Test

BRISBANE: Australia captain Michael Clarke won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening Ashes test against England under bright, sunny skies at the Gabba on Thursday.

England wicketkeeper Matt Prior was named in the side after recovering from a calf strain, while Chris Tremlett took the spot as the third seamer alongside James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

Australia batsman George Bailey was handed his baggy green cap by former captain Mark Taylor ahead of his test debut and spinner Nathan Lyon was included in the starting line-up with all-rounder James Faulkner named 12th man. "We are going to have a bat, the wicket looks fantastic and the forecast is good," Clarke said. "

As expected, England handed opener Michael Carberry his Ashes debut with Joe Root moving down the batting order to number six.

England, who won the first series of this years double header 3-0, are chasing a fourth straight Ashes triumph and a first victory at the Gabba since 1986.

Vice captain Priors recovery was a big boost for the tourists, who had been sweating over his fitness since he injured his calf in the penultimate tour match in Hobart.

Australia: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon.

England: Alastair Cook (captain), Michael Carberry, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Matt Prior, Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett. (Reuters)