Dominant Australia crush England by 10 wickets in opening Ashes test

Sorry tourists mauled in one-sided opening test at the Gabba

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Australia’s David Warner(R) and Cameron Bancroft walk off the field after winning the opening test match against England. Photo: AP

Published: 10:45am, 27 Nov 2017Updated: 10:45am, 27 Nov 2017

Australia cruised to a crushing 10-wicket win over England to go one-up in the Ashes series in the opening test at the Gabba on Monday, with captain Steve Smith praising his team’s character.

Openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft added to England’s agony by peeling off the required runs without the loss of a wicket before lunch on the final day.

Warner finished unbeaten on 87 off 119 balls with newcomer Bancroft hitting the winning runs to remain 82 not out off 182 balls in Australia’s 173 without loss.

England’s James Anderson reacts as Warner celebrates with team-mate Bancroft after winning the first Ashes test. Photo: Reuters

In the process, they broke an 87-year-old test record for the all-time highest unbeaten opening partnership in a successful test chase.

“We had to show some really good character throughout. Obviously losing the toss, and the wicket was a lot slower than we anticipated it would be. We had to work really hard,” said Australian captain Steve Smith.

“I’m pleased with the way we have played. Bowling first at the Gabba, it’s hard. The bowlers had to be on. The way we pulled it back to win from the position we were in it’s extremely pleasing. I’m proud of the way the boys fought.”