A record-breaking opening partnership between David Warner and Cameron Bancroft cemented a crushing 10-wicket victory for Australia Monday, leaving England with pressing issues to resolve to salvage the Ashes series. Warner and newcomer Bancroft got the required runs in a 173-run opening stand to smash an 87-year-old record for the all-time highest unbeaten opening partnership in a successful Test chase.
Warner finished unbeaten on 87 off 119 balls with Bancroft hitting the winning boundary to remain 82 not out from 182 deliveries. It was the seventh time Australia had vanquished England by 10 wickets in the Ashes and leaves the home side unbeaten at their Gabba fortress in 29 years. "The first Test of an Ashes is very important, there was a bit of pressure but I'm really pleased with how we played," Australian skipper Steve Smith said.
"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." The Australians only needed 56 runs on the final morning go one up after England imploded on Sunday's fourth day, leaving captain Joe Root with issues to resolve ahead of Saturday's first-ever Ashes day-night second Test in Adelaide.
Much of the post-match reaction centred on Bancroft allegedly being headbutted by England wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow in a late-night altercation in Perth last month, which only came to light on Sunday. Both parties worked to play it down Monday with Bancroft saying it was a "weird" and "random" greeting instead of a traditional hand-shake, while Bairstow said there was nothing malicious about it and "no animosity" between the pair.
It was Warner's 25th Test fifty and ninth in the Ashes, while Bancroft posted his first half-century in only his second Test innings. "Great to get a win with the guys. I know everyone's really excited and hopefully we can carry this momentum forward," Bancroft said. Warner said it was heartening to get the win without losing a wicket. "That's what we cherish, coming out being disciplined to try and get the job done as best as possible," he said.
England's doleful defeat was played to the background sounds of the travelling Barmy Army supporters singing 'We'll Take the (Ashes) Urn Home' in the sparsely-populated ground.
Scoreboard
England first innings 302 (J. Vince 83, D. Malan 56, M. Stoneman 53; M. Starc 3-77, P. Cummins 3-85)
Australia first innings 328 (S. Smith 141 not out, S. Marsh 51; S. Broad 3-49)
England second innings 195 (J. Root 51; J. Hazlewood 3-46, M. Starc 3-51, N. Lyon 3-67)
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Australia second innings
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D. Warner not out 87
C. Bancroft not out 82
Extras: (lb2, nb1, w1) 4
Total: (0 wicket; 50 overs) 173
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