AUSTRALIA and England will both be pleased with their efforts on day one of the first Test in Brisbane as each side shone at different times at the Gabba.

It was slow going for the visitors with the bat in the first session but they blunted the Aussie attack, Alastair Cook the only batsman to ball before lunch.

Relative newcomers Mark Stoneman and James Vince did well to protect the middle order.

The pair continued their good work after the break, bringing up a 100-run partnership as both men passed 50. But Pat Cummins struck in the last over before tea to remove Stoneman and bring England skipper Joe Root to the crease.

Nathan Lyon ran Vince out for 83 with a superb piece of fielding and Cummins struck again to get rid of Root with a fearsome inswinger before bad light stopped play.

England 4/196 from 80.3 overs. Malan 28, Ali 13