Jimmy takes two as England take control in Ashes first test

England's James Anderson (right) celebrates taking the wicket of Australia's George Bailey (left) during day one of the first Ashes Test at The Gabba, Brisbane, Australia

“Burnley Express” Jimmy Anderson took two wickets as England gained the upper hand on the first day of the first Ashes Test in Brisbane overnight.

Stuart Broad got the headlines with five wickets as Australia closed on 273-8, having been reduced to 132-6.

A seventh-wicket partnership worth 114 between Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson dragged Australia back into contention, but they ended the day very much on the back foot at the Gabba.

Broad took the first four wickets to fall, as he claimed 5-65 from 20 overs, while Anderson was typically metronomic, taking 2-61 off 22.

Chris Tremlett took the other wicket to fall.

Anderson took the fifth wicket as he forced debutant George Bailey to edge a delivery that moved away for three, and he claimed the last scalp of the day when inducing a nick from Peter Siddle for seven to leave England well in command.