Ashes 2017, Australia vs England 1st Test: Day 5 at The Gabba

The series-opening match was tightly contested for the first three days after England won the toss, elected to bat and posted 1964 on a rain-affected opening day when the pitch was slow and soft. The Australian pace trio tipped to play a major role in reproducing the kind of intimidating fast bowling that exposed some vulnerability from England on the last tour here, initially struggled to get their rhythm on a wicket devoid of the kind of pace and bounce the Gabba is famous for. England's Jake Ball, right, appeals for the wicket of Australia's Cameron Bancroft, left, during their Ashes cricket test match in Brisbane, Australia.

David Warner and Cameron Bancroft shared a record 173-run partnership as Australia wrapped up a 10-wicket win over England in the first Test on Monday, taking first honours in the five-match Ashes series. Warner was unbeaten on 87 and Cameron Bancroft hit the winnings runs, finishing not out 82, as the Australians surpassed the victory target of 170 with 2 ½ sessions to spare on day five after resuming at 1140. Australia's David Warner, right, and Cameron Bancroft walk off the field after winning the match against England during their Ashes cricket test in Brisbane, Australia.

The Australians rallied in the first inning after a top-order collapse on the second day and Smith's innings ensured the hosts had a 26-run lead in the first innings. With the pitch starting to behave more in line with tradition on days three and four, Australia seized control on Sunday with England losing its last four wickets for 10 runs and giving the home team plenty of time to chase the 170 runs needed for victory.

With the pitch starting to behave more in line with tradition on days three and four, Australia seized control on Sunday with England losing its last four wickets for 10 runs and giving the home team plenty of time to chase the 170 runs needed for victory. "Steve Smith played exceptionally well on that surface and took the game away from us," England captain Joe Root said.