England have put themselves firmly in the driving seat at close of play on the first day of the winter Ashes series’ curtain-raiser in Brisbane, thanks in no small part to the bowling of Stuart Broad.

Broad, the villain of the piece in the eyes of the hosts, silenced large sections of the Gabba with 5-65 from his 20 overs, while James Anderson claimed 2, and third seamer Chris Tremlett chipped in to reduce Australia to 273-8 at stumps. 

Broad was welcomed to the crease with a chorus of jeers, and fans treated him to chants as he fielded near the boundary, the Australian public delivering on the promises made in the media in the run up to the Test.

“I actually really enjoyed it, if I’m honest,” said Broad.

"Our psychologists said three players would thrive on abuse - me, Matt Prior and Kevin Pietersen." - Stuart Broad

"I braced myself to expect it, and I think I coped well - I was singing along at one stage.

"In our medical assessments our psychologists said three players would thrive on abuse - me, Matt Prior and Kevin Pietersen. Ashes cricket brings the best out of me. 

"I'm pleased my mum wasn't here, but I don't give it the time of day. We don't read the papers, it doesn't spur me on, and you don't need any more inspiration than playing for your country.”

Broad’s first delivery of the morning was pulled away by David Warner for four, but he responded well, angling a short delivery into Rogers, who flicked it out to the grateful Ian Bell.

Broad also accounted for Watson, edging limply to Swann in the slips, and after a 40-minute respite at lunch, the hosts were pegged back further in Broad’s first over of the afternoon session. A short delivery from Broad, another catch for Ian Bell and Australia’s captain Michael Clarke followed his team mates back to the pavilion, the sixth time Clarke has fallen victim to Broad in his last eight innings. 

Warner provided resistance, punching his way to 49 before becoming Broad’s fourth, sending another short delivery straight to Kevin Pietersen. When Anderson accounted for George Bailey, the hosts were 100-5, and at risk of serious collapse.

Smith smacked 31 before becoming Tremlett’s first wicket of the series, but stubborn resistance from Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson slowed the English locomotive. 

Adding 114 for the seventh wicket, both players passed 50 before Broad came to the rescue, clean bowling the impressive Mitchell Johnson, before Peter Siddle feathered an Anderson delivery to Cook in the slips. Haddin ended unbeaten on 78, along with Ryan Harris on 4.

"We could have bowled them out cheaper, but those wickets at the end have put us in a great position," said Broad. 

"I didn't bowl too well in the morning session, my first few overs weren't the best but getting Pup [Michael Clarke] out gave me a lift.

"I wouldn't say I have a hold over him - he's obviously their star man and his record is phenomenal. The key was getting him in early enough with a hard enough ball to make that plan work.

"Haddin and Mitch played well, but if we can get through the new ball when we bat we can build a big score."

England resume their battle in Brisbane tonight, with play continuing at midnight GMT.