'GABBATOIR' DELAY LETS ENGLAND OFF THE HOOK

CHRIS WOAKES believes Australia have gifted England a psychological boost by hosting this month's Ashes opener in Perth rather than their traditional stronghold at the Gabba.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

Brisbane's cricketing cauldron has been home to the curtainraiser between the two sides since 1986, with the hosts winning seven and drawing two of the 10 subsequent Tests in Queensland. England have collected some traumatic memories at the venue, including heavy losses on their past three visits, but organisers have decided to shake up the order this time around.

That means next week's opener will take place at Optus Stadium, a relative new build with no Ashes history, while the Gabba holds a day/night second Test.