Cricket News : Bitterly disappointing- Joe Root after losing the first Ashes Test in Brisbane

England slumped to a nine-wicket defeat and lose the first Ashes Test to the hosts Australia at the Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday.

Resuming Day 4 at 220-2, England suffered a collapse, losing 8 wickets for 77 runs. Once overnight batters captain Joe Root and Dawid Malan were both quickly dismissed, the defeat seemed inevitable.   

After restricting England's second innings to 297, the Australians needed just 20 runs to clinch the match.

Australia hasn't lost a test against England at the Gabba since 1986, and hasn't lost an Ashes test on home soil since 2010-11.

Some critics questioned Root's decision to bat first after winning the toss in dark, overcast conditions on Day 1, and the selection panel's call to omit veteran pace bowlers Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad from the XI.