Ashes: Australia defeats England in the 1st Test. Gabba wins Test by nine wickets

Brisbane, December 11, 2011 : .

Englands hopes of dominating Australia overnight in Ashes Test were crushed when the hosts produced a spectacular bowling performance to destroy the tourists at The Gabba.

They now hold a lead of 1-0 in the series.England top-order batters Dawid Malan and Joe Roots spirited fightback had helped England close day three on a high as the tourists had reached 220 for two at stumps, trailing by 58 runs.

But on Saturday, the visitors could add only 77 runs to their overnight total as wickets fell like ninepins and the Englands second innings folded up for 297 runs.Marcus Harris was given just 20 runs and he struck the winning runs.Australia lost Alex Carey.

The action now shifts to Adelaide where the second Test will be held.Brief scores: England 147 & 297 in 103 overs (Joe Root 89, Dawid Malan 82; Pat Cummins 2/51, Mitchell Starc 1/77; Nathan Lyon 4/91, Camero Green 2/23) lost to Australia 425 and 20 for 1 in 5.1 overs (Marcus Harris 9 not out) by nine wickets.akm/ #Ashes #Australia #defeats #England #Gabba #wins.