Paths to glory Five ways England can win the first Test

1 ‘Daddy hundreds’ from Cook and Root could wreak havoc

It is 29 years since a touring side won a Test at the Gabba, but one way England might do so is if Alastair Cook and/or Joe Root manage the kind of “daddy hundreds” the opener scored there in 2010 (235) and the captain replicates the form of his debut home Test in charge (190).

2 Moeen must turn the Gabba bounce to his advantage

Australia have similar top-order doubts as England at No2, No3 and No6, and although Usman Khawaja at first drop has a fine record at home, he struggles against sideways movement. The Gabba does help the spinner because of the remarkable bounce and Moeen Ali, after his 25 wickets against South Africa, can be a matchwinner.

3 Middle order has what it takes to seize control

Even without Ben Stokes England have a middle order everyone covets, and Jonny Bairstow (right), Moeen and Chris Woakes at six, seven and eight have the strokes and character to change the momentum of a match in an hour. Australia’s No7s, from Ian Healy to Adam Gilchrist to Brad Haddin, have done that to England with sickening frequency. Time to turn the tables.

4 Anderson and Broad need to find their length early

James Anderson has five wickets from three visits to Brisbane but it is the first time he has been as a Test-only bowler and he is still master of his trade. After England’s batting fiasco there in 2013 we forget that Stuart Broad ran through Australia on day one, and the game’s ultimate streak bowler has six Ashes five-fors. If they can find the length quickly, they will be dangerous.

5 Injury-prone trio may give England a helping hand

No one wishes injury on anyone but Australia’s pace trio Mitchell Starc (foot), Josh Hazlewood (side) and Pat Cummins (back) have each been vulnerable to the stresses and strains of fast bowling and have pulled up. Should anything happen to one of them at the Gabba, England’s prospects wll be greatly enhanced.