So they went for Tremlett in the end, and Prior was passed fit. The Aussies, meanwhile, handed a debut to batsman George Bailey.
The teams:
Australia: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon
England: Alastair Cook (captain), Michael Carberry, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett
The Aussies won the toss and opted to go first on a pitch that certainly looked to favour the batsmen. It didn't quite work out that way though, England's bowling attack had the measure of the upper order, reducing the home side to 132-6 at one stage. Michael Clarke had a particularly torrid time with Broad taking advantage of his dodgy back, playing him some chin music and eventually dismissing him for just one run.
Brad Haddin and Mitchell Johnson rallied in the afternoon, putting on a face-saving seventh wicket stand of 114, which helped their team to a score of 273-8 at the close of play. Though judging by the pitch that looks well below par, and England will fancy their chances of building a big total over the next couple of days.
Man of the day was undoubtedly Stuart Broad, silencing the crowd, as well as the
Brisbane Courier Mail with figures of 5-65. Anderson took 2 for 61 with Tremlett taking the other at the expense of 51 runs.
Everyone happy with that then? We've had worse first days Down Under...