We arrived at the ground full of optimism. The atmosphere inside was electric as the national anthems were sung with gusto by both sets of supporters.

Rob, the Aussie guy next to me, said: "I hope the cricket’s not as boring as your anthem mate." My mate’s reply was: “Well at least it has some tradition, not like yours which sounds like a bad entry at the Eurovision song contest.”

He laughed, not sure he knew what the Eurovision song contest is, but a good day of banter was in store.

As Strauss and Cook strode to the crease, the Barmy Army trumpeter burst into life with strains of Jerusalem sung heartily by Jimmy and his mates. Three balls later they were stunned into silence as Strauss departed for a duck.

All was quiet for the next two sessions, with the occasional chant of Barmy Army and Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, then enter Peter Siddle, who struck with a superb hat-trick. The noise from the Aussie supporters was amazing, 30,000 people chanting Siddle, Siddle, Siddle.

We kept our heads down, my green Tong Park Esholt shirt coming in handy as they thought I was one of them!

Ian Bell gave us something to cheer about but I fear it's advantage Australia after day one. Now I have to go meet my Australian mate for a beer and listen to it all again. One thing is for sure, the Barmies are winning the Beer Ashes by a street!

DAVID YOUNG

(JCT600 Bradford League treasurer, with the England supporters in Brisbane)

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