England return to 'Gabbatoir' to face their demons

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - England's Ashes debutants face a baptism of fire in Thursday's opening test at the Gabba, where four years ago the tourists' batsmen crumbled under an Australian short-pitched bowling assault.

Joe Root's team spent their final tour match in Townsville last week trying to acclimatise to the muggy conditions that will greet them in Brisbane but few of the players will have any inkling of the challenge that awaits them.