Peter Siddle celebrated his 26th birthday in the best possible manner as he scalped a six-wicket haul on the first day of the first Ashes Test match against England at the Gabba.

Siddle’s 6/54 included a hat-trick that broke the English backs after they had won the toss and elected to bat first on a track that barely held too many demons. Alastair Cook was the first victim in the hat-trick and this was followed by Matt Prior and Stuart Broad off successive balls to dismiss England out for 260.

Earlier, Andrew Strauss had departed early, while Jonathon Trott managed only 29. But England went into lunch on an even keel at 86/2 thanks to some matured batting by Cook and Kevin Pietersen. Even after the luncheon break, there was nothing to tell what followed in the third session as the visitors got to 117 without further loss.

There is nothing to suggest that the pitch is going to be difficult to bat on the second day. With the Australian openers having safely negotiated the last half hour of play, things are looking much rosier for the home team.

Australia's odds to win the Test have shortened from 13/10 at the start of the game to 4/9 (Coral). England, on the other hand, need two or three quick wickets in the first session of play to overcome the 5/1 (BetFred) that is offered to them for a win.