Australia could trim their squad down to 12 or 13 over the weekend, with Khawaja and Ferguson expected to make way along with at least one of the three spinners and a seam bowler.

BBC: Ashes: Mike Hussey primed for Gabba Test after century

They struggled to break a stubborn second-wicket stand worth 82 between Sushant Marathe (65) and Paul Valthaty (44), but three wickets then fell to the spinners and England seemed to be on top.

BBC: England collapse to heavy defeat

England believe that the fast bowlers will also benefit from the ball 'going through the top', but surely three seamers and two spinners - albeit one out of form - gives you every option?

BBC: Jonathan Agnew column