the uk has been told that none of its towns and cities can now compete to the european capital of culture. the 70th ashes series is under way in australia, and england have done better than many expected. they reached 196—4 at the end of the first day in brisbane. they recovered from the loss of alastair cook in the third over, with mark stone and james vince sharing a partnership of 125 on their ashes debuts. our sports correspondent andy swiss sent this report. it is almost a national hobby. beating england is what australia have done so often hear and their fa ns have done so often hear and their fans flocked to the stadium with the confidence to match the visitors' caution. without ben stokes, england's low—key line—up began as the ashes underdogs and after opting to bat, it didn't take long to see why. mitchell starc snaring alastair cook forjust two. why. mitchell starc snaring alastair cook for just two. the script seemed worryingly familiar. australia's pace man floundering in. instead of a collapse, a comeback. not many expected james vince to be picked for this tour but he
