Brisbane Test key to England's Ashes success - James Anderson

England pace bowler James Anderson believes winning the first Test against Australia in Brisbane will be key to their fortunes in the upcoming Ashes series.

The last time England have a won game in Brisbane was in November 1976 and since then they have lost five games and managed two draws.

England's draw in Brisbane during the start of the 2010/11 tour of Australia set the precedent for the remaining of the series which they went on to claim and Anderson believes winning the first Test of the upcoming series will be key to their fortunes of retaining the Ashes.

“Both teams have gone through a transitional phase over the last two years,” said Anderson.

”Both teams have started to show signs of real quality I think but have also been pretty inconsistent, so it is going to be about whoever starts well.

“The Gabba has been a bit of a fortress for Australia, they’ve not lost there since 1988 so coming away from there with a result - whether it is a draw or a win - I think is important to how the series will go.”

The pitches in Australia aid pace and bounce as compared to the ones in England where swing will be the key and the 35-year-old, who recently went on to become the leading wicket-taker for his country urged the bowlers to adapt quickly to the conditions down under.

“I think the same things apply as they do in England,” Anderson said of bowling in Australia.

”The biggest adjustment for me is that it is not going to swing as much, so finding other ways of getting wickets is important for myself.

“Generally though, the pitches are similar to in England. You might get a little bit more bounce and potentially a little bit less grass on them but generally they’re not that much different.”

The five-match Test series will be played between 23rd November and 8th January 2018 and will also include a day-night encounter in Adelaide.

© Cricket World 2017