Australia under new captain Pat Cummins will be looking to start on a positive note when they take on Joe Root-led England in the first Ashes Test, starting on December 8 in Brisbane. With no time for tour matches and with internal games hit by rain, players will go into the cold for the opening battle of cricket’s most enduring rivalry.

England have generally missed the mark on that score, having not won at the Gabba since Mike Gatting’s team in the 1986/87 series. Six of the last eight trips to Brisbane ended in defeats that set the tone for more English pain in the series.

It may be no coincidence that the last time England held their own at the ‘Gabbattoir’ they went on to win the 2010/11 Ashes, only their second triumph on Australian soil in the last 34 years.

Brisbane weather report:

England and Australia’s preparations for the five-Test series, which begins at the Gabba on December 8th, have been undermined by rain. According to various reports, the Ashes opener could be interrupted by the storms on the first, second and third days of the Brisbane Test opener starting on Wednesday.

“We’re looking at possible afternoon storms Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, easing to showers on Saturday and Sunday,” meteorologist Tony Auden said on Facebook.

“Tomorrow, for the first day, expect to get most of the first session in. Then, a possible brief shower or weak storm from midday, before a larger band of likely severe storms rolls in later. I’ll say around 4 pm as a first estimate.

“Any storms may miss the Gabba, but I’d be planning for a couple of brief interruptions at least. Hopefully we can get most of the game in and push for a result,” Auden added.