Laptops play key role for workers watching the cricket

Australians have fired up their laptops to keep up to date with work while they tuck into the first day of the Test.

Cricket fans have posted pictures of their mobile offices to social media, proving there is plenty of interest in this year's Ashes.

A packed crowd has converged on the Gabba for the first game, coming close to setting a record for first day attendance at an Ashes match.

And the viewing audience should also be strong, judging by the number of people 'working from home'.

What the heck does KP have on his feet?

Earlier former England batsmen Kevin Pietersen made a peculiar wardrobe choice for the first morning of the Test.

Speaking about the England batting lineup before the game, Pietersen showed off a pair of dusty-coloured boots which contrasted dramatically with his dark blue suit.

Pieterson has already caused a stir up in Brisbane, telling the Courier Mail the city was a "s---hole".

“I’ve got the Test match then I’ll be on the first aeroplane out of here as soon as the last ball is bowled, don’t worry.”

Yesterday England cricket legend Ian Botham fired the first salvo in The Ashes war, declaring Australia was set to field its worst batting lineup in four decades.

Warnie doesn't back down from biffo with Beefy

'Beefy' took aim at the Australian team at a press conference yesterday ahead of the first test at the Gabba today.

"I'm going to be honest with you, the Australian batting lineup in this test match, and I've seen so many Ashes series and so many great Australian teams," Botham said.

"I think this is the worst lineup for Australia since the Kerry Packer split in the '70s."

But Channel Nine commentator and Australian cricket legend Shane Warne was quick to fire back.

"Australia have got some question marks ove there batsmen, thats for sure," Warne said.

"I don't agree with Beefy, not many people agree with Beefy. He's a Pom and we're not meant to like Beefy, too many Australians are starting to like him."

Even former England batsmen Kevin Pietersen questioned Botham's analysis, asking whether Beefy was "England's pigeon" (in reference to Glenn McGrath, who was renowned for his bold predictions).

Former test captain Michael Clarke said Botham's comments were big, but he believed Australia's team "looks very strong on paper".

And Damien Martyn gave Australia the nod in a close race to the finish.

"I look at it, if we were playing in England now I'd pick England to win, out of these two sides," he said.

"But playing in Australia, I'm backing us more because of the home ground advantage."