It marks the first time England have played a Test without either Anderson or Broad, the most prolific new-ball pairing in the sport's history, since losing to Bangladesh in Dhaka some five years ago.

It is also the first Ashes Test without at least one of the iconic duo, boasting a combined 1156 Test wickets worth of experience, since Boxing Day, 2006.

The fast bowlers are the only members of the current squad who were part of England's victorious 2010-11 Ashes tour, underlining just how much knowledge they have gleaned about local conditions.

England dismissed murmurs about 39-year-old Anderson nursing a calf niggle on Test eve, while 35-year-old Broad insisted last week he was ready to go after recovering from his own calf injury.

But the visitors, wary of a congested schedule featuring five Tests in six weeks, overlooked both bowlers.

The decision shocked Australia, who fully expected Broad to continue his running battle with David Warner after routinely outgunning the opener in 2019.

"I thought maybe one of Broad or Anderson would play each Test," Pat Cummins said at the toss.

"They've got a good XI, we're going to have to play well."

Express paceman Mark Wood, five-Test seamer Ollie Robinson, right-armer Chris Woakes and gun allrounder Ben Stokes will perform fast-bowling duties in the absence of Anderson and Broad.

Anderson's omission was confirmed on Tuesday, while left-arm spinner Jack Leach edged Broad to claim the final spot in the side.

The gamble will be judged as a masterstroke or madness, depending on how this week unfolds.

The bulk of Broad's momentum-shifting Ashes spells have come at home but he still boasts 34 wickets at 37.2 from 12 Tests in Australia.

"We're blessed with a very, very good seam attack," captain Joe Root said.

"It was a very difficult decision to make.

"But you know, there's five Test matches, all those guys I'm sure will be wanting to play a big part throughout this series."

Broad was all smiles as England warmed up on Wednesday but presumably hurting in a similar fashion to 2020, when he admitted to contemplating retirement after being sensationally axed.

"I'm not a particularly emotional person but I've found the last couple of days quite tough. To say I'm disappointed would be an understatement," Broad said at the time.

"I've been frustrated, angry, gutted - because it's quite a hard decision to understand."

Fox Cricket pundits Allan Border and Shane Warne were among many to question the wisdom of overlooking Anderson and Broad.

"You should be playing your best team first up. They might be ruing that decision," Border said.

Australian Associated Press