Top scorer Ian Bell has admitted England under-performed on the opening day of the Ashes as Australia seized the early initiative.

Months of build-up finally came to an end overnight when the most gripping contest in cricket got underway, but England failed to cash in on Andrew Strauss winning the toss and electing to bat in Brisbane.

The tourists failed to bat out the first day and were dismissed for 260 inside 77 overs.

The headline act came in the post-tea session in the form of a hat-trick from birthday boy Peter Siddle, before Australia reached 25-0 by the close.

And Bell, who continued his rich vein of form with a classy 76, admitted England had fallen short.

“It was certainly under par,” said Warwickshire ace Bell of England’s first innings total.

The ball swung around a bit but it was the right decision to bat first and hopefully we can come back tomorrow and have a good day.

“Hopefully the wicket will quicken up a bit and our bowlers will get the most out of it.

“We’ll back them to get the ball in the right areas.”

Bell was full of praise for Siddle who ended with figures of 6-54, despite his place in the Australian line-up being in doubt until just 24 hours before the first ball was bowled.

Bell added: “We have to give credit to Siddle – he bowled a brilliant spell.”

Alastair Cook was the other England batsman to impress, with the left handed opener making 67 after seeing captain Strauss dismissed from only the third ball of the series.

And Bell put his success down to Graham Gooch, England’s batting coach.

“Graham has put some things into my game,” said Bell, who insisted he was happy to be batting at No 6 at present.

“My record isn’t great at No 3. It is something I would like a shot at again but I have to work my way up.”

By JAMES GARRISON