Ah yes, the home Test cricket season has begun. All the familiar trappings of the opening day.

The quiet buzz of the crowd still finding their seats as the first ball of the day is bowled. The sedate crack of willow on leather which echoes around the stadium as the ball is struck defensively to the leg side. The same act repeated five more times as Phil Jaques blocks Chaminda Vaas' inswingers. The return of the drizzle at the end of the over, the covers are driven on as the players and umpires walk off.

Yes, it's summer again. None for none after one over, rain stopped play.

It's almost time for cricket to re-emerge from ten months of the absurd. The Australian team for next Thursday's First Test against Sri Lanka at the Gabba has been announced. No huge surprises. Good to see Phil Jaques selected to partner Matty Hayden at the top of the order. No room for Katich following his 306 on the Paddington Highway on the weekend. The first pace attack of the post-Pigeon era is about as expected.