Ian Bell admitted England had underperformed after a disappointing start to their Ashes defence at the Gabba.

Despite winning the toss and opting to bat, England lost skipper Andrew Strauss to the third delivery of the day.

Things went from bad to worst as Peter Siddle claimed a hat-trick on his way to a six-wicket haul as England were skittled for 260.

Bell's confident knock of 76 and Alastair Cook's dogged resistance of 67 were the lone highlights for the tourists in Brisbane.

And although the Warwickshire batsman claimed England had failed to do themselves justice, he praised the efforts of Siddle.

"It was certainly under par," he told Sky Sports News. "But we have to give credit to Siddle. He bowled a brilliant spell.

"It was the right decision to bat but it did a bit today."

Bell came into the Test on the back of some impressive knocks in the warm-up matches - including his 192 against Australia A in Hobart - and he paid tribute to England batting coach Graham Gooch for helping him improve his batting.

"It was nice to get runs on day one of an Ashes series and hopefully we come back tomorrow and have a good day," he said.

"The experience I have gained over the last couple of years I have put into my game recently and hopefully I can carry on this form for a while now.

"Graham Gooch has really helped my cricket. He has put some things into my game and hopefully I can carry on like this with my form now."