Australia captain Steve Smith hit an unbeaten century as the hosts took control of the 1st Ashes Test match against England at the Gabba.
Smith’s 141 not out, Shaun Marsh’s 51 and Pat Cummins’ 42 helped Australia to a first innings total of 328 all out after coming back from 209-7.
This gave Australia a slender 26-run lead as England came out to bat again in Brisbane. The tourists got off to a bad start as Josh Hazlewood scalped the wickets of both Alastair Cook and James Vince.
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This left Mark Stoneman and captain Joe Root in the middle to face some fierce Aussie bowling late in the day. Root was hit on the helmet from a Mitchell Starc delivery and had to have treatment.
But Root and Stoneman survived at England went in at stumps with a lead of seven runs and eight wickets remaining.
Speaking to BT Sport, Australia captain Smith said: “I wasn’t trying to change my game because the tail was in. I had faith in Starc, Cummins played well and showed a strong defence, and that partnership with Pat was crucial.”
Stuart Broad says the game is “very much in the balance” but in England’s hands. “We are a couple of guys away from getting a big score and putting Australia under pressure,” said Broad.
“I don’t think the pitch has changed - the last hour is always a nice time to bowl. Tomorrow will be different because they have to plan to bowl a lot more overs, we hope.
“Pressure got batsmen out but it’s still in our hands. If we bat well we can put Australia under pressure on day five.”
We round-up the reaction from day three of the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.
England hold on at the Gabba.
Mitchell Johnson calls Smith’s innings “brilliant”.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan is enjoying the Gabba Test.
This fan is happy to watch - not play against - the Aussie quicks.
Plenty of work to do for England.
