/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F13%2F47%2Fashes_6.jpg "The Ashes - First Test, day three - as it happened")
Australia started day three of the first Ashes Test in complete control following a dominant display on day two in Brisbane.
Despite a couple of early wickets for England, centuries from David Warner (124) and Michael Clarke (113) helped the hosts to a total of 401-7 before the Australian captain made the decision to declare with a lead of 560.
England made a poor start to their second innings as both Michael Carberry (0) and Jonathan Trott (9) were dismissed in the closing stages to reduce the tourists to 24-2.
Read below to find out how Australia edged closer to victory in the first Test.
7.50amThanks for joining me for another thrilling day of Test cricket. Join me at 11.30pm tonight as Australia search for the eight wickets they need to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Goodbye.
7.48amClarke starred with the bat alongside Warner and those two late wickets mean that the tourists are on the brink of defeat at the Gabba. England are a fantastic cricket team, but they've been completely outplayed by the hosts over the past couple of days.
7.46amCLOSE OF PLAY: Yesterday was good, but it's got even better for Australia today. Michael Clarke's side are eight wickets away from victory and there's still two days remaining in Brisbane.
ENG 24-2Lyon asks a question with every delivery in the final over of the day but Cook does just enough to survive, despite the added attention from Warner at silly mid-off. Ausralia end day three of the first Test in complete control. Cook 11 Pietersen 3*
ENG 24-2Textbook defending from Pietersen as he blocks out a very accurate over from Siddle. Clarke is in dreamland as he looks on from second slip. What a day for the hosts. There's probably time for just one more over. Cook 11* Pietersen 3
ENG 24-2Pietersen likes to dominate spinners but he needs to find the right balance at this stage. Some good foot movement helps him keep out the variation in pace from Lyon, who looks as confident as I've ever seen him on a cricket field. A nudge off the hip earns Pietersen a single to fine-leg. Decent over from Lyon.
ENG 23-2Cook is leading by example with his disciplined play early in the innings. A nice leave is followed by a pushed two past mid-off. Siddle is impressively accurate throughout the over but he's not finding too much movement with the ball. Cook 11 Pietersen 2*
ENG 21-2Lyon, from around the wicket, is clipped into the leg-side for a single by Pietersen. Cook leaves well outside off-stump as Australia's spinner finds some good bounce. A miscued cut through third-man hands the England skipper a single. Just two from Lyon's over.
ENG 19-2Great minds and all that. Clarke decides it is worth letting Lyon have a bowl with just over 15 minutes left on day three.
ENG 19-2Clarke makes a good decision to bring on Siddle, who can ask both of these players plenty of questions with his accuracy at this stage of the day. Cook defends very well before collecting four runs with a superb straight drive. Will Clarke think about giving Lyon an over? Cook 8 Pietersen 1*
ENG 15-2Good pace and bounce from Harris, who continues to test Cook's technique outside off-stump. A firm push straight down the ground earns the opener three runs. England have 20 more minutes left to survive. Cook 4* Pietersen 1
ENG 12-2The nerves are showing now as Pietersen starts his innings by calling for a risky single. Cook is forced to dive but luckily for him, Warner had already knocked off the bails with his hand. Johnson drifts down the leg-side to allow Cook to earn a run through fine-leg. Close! Pietersen almost departs when an inside edge sees the ball cannon into his pads before rolling to safety.
ENG 10-2It gets even better for Australia late on day three. Where has the old Trott gone? A lazy chip into the air off a short ball spells the end for England's number three as Lyon takes the easiest of catches in the deep on the leg-side. Australia are on a roll, again.
ENG 10-2WICKET! TROTT (9) C LYON B JOHNSON
ENG 10-1Trott shuffles across his crease to nudge a single into the leg-side. Harris does a good job of making Cook play throughout the over but the England skipper's defence passes the test on this occasion.
ENG 9-1No surprise to see Johnson start the over with a short ball but Trott is equal to the task to collect four through fine-leg. Close! England's number three lives dangerously a ball later as he comes close to repeating his dismissal from the first innings with Haddin waiting down the leg-side. The hostile bowling continues as Trott is forced to duck another bouncer. Screams for a catch from the Australians when Trott miscues a cut, but the ball lands safely. Cook 0 Trott 8*
ENG 4-1Trott needs to find some form, that much is obvious. England's new batsman gets off the mark with three runs through mid-wicket. He'll resume his battle with Johnson now.
ENG 1-1Carberry will be happy with the perfect back-foot defensive shot but the luck doesn't go his way as the ball hits the ground before spinning back to knock the bails off. It's an awful way to get out, but Australia won't care. What a start for the hosts!
ENG 1-1WICKET! CARBERRY (0) B HARRIS
ENG 1-0There's a hint of low bounce from Johnson but Cook is alert enough to keep the ball out. Great fielding from Lyon at point to stop Cook from getting off the mark with a powerful cut shot. Clarke will be happy with this start but he'll want a wicket. No runs off the bat yet. Cook 0 Carberry 0*
ENG 1-0England are underway thanks to a leg-bye early in the third over. Harris really is one of the best fast bowlers around in world cricket. Carberry always has something to think about in the over and he comes very close to edging a fuller delivery. Good over from Harris. Australia building pressure already.
ENG 0-0Four slips, a gully and a leg-slip in place for Johnson. No mistakes from Carberry, despite some pretty quick bowling from Australia's left-arm seamer. Two maidens in a row.
ENG 0-0Cook is invited to play outside off-stump early in the over and he's lucky not to edge the ball towards the slips. As you may expect, Warner has plenty to say for himself throughout the over. One down for England. It's a maiden. Can Johnson produce some magic from the other end?
6.42amIt hasn't taken the players long to get back out there. England need an unlikely 561 to win. Australia require 10 wickets. Harris opens the bowling, with Cook on strike. Play!
6.40amIt's simple, Clarke just wants a wicket now. A breakthrough will be a big blow to England's slim hopes and it would give Australia plenty of confidence heading into day four.
6.38amThere is 16 overs left to be bowled today. It's going to be a difficult spell for Carberry and Cook, who will be expecting some aggressive bowling. England need to survive for 198 overs to claim the draw. I'm not sure many people will be taking that bet.
6.35amCan England bat for just over two days to save this Test match? It seems unlikely, but if they are to somehow do that then they cannot afford to lose an early wicket. Harris, Johnson and Siddle will be full of confidence in this short spell before the close of play.
AUS 401-7DECLARATION: Clarke whistles to his men and tells them that a lead of 560 is enough. England will have to bat for around an hour as Australia go in search of the 10 wickets they need to take a 1-0 lead in the series. Johnson 39* Siddle 4*
AUS 401-7Siddle is on the attack immediately but he misses the hook shot when Tremlett bangs one in short. Another bouncer follows and Siddle once again fails to make contact with a swing of the blade. Shot! The new batsman gets off the mark in fine style as he lofts four over mid-on. A glove over the wicketkeeper takes Australia past 400. It looks like that's enough...
AUS 395-7Haddin's fluent knock comes to an end when he fires the ball straight at Anderson, who takes the catch at mid-off. Tremlett has his third wicket but it's not over just yet. Siddle is the new batsman.
AUS 395-7WICKET! HADDIN (53) C ANDERSON B TREMLETT
AUS 395-6Carberry fails to see the ball at deep mid-wicket when Johnson attacks again and the left-handed batsman picks up four more. A lofted shot down the ground earns him another. Haddin slog-sweeps for two, before nudging Swann to mid-wicket for a single to end the over. The lead is now 554.
AUS 387-6It's one of those days for England. Johnson miscues a big heave but the ball lands safely between Bell and Anderson. HALF-CENTURY! Haddin passes 50 for the second time in his 50th Test match with a single to mid-on. It's been an excellent game for him on a personal level. Johnson then drills the ball to long-on for another single. Haddin 50 Johnson 34*
AUS 384-6Johnson lofts the ball to Broad at long-on for a single early in Swann's over. Cook is alert enough at short fine-leg to prevent Haddin from sneaking a run off the inside edge. No stopping a single when the same batsman nudges the ball to mid-wicket. One more makes it three from the over. The lead is 543, is that enough Michael?
AUS 381-6Swann is more than happy to engage in some banter with the crowd in the deep, even after a frustrating day on the field. The frustration goes on when Johnson top edges the ball over Prior for four. Shot! You could hear that one in London from Johnson, who steps away to launch a big six over mid-wicket. Australia collect 12 off Tremlett's over. Haddin 48 Johnson 30*
AUS 369-6Haddin drops to one knee to scoop the ball to fine-leg for a couple of runs. A thick outside edge beats Trott at slip as Swann concedes two more. Haddin slog-sweeps for a single and Johnson then reaches the rope with a beautiful paddle-sweep through fine-leg. Johnson then goes for the big heave across the line and Prior fails to collect the ball when the batsman misses. Four byes added to the total. Australia lead by 528.
AUS 356-6Changes at both ends as Tremlett comes on for a new spell. Johnson clubs the first ball over mid-on for a couple of runs. Good response from the bowler to beat the outside edge with the next delivery. Johnson earns two more with an ugly heave through mid-wicket, before Carberry's presence at cover makes the Australian duo abandon a risky single. Shot! Plenty of power on display as Johnson collects four down the ground. Anderson does superbly on the boundary to ensure that the batsman doesn't do the same at the end of the over. This partnership is now worth 51.
AUS 346-6The seamers have been bowling for just six overs and Cook decides it's time for some more spin as Swann returns. Johnson gives himself some room at the crease but he picks out Root at cover. An attempted single is rejected by Haddin, who flashes a smile at his eager partner. One run from the over. Haddin 42 Johnson 5*
AUS 345-6Good short bowling early in the over from Broad but Haddin defends well, before sneaking a single on the off-side. Johnson miscues one pull shot and takes the decision to duck the next bouncer. A single makes it two from Broad's over. All eyes on Clarke. No movement yet.
AUS 343-6Haddin hooks, gets a top edge on the ball, and picks up four runs. The lead is extended to 500 when a single is taken to deep square-leg. Johnson keeps the bouncer down well enough to earn a run behind square on the leg-side. Another Haddin hook drops well short of Tremlett in the deep. Seven from the over.
AUS 336-6Don't let anyone tell you that this isn't a good pitch. It still looks flat out there, despite the madness we've seen in the first three days. Prior appeals for caught behind down the leg-side midway through Broad's over when Johnson attempts the pull but there's no edge involved. Just the one run added to the lead, which is now 495.
AUS 335-6Anderson drifts too straight, which allows Haddin to nudge a single through square-leg. Johnson brings that high back-lift down quickly enough to pick up a run on the leg-side. Haddin opens the face of the bat to guide a single through third-man. Not much from Anderson with the new ball. Haddin 34* Johnson 2
AUS 332-6Movement for Broad on his return to the attack as Haddin misses with a wild swing outside off-stump. A single to mid-wicket gets Haddin off strike. Broad goes very full to Johnson, who gets off the mark with a flick through fine-leg. Shot! No real pace in the bouncer from Broad and Haddin takes advantage to pull four runs to the rope. He'll keep the strike thanks to a single late in the over. The lead is 491. Haddin 32* Johnson 1
AUS 325-6Well, Haddin's intentions are pretty obvious. Anderson's first delivery sliced over point for four runs as the new ball is given the treatment. Haddin chips a couple into the leg-side midway through the over when Anderson goes slightly too straight. Another sliced shot from Haddin follows as he collects four more over the slips. Shot! Anderson responds with a short ball, which is pulled through mid-wicket by Haddin for four more. A single makes it 14 from the over.
AUS 310-6Haddin drops to one knee to heave Root into the leg-side for a couple of runs. A similar shot follows two balls later to give Haddin three more. Root, in his 15th over of the innings, settles on a good line to Johnson. Another hopeful lbw appeal is launched by the spinner. Keep trying young man. Cook has decided to take the new ball immediately. Anderson returns to the attack.
AUS 305-6Johnson blocks his first two balls but I don't think we'll see too many defensive shots from him. One run and a wicket from the over.
AUS 305-6Swann gets his second wicket when Bailey plays down the wrong line and is bowled by the spinner. That will be a nice confidence boost for Swann, who now has 250 wickets in Test cricket. Mitchell Johnson in next.
AUS 305-6WICKET! BAILEY (34) B SWANN
AUS 305-5Swann continues his spell from before the tea break. Haddin clips the ball off his hip for one behind square on the leg-side.
AUS 304-5Haddin starts the scoring in the session by pushing the third ball of the over into the leg-side for one. Root is all alone as he raises his hands to appeal for lbw. Nice try, Joe. Five off the spinner's over.
5.15amThe players have returned to the field for the final session of the day. Australia currently lead by 458. Root to bowl. Second new ball available in three overs. Bailey 33 Haddin 1*
5.11amNo news from Australia yet, so it's a safe bet to presume that they will continue to bat after the tea break. Haddin and Bailey will probably switch to ODI mode. It could be very entertaining at the Gabba.
5.08amIt's difficult for England not to focus on the negatives. Cook will be particularly concerned by the way Australia targeted Swann, just as they claimed they would prior to the series. England's spinner conceded 113 runs in 22 overs. Not a good sign for England.
5.06amAn added bonus for Australia today is that two of their key players have found some form. When Clarke plays well, Australia will always have a chance to win matches. If Warner can continue to impress at the top of the order then Australia can be confident for the rest of the series.
5.04amIt would be a world record if England were to chase down 458, so I'm sure the declaration can't be too far away. Who knows? Australia have over two days left to claim a victory in this match. However, Clarke may be wary about some of the rain expected to arrive tomorrow.
AUS 299-5TEA: It just keeps getting better for the hosts. Broad, Tremlett and Swann all claimed a wicket in that session but some positive batting has seen Australia extend their lead to 458. England will surely be asked to begin their second innings at some stage during the final session.
AUS 299-5Haddin is forced to defend throughout the early stages of the over as Swann targets a second dismissal from around the wicket. Not too much support from the spinner but he'll be the first to admit that he hasn't bowled well enough. Haddin picks up just one run from the final over of the session. Bailey 33 Haddin 1*
AUS 298-5Brad Haddin walks out to the middle with just a cap on shortly before Root begins a new over. The part-time spinner drops his length too short and Bailey takes advantage to pull through square-leg for four runs. Just the boundary from the over. The lead is 457.
AUS 294-5It's been a long, long day for Swann and the relief on his face is obvious as he claims his first wicket. Clarke skips down the track but he's clean bowled attempting a slog over mid-wicket. Superb knock from Australia's captain. Well played.
AUS 294-5WICKET! CLARKE (113) B SWANN
AUS 294-4Clarke starts the over with a cut through cover for a couple of runs to bring up the 50 partnership. Swann is too straight to the centurion, who clips two more to fine-leg.
AUS 290-4Bailey skips down the pitch to push a single to long-on. Clarke shuffles across the crease to nudge Root into the leg-side for another run. Australia are cruising. When will the declaration be made? Clarke 109* Bailey 29.
AUS 288-4Swann can't help but smile when he receives a pat on the back from both Broad and Anderson for becoming the first England bowler to concede 100 runs in this innings. Bailey takes a risk midway through the over when he prods the ball just past Bell at short-leg. Nice cricket from the Australian duo as they pick the gaps in the field to collect eight runs. The lead is now 447.
AUS 280-4Trott takes a catch at slip but the deflection comes off Bailey's pad, rather than bat. Root settles on a good line to the right-handed batsman but Bailey is able to see out the maiden.
AUS 280-4Clarke sits deeps in his crease to guide Swann into the off-side for one. REVIEW! Swann and Prior want lbw when the spinner finds some turn but Kumar Dharmasena shakes his head. Cook joins the discussion and decides to use his second review. Oh, so close for England. Bailey survives the review when Hawkeye sides with the umpire, with the ball projecting to only clip the stumps. No more reviews left for England. Two runs from the over.
AUS 278-4CENTURY! Clarke reaches his 25th Test hundred with a nudge into the leg-side for two. The milestone comes from just 115 deliveries. It's been a magnificent innings from the Australian captain. Great scenes for the hosts at the Gabba. Clarke and Bailey combine for seven runs in the over. Just under 10 minutes left in the session. Clarke 105* Bailey 21
AUS 271-4Bailey hogs the strike for a bit longer thanks to two through third-man. There's some turn for Swann later in the over but the spin is too slow to cause concern for Bailey. Just a couple of runs from the over. The lead is now 430. Clarke 99* Bailey 19
AUS 269-4Clarke moves to 99* with three past Carberry at point. Drop! Half-chance for Bell at short-leg but he can't hold on when Bailey firmly nudges the ball into the air. A push down the ground hands the strike back to Clarke. No hundred for the skipper yet as Root sends down two dot balls at the end of the over.
AUS 265-4Swann continues to find it difficult to build any pressure. The spinner's mood isn't improved when Prior needlesly throws at the stumps after retrieving the ball from square-leg. Australia are gifted that run but Bailey earns six more with a classy shot over long-on for his second maximum in two overs. 11 from Swann's over. Clarke 96* Bailey 17
AUS 254-4The seamers have been given a break as Root returns to the attack. Six! Root begins the over with a juicy full-toss and Bailey takes advantage to launch a maximum over mid-wicket. Close! Bailey attacks again but he can only get the toe of his bat on the ball and he's fortunate not to drag on. Good comeback from Root following the six.
AUS 248-4Swann is back for a new spell. Clarke cuts a single to point. Bailey finds his second run of the innings with a push to long-on. Clarke follows his partner by collecting a single through the same area. I'm not sure if Cook has got this field right. Bailey continues to be offered a single to long-on and he happily accepts the invitation early in his knock. Four off the over.
AUS 244-4Clarke edges closer to his century with a single through square-leg. Carberry is alert at backward point to prevent Bailey from scoring with an open-faced shot. It's another very good over from Tremlett. England are enjoying a decent spell at the moment.
AUS 243-4Anderson returns to the attack as Cook looks to put the pressure on the new batsman. The seamer has a few words for Bailey when he miscues a pull straight to Broad at mid-on. It's an accurate over from Anderson. Maiden. Clarke 90* Bailey 1
AUS 243-4George Bailey comes to the crease for his second knock at Test level for his country. A nudge into the leg-side spoils a potential wicket maiden. Excellent over from Tremlett.
AUS 242-4Smith cannot help but play just outside off-stump as Tremlett claims a wicket with one that just moves away slightly off the pitch. Much better from England but Australia remain in complete control.
AUS 242-4WICKET! SMITH (0) C PRIOR B TREMLETT
AUS 242-3Clarke reaches the rope with a whip through mid-wicket for four. The Aussie skipper has now scored 1003 runs at the Gabba. I think it's a safe bet to say he likes this ground. Broad responds with a bouncer, which Clarke does well to avoid. Another short ball is awkwardly pulled through fine-leg for four by Clarke, who moves to 90 in the process. Clarke 90 Smith 0*
AUS 234-3Beauty from Tremlett early in the over to leave Clarke feeling for the ball outside off-stump. Four dot balls in a row are followed by a quick single to point. Smith keeps out the final delivery with a solid defensive stroke.
AUS 233-3Steve Smith is the new batsman. Broad, who now has eight wickets in the match, beats the outside edge with one that holds its line. Six runs and a wicket from the over. Clarke 81* Smith 0
AUS 233-3Warner's fantastic innings finally comes to an end when Broad catches the outside edge to give Prior an easy catch behind the stumps. The opener is given a great ovation by the crowd as he departs the field. Righlty so, he has been brilliant.
AUS 233-3WICKET! WARNER (124) C PRIOR B BROAD
AUS 233-2Six! Shot of the match so far as Warner launches Broad straight down the ground for a maximum.
AUS 227-2Swann's expensive spell comes to an end as Tremlett returns. Warner brings up the 150 partnership off 166 balls with a single through fine-leg. It's a tidy over from Tremlett, but he doesn't seem to carry the same threat he did in the 2010-11 series. Frustrating times for England supporters. Three singles from the over. The lead is 386.
AUS 224-2The jeers ring out around the Gabba as Broad returns to the attack. Beautiful timing from Clarke as he opens the face to guide four runs through the vacant third-man region. Close! Broad is not too far away from a breakthrough when Clarke nearly drags on. A bouncer is easily avoided by Australia's skipper later in the over as he continues to put the first innings troubles behind him. Warner 116* Clarke 80
AUS 220-2Great shot from Warner as he starts the over by lofting four straight over Swann's head. England's struggling spinner is then pushed to long-on for a single. Good running from the batting duo to earn two when Clarke clips the ball through square-leg. Is there a better player of spin than Clarke? The Australian captain runs four to frustrate Tremlett, who had managed to stop a cut from reaching the rope. A single makes it 12 from the over. Cook is struggling to build any pressure.
AUS 208-2Warner steers Anderson to point for a single. Close! A miscued shot from Clarke almost offers Trott a chance at mid-wicket but the home captain survives and earns two. Bell, fielding at short-leg, can't prevent the next ball from going through his legs as Clarke adds another run. Warner makes sure he keeps the strike with a push to mid-off.
AUS 203-2There is some rain expected tomorrow, so maybe Clarke will think about declaring just after tea. He probably doesn't need a lead close to 500, but I reckon he'll want one. Swann makes a return to the attack but there's no success for the spinner. Shot! Two through third-man is followed by six over long-on by Clarke. A late cut earns the Australian skipper three more, before Warner joins the fun to loft four over extra cover. One to deep cover makes it 16 runs from the over as Australia pass 200.
AUS 187-2Clarke flicks the ball off his hip for a single to fine-leg. Warner adds to his personaly tally with a run through point. Anderson attempts to nip one back at Clarke, who works the ball onto the leg-side to rotate the strike again. Warner adds another to square-leg and Clarke then makes it five with a push to deep point. The lead is now 346. Warner 104 Clarke 55*
AUS 182-2CENTURY! Warner gets the strike early in Root's over and he reaches three figures with three runs through extra cover. Stunning hundred off just 135 balls for the opener. He fully deserves the standing ovation. Brilliant knock. Five off the over.
AUS 177-2Beauty from Anderson to beat Warner's outside edge from around the wicket. The bowler is left frustrated when a thick edge races through third-man to see Warner through to 99*. Cook has his hand on his head when Anderson beats the bat again with one that just holds its line. Great over from Anderson. The wait for a century goes on at the Gabba. Warner 99 Clarke 50*
AUS 173-2HALF-CENTURY! Clarke reaches 50 with an easy single to long-on. Top work from the Australian skipper today. A risky cut nearly ends in disaster for Warner as he misses a quicker one from Root. He'll keep the strike thanks to a nudge into the leg-side. Warner 95* Clarke 50
AUS 171-2Swann is relieved of his bowling duties as Anderson returns to the attack. It's a good start to the over from the seamer, who targets the stumps as he looks to find a way to deal with the lack of movement. Clarke doesn't seem in the mood to give his wicket away as he collects a single off the fifth ball. Shot! Brilliant from Warner as he moves to 94 witha brutal lofted effort down the ground.
AUS 166-2Clarke has no interest in wasting time with his team in such a healthy position as he reaches the rope again with a lofted shot for four over mid-off. A shuffle down the pitch brings a single on the leg-side. Warner picks out Carberry on two occasions as he looks to earn some more runs with that cut shot. Australia have scored 21 runs in the first three overs of the session. Warner 90 Clarke 48*
AUS 161-2It's spin from both ends as Swann begins a new over. Warner has used his feet superbly well throughout the innings and he impresses against the spinner again to drive four through extra cover. The opener moves to 90 with a cut past point for three more. Australia's attacking intentions are clear as Clarke flicks three runs over square-leg. Lovely cricket from the hosts.
AUS 151-2Just Jonathan Trott at slip to keep Prior company. Root, bowling from around the over, settles on a good line and length to Clarke early on. The part-time spinner drifts down the leg-side later in the over to give Clarke the opportunity to hammer four through square-leg. Australia's captain then pushes two through the covers to extend the lead to 310.
2.39amCook knows exactly how difficult it will be for his side just to save a draw but he must keeps his bowlers going out there. The players have returned to the field. Root will bowl the first over of the session.
2.36amWarner is just 17 runs away from a deserved century, while Clarke seems to have found some form in an unbeaten 34. England need wickets and they need them quickly.
2.34amWelcome back everyone. England's frustration continued in the first session of the day as Australia extended their lead to 304 runs. This game is moving very quickly in Brisbane. The hosts must take advantage of this fantastic position they're in.
2.03amWe'll take a break during the lunch interval. Make sure you come back in around 30 minutes as Australia look to continue their success in Brisbane.
AUS 145-2It would take a stunning recovery from England to turn this game around from this position. Clarke will want his side to continue to be positive in the second session. Could England be asked to bat later on?
AUS 145-2LUNCH: England started the day very well but their task has been made even harder due to some impressive work from Clarke and Warner. Australia now lead the tourists by 304 runs. Excellent work from the hosts.
AUS 145-2Clarke looks the most relaxed man in the ground as he walks down the track to push a single to long-on. Swann is being forced to bowl slightly quicker due to Australia's positive intent. REVIEW! Big appeal for lbw from England but Kumar Dharmasena shakes his head. Cook decides it is time to use a review. It's a poor decision from England as Hotspot shows it was all bat from Warner. The frustration continues. Warner 83 Clarke 34*
AUS 144-2Joe Root is introduced to the attack with under 10 minutes left in the session. Warner skips down the pitch to steer four through point, despite the best efforts of Swann in the deep. Great response from Root later in the over to beat the outside edge with some turn and bounce. Just the boundary from the over.
AUS 140-2Prior wants lbw but Swann's first ball seems to pitch outside leg-stump and Cook decides against reviewing. Hawkeye shows that it was closer than first thought but height would have been the issue. Close! Clarke attempts the slog-sweep and he's fortunate to see a miscued effort land safely on the leg-side. That's a rare mistake from the Aussie skipper. Maiden over. Warner 79* Clarke 33
AUS 140-2Warner's confidence is obvious when he powers Tremlett through mid-on for four runs. Tremlett has struggled to find his ideal length in this spell, which is a real concern for England. Warner's request for a single on the off-side is rejected by Clarke at the other end. Australian supporters will be delighted to know that the lead is now 299.
AUS 136-2Warner cuts the ball past Carberry at backward point to earn three to third-man. Swann continues to bowl from around the wicket to the right-handed Clarke, who is frustrated in his bid to get off strike by Bell at short-leg. A nudge into the leg-side a ball later does hand Clarke a run. Good variation from Swann to test Warner with the quicker ball but a thick edge earns the opener a single.
AUS 131-2Tremlett's line isn't quite right as Warner begins a new over with a single on the leg-side. The 50 partnership arrives when Clarke fires a pull shot through mid-wicket for four runs. It gets even better for the home skipper as he takes advantage of some width to drill four more through the covers. Cook needs to inject some life back into this match but it's a very difficult situation for the England captain.
AUS 122-2England desperately need at least one more wicket before lunch. Swann won't find the breakthrough with a full-toss but some good fielding from Root restricts Warner to a single. Clarke skips forward to push a run to Pietersen at long-on. Shot! Goregous cricket from Warner, who dances down the pitch to loft the ball over mid-wicket for four runs. A misuced drive gives the opener another run. This partnership is looking good for the hosts. Warner 70* Clarke 24
AUS 115-2Close! We haven't seen too many mistakes from Warner in this innings but his knock almost comes to an end when he plays and misses outside off-stump. The opener quickly readjusts to drill Tremlett past mid-off for four runs a ball later. A nudge off the hip allows Warner to keep the strike for the next over.
AUS 110-2Warner advances down the pitch to push Swann down the ground for one. Clarke shows the same intent to earn a single to long-on. Another single is followed by two to fine-leg from Clarke as England struggle to stop the flow of runs. The Australian skipper takes a risk later in the over when attacking the fuller delivery but he does survive.
AUS 105-2Clarke misses out when he attempts to make contact with a leg-side delivery from a returning Tremlett. Anderson is in place to stop a firm drive at mid-off but Broad fails to do the same at mid-on, which allows Clarke to earn two. Worrying times for England as Clarke seems to be finding the middle of the bat with ease right now. Warner 57* Clarke 20
AUS 103-2Cook turns to Swann for the first time today. England's spinner needs to find his form quickly. Warner's intentions are clear as he uses his feet midway through the over to steer three through point. Clarke then clips a single into the leg-side. Decent start from Swann, but not too much threat posed yet.
AUS 99-2Broad is happy to see Warner hand the strike to his captain at the start of the over. Clarke frustrates the bowler with a quick run into the off-side while sitting deep in his crease. Warner keeps out a yorker and sneaks a single to continue the flow of runs going. Root does well at mid-wicket to restrict Clarke to one when he pulls Broad once again. Cook continues to offer the single to Warner as England keep targeting Clarke, who leaves the final ball of the over.
1.09amCook leads his men back out of the changing rooms. Clarke and Warner quickly follow behind. It will be Broad who bowls the first over after the delay. Warner 51* Clarke 15
1.05amIt looks like the rain hasn't caused too many problesm. The umpires have confirmed that play will resume in five minutes.
1.04amThe next wicket is a big one for England. Warner and Clarke can both score very quickly. The tourists will be much happier bowling at Steve Smith and George Bailey.
1.02amCook will be happy with how his bowlers have performed in the first hour of the day but Australia need just one decent partnership to take the game completely away from the tourists.
AUS 94-2RAIN STOPS PLAY: The umpires come together and decide that the rain is too heavy for the players to continue. It's been a decent start to the day for England. Hopefully the delay won't last for too long.
AUS 94-2Lovely timing on show from Clarke, who earns three with a push past mid-on. HALF-CENTURY! Warner has been quiet today but he passes 50 with a nudge down the ground to add three more to the total. Good innings so far from the opener. Clarke easily avoids a bouncer from Anderson as the rain begins to fall slightly more heavily. Six off the over.
AUS 88-2There's a man out in the deep and Clarke won't be surprised to Bell at short-leg following his recent troubles against the short ball. A couple of full deliveries are followed by a positive pull shot as Clarke handles the first bouncer impressively. It's two boundaries in a row for Clarke when Broad strays down the leg-side to gift four more. A back-foot punch allows Clarke to steal the strike at the end of the over. There's a bit of rain in the air but it shouldn't threaten play.
AUS 79-2Anderson is close to off-stump as Warner bravely leaves at the start of the over. A nudge to point brings a quick single. Clarke is eager to stay on the back foot early in his innings as he looks to calm the nerves around the Gabba. Cook sends the field out and Clarke takes advantage to push a run to cover. Broad will return to bowl to the Australian skipper.
AUS 77-2Captain Clarke immediately gets off the mark by punching two runs through cover. It's a successful start for Tremlett. Broad will be targeting Clarke pretty soon.
AUS 75-2Oh dear, Shane Watson. Another short ball invites the pull but Australia's number three gets his timing horribly wrong to offer Broad the easiest of catches at mid-on. That's a big wicket for the tourists. The lead is 234.
AUS 75-2WICKET! WATSON (6) C BROAD B TREMLETT
AUS 75-1Tremlett begins his first spell of the day with a loosener, which allows Watson to hammer a pull shot through square-leg for four.
AUS 70-1A thick inside edge hands Warner a run behind square on the leg-side. Anderson is forced back over the wicket to bowl to the right-handed Watson, who has just one run from 24 balls. Will Cook give Swann an early bowl?
AUS 69-1Broad is forcing Watson to play at almost every delivery but the only noise being heard is the middle of the bat on ball. It's been a decent start from the tourists but they need a lot more wickets.
AUS 69-1Anderson quickly abandons an lbw appeal when he nips one back to hit the top of Watson's pad. Another appeal follows from England when Anderson goes slightly fuller. The tourists decide against a review but a replay shows that the ball did clip the toe first. Watson finally gets off the mark with a push to mid-off for one. Good over from Anderson.
AUS 68-1Broad is finding a good length to Warner in this early spell. A thick outside edge drops well short of Bell, who is waiting patiently for a chance at gully. Good bowling, decent batting. England need to keep the pressure on. Maiden over.
AUS 68-1Warner starts a new over with a single to fine-leg. Anderson will of course be targeting Watson's pads but there hasn't been an lbw dismissal yet in the match. The new batsman remains patient as he blocks five deliveries in a row. Warner 46* Watson 0
AUS 67-1Shane Watson comes in at number three for the hosts. There's some good bounce for Broad but Watson finds the middle of the bat in defence early on. Good start for Broad, who now has seven wickets in the game.
AUS 67-1Breakthrough for England! Broad delivers a juicy half-tracker but Rogers miscues his cut shot straight to Carberry, who takes a simple catch at point. What an awful way to get out.
AUS 67-1WICKET! ROGERS (16) C CARBERRY B BROAD
AUS 67-0Anderson nips one into the pads and Warner takes the opportunity to sneak a leg-bye. Rogers keeps out a couple before clipping a single through fine-leg. Anderson comes around the wicket to Warner, who calmly sees out the rest of the over.
11.59pmAnderson will bowl the first over of the day. Warner on strike. Play!
11.57pmThe players are heading out to the middle now. Cook has no choice but to attack from the first ball. Australia begin on 65-0, leading by 224 runs. Warner 45* Rogers 15
11.55pmWarner and Rogers. The chalk and cheese opening partnership. Rogers will nudge the ball around without a care in the world, while Warner will hurry singles and target the rope all day. They were excellent yesterday.
11.52pmEngland's bowlers need to forget about their teammates' failures yesterday. Broad, Anderson and Tremlett all need to come out firing in the first session. Swann will have a big role to play throughout the day.
11.50pmI would have loved to have heard from Andy Flower yesterday evening. I'm guessing a few of the England players received some stern words. Quite simply, it just wasn't good enough.
11.46pmPlay is under 15 minutes away in Brisbane. Is it too much to ask for as much drama as we saw yesterday?
11.43pmDavid Warner could really pile on the misery today. The opener looked in superb form late on day two with his ability to score fluently. If he settles in the first session, that lead will grow very quickly.
11.40pmEngland were embarrassed yesterday following an impressive opening to this match. They need to produce something very special to salvage anything. Early wickets are crucial.
11.38pmThe target for the hosts today is to bat long. If they bat with positive intent, Clarke could even consider making England bat later on in the day. However, I'm not willing to predict anything after yesterday's events.
11.35pmAustralia couldn't have wished for a better day two but can they continue their form today? It's difficult to see a way back into this game for England. However, Australia cannot afford to let their standards slip.
11.33pmMitchell Johnson was at his superb best with the ball in the second session. England were awful, in truth. The hosts lead by 224 runs and they'll start day three on 65-0 in their second innings.
11.30pmHello everyone. Have you all recovered from the drama we saw on day two? Australia produced a fantastic display yesterday to take control of the first Test and they'll be desperate for a repeat today.
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2F12%2F09%2F100x120_callum.jpg)
Australia
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Fimago1067466609-690b33b9629cc927791165.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fimago1064533006-6889f0b32d896043262124.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F08%2Fimago1064677986-1-688dfef668a76078243944.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F07%2Fimago1064246283-1-1-687b858e7b989243252377.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Fstokes-1-690694aa79b06297685297.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Fimago1069426574-6921890c1fa15979871066.jpg)
/https%3A%2F%2Fsportsmole-media-prod.s3.gra.io.cloud.ovh.net%2Fuploads%2F2025%2F11%2Fimago1069398963-69203b57b0924331078033.jpg)