Bresnan preaches patient approach

England bowler Tim Bresnan admits patience will be key as his side attempt to break down Australia’s new-found resilience at Old Trafford today.

The tourists’ top-order batsmen finally broke out of their slump on day one of the third Test, captain Michael Clarke’s unbeaten century adding to Chris Rogers’ innings of 84 to take them to 303 for three at stumps.

Clarke put on 174 with Steve Smith (70 not out) as conditions led to relatively straightforward batting conditions.

Bresnan said: “It’s always tough when the wicket plays like that and the sun’s out but the Aussies played really well today.

“As soon as the ball got a bit old, got softer, it stopped swinging then the sun came out.

“There’s not much out there, we tried to keep (the ball) fresh and new as long as possible but even though the outfield is quite lush, reverse (swing) was difficult.

“You’ve got to be very patient and keep plugging away, we’ve gone past the edge a few times.

“That’s just how the game goes, tomorrow morning we could go past the edge a couple of times and they might nick it.”

Michael Clarke’s exemplary 24th Test century has given Australia a belated foothold in the Ashes at Emirates Old Trafford.

Clarke underpinned Australia’s 303 for three on day one of the third Investec Test. His unbeaten 125 was a prime case of leading from the front in adversity as he, Chris Rogers (84) and Steve Smith (70no) — with whom the captain shared an unbroken stand of 174 — ensured Australia overcame yet more DRS intrigue to establish a dominant position.

There was barely a blip in Clarke’s 169-ball hundred, punctuated by trademark sweet timing and canny placement as well as expert footwork against Graeme Swann — on a pitch already offering the off-spinner conspicuous assistance — and fine judgment of when to leave the seamers.

England had arrived here knowing one more win will clinch the Ashes outright,and the urn will be retained with even a draw.

But as Clarke and Smith took toll of a tiring attack, and the second new ballbrought not wickets but an acceleration in the run rate, it was abundantly clearthat plenty more hard work lies ahead before any English celebrations can begin in Manchester.

Meanwhile Australia’s Prime Minister Kevin Rudd went into bat for his country against the vexed Decision Review System (DRS) process after Usman Khawaja’s controversial dismissal yesterday.

Khawaja was given out by on-field umpire Tony Hill for just a single in Australia’s lunchtime 92 for two at Emirates Old Trafford, and then saw the decision endorsed by third official Kumar Dharmasena, despite audio and video evidence which appeared to suggest it should have instead been reversed.

Within minutes, Mr Rudd was moved to tweet: “I’ve just sat down to watch the Test.

“That was one of the worst cricket umpiring decisions I have ever seen.”