Australia back in command

Australia lead by 278 runs after the third day of the opening Ashes Test in Brisbane.

After dismissing England for 325 to open up a first innings lead of 167, the hosts finished on 111 for two, with Matthew Hayden and Damien Martyn forging an unbroken 72-run partnership.

That was after England, resuming 334 adrift on 158 for one, overcame the loss of two early wickets to reach mid-afternoon with no further losses.

Nasser Hussain had John Crawley had posted a 97-run partnership but the new ball halted England's revival, and they lost their last six wickets for 57.

Crawley finished unbeaten on 69 after two hours at the crease but even that was not enough to prevent a hefty deficit.

And despite two early wickets from Andrew Caddick when Australia began their second innings, they had progressed to a sizeable lead by the close.