MANCHESTER: Australia captain Michael Clarke led from the front with an unbeaten century as England fell foul of the Decision Review System on the first day of the third Test at Old Trafford.
Clarke's 125 not out, the first hundred by an Australian this series,helped the tourists to 303 for three at Thursday's close in a match his side, 2-0 down with three to play, must win to have any hope of regaining the Ashes.
Together with Steven Smith, who survived both of England's DRS referrals for the innings on his way to 70 not out, Clarke shared an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 174 as Australia enjoyed their best day of the series so far.
Earlier, opener Chris Rogers made 84.
England took two wickets in quick succession as 76 for one became 82 for two but this day belonged to Australia.
Clarke won the toss and batted despite Australia being dismissed for just 128 in the first innings of their 347-run second Test defeat at Lord's.
However, the combination of a good pitch and sunny conditions meant there was plenty of justification for Clarke's decision.
Although Australia recalled David Warner, usually an opening batsman, they stuck with all-rounder Shane Watson and Rogers as their first wicket duo.
The pair responded by putting on 76 before Watson, on 19, pushed forward to seamer Tim Bresnan and edged to England captain Alastair Cook at first slip.
Soon afterwards, Usman Khawaja was caught behind off spinner Graeme Swann.
The 35-year-old Rogers was in sight of a maiden Test hundred before a well-spun Swann delivery had him lbw to end the left-hander's 114 balls innings, which featured 14 fours.
Clarke, however, was in command and his single off Swann saw him to a 169-ball hundred with 13 fours in just under four hours.
It was his 24th century in 94 Tests and a timely one too as the previous best score by an Australian this series had been Ashton Agar's 98 -- the highest by any Test No 11 -- in the opening match at Trent Bridge.
But after going wicketless at Lord's, slow left-armer Agar was replaced by off-spinner Nathan Lyon at Old Trafford.
Smith, offering excellent support to his captain, completed a 115-ball fifty before greeting the new ball by striking Anderson past mid-on for four. (AFP)
