Steve Smith’s anchoring 326-ball 141* propelled Australia to 328 as they took a brief lead on day three of the Gabba Test.
Smith marshalled his tail as he took Australia into the lead, in what was a captains-led comeback after day two’s four-wicket collapse for 76 runs.
With the Baggy Greens commencing on 165-4, Stuart Broad and James Anderson got the perfect start for England as three wickets fell in the morning session.
Australia passed the 200-run mark but lost the scalp of Shaun Marsh (51 off 141 balls) shortly after he reached his half-century – Broad grabbing his second wicket to reduce Australia to 175-5 before drinks.
Anderson and Broad continued by diving into the tail, removing Tim Paine and Mitchell Starc before lunch.
Pat Cummins supported his captain well as Smith completed the inevitable – turning his 22nd fifty into his 21st hundred, having converted 20 of his previous 41 fifties into tons.
Smith’s ton was the slowest in terms of balls faced (261) by an Australian batsman in Tests since Simon Katich’s century off 262 balls against New Zealand at Hamilton in 2010.
Cummins’ fine innings of 42 from 120 deliveries was ended by Chris Woakes, who picked up his first of the match as Australia lost their eighth.
Smith charged forward despite the hosts losing their ninth, before Nathan Lyon (9) was dismissed by Joe Root as Australia were bowled out for 328 to take a 26-run lead.
England’s second innings was rocked by fiery pace bowling as Hazlewood struck in consecutive overs. Alastair Cook (7) was removed in the fourth over and Vince (2) in the sixth as England were rattled at 17-2.
Mark Stoneman (18) and Root (4) took England to 33-2 as the visitors finished with a seven-run lead by stumps on day three.
Photo: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
