England face Ashes battle after Steve Smith century gives Australia control

Steve Smith century gives Australia control
© Getty Images
Australia take control of the first Ashes Test thanks to captain Steve Smith's century and two late England wickets on day three at The Gabba in Brisbane.

Australia have taken hold of the first Ashes Test thanks to Steve Smith's century and two late England wickets on day three in Brisbane.

The Baggy Greens captain showed great discipline as he spent more than eight-and-a-half hours at the crease for his 141 not out.

Alongside Pat Cummins, who made 42, Smith dragged Australia from 209-7 to 328 all out, a 26-run advantage.

England then made a poor start to their second innings against Josh Hazlewood on the way to 33-2, a lead of seven.

Alastair Cook fell cheaply for his second single-figure score in three days before James Vince also nicked off, unable to follow up his maiden Ashes half-century.

This left Mark Stoneman (19*) and Joe Root (5*) - who needed two lots of treatment after being struck in the grille by a Mitchell Starc bouncer - to battle through to stumps.

Australia's Steve Smith in action on day one of the Third Test on July 29, 2015
Read Next:
Tim Paine handed surprise recall for Ashes
>
You May Like
Recomended from Sports Mole