Brisbane:  Australia lost three wickets but were on top after two sessions of the first Ashes Test and looking to capitalise on winning the toss against England at the Gabba here.


The Aussies, determined to retrieve the Ashes after losing them in England last year, were relishing the easier afternoon batting conditions to build what was shaping as an imposing first innings.


At tea on the first day on today (Nov 23,2006), Australia were 217 for three with skipper Ricky Ponting travelling on nicely along on 63 with Mike Hussey providing support on 10.


Andrew Flintoff was England's best bowler with 2-40, snaring the wickets of Matthew Hayden (21) and Justin Langer (82), while spinner Ashley Giles removed Damien Martyn (29).

Australia went to lunch at 109 for one, but Langer was out 20 minutes after the resumption when he cut straight to Kevin Pietersen at point off Flintoff.

It was a huge relief for Pietersen, who had the ignominy of dropping six catches during last year's series win.

But he later left the ground for treatment after twisting his left knee while fielding.

Langer was looking on target for his 23rd Test century but a lapse in concentration ended his 138-minute stay, which was sprinkled with 13 boundaries.

During his innings Langer, who celebrated his 36th birthday on Tuesday, passed David Boon (7,422) as the sixth all-time Australian runscorer in Tests with 7,475 runs.

Giles, preferred to fellow left-armer Monty Panesar for the spinner's role, claimed the wicket of Martyn, who cut to Paul Collingwood at slip for 29.

Martyn played too close to his body and he was deceived by the extra bounce to leave the home team at 198 for three.
Australia bounded along in the opening session before Flintoff produced the breakthrough, dismissing Hayden in the 14th over.

The England skipper moved one off the pitch and found an outside edge off Hayden's bat to Collingwood at second slip.

The England players raced to their captain, mobbing him in celebration after a trying opening 90 minutes of the Test.

Local hero Hayden, who has produced some of his best Test innings at the Gabba, with four centuries as opener in 10 previous innings, faced 47 balls with two fours.

England's bowlers wasted first use of the new ball in the morning session on a green-tinged wicket with some wayward deliveries.

Harmison began the Test with a skewed wide to Langer, the ball whizzing through to Flintoff at second slip to the roar of the capacity crowd.

Harmison was particularly expensive in the first session and was hauled out of the attack after two overs after conceding 17 runs. He went to tea with 0-52 off 12 overs.

Australia haven't lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988.