Australia have regained control of the third Ashes Test, despite losing Brad Haddin in the final session, by closing day one in Perth on 326-6.
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The hosts frustrated England, who took three wickets in the morning session, after tea due to the strong partnership of Steve Smith and Haddin.
At one stage the Aussies were 143-5, but the duo helped improve the hosts' run-rate until Ben Stokes found the breakthrough by dismissing Haddin for 55 after his shot picked out James Anderson at mid-wicket.
The crucial dismissal put England on the front foot, but Smith was able to soak up the pressure and kept Australia rolling along by reaching his second Test century with a boundary through mid-wicket.
The tourists looked to the new ball to help grab another vital wicket before the close of play. Stuart Broad took it but failed to threaten Smith, despite the ball bringing some carry through to Matt Prior behind the stumps during the over.
After surviving despite being beaten on the outside edge, Mitchell Johnson began to look comfortable at the crease having taken runs from Broad, Anderson, Joe Root and Graeme Swann.
Johnson (39) and Smith (103) will return to the crease tomorrow morning as England try to keep themselves in contention for The Ashes.
Danielle Joynson
