England set world-record chase

Michael Clarke, right, celebrates his sixth century against England
23 November 2013

David Warner and Michael Clarke turned the screw with twin hundreds which allowed Australia to set England a mammoth, world-record target of 561 in the first Test at the Gabba.

England's two early successes on day three were self-inflicted blows by Chris Rogers and Shane Watson on a cloudy and rain-interrupted morning - after which Warner (124) and Clarke (113) took over in a run-a-ball third-wicket stand of 158.

The tourists, especially once frontline seamers James Anderson and Stuart Broad had given their all, had no answer as Australia careered on in the sunshine to 401 for seven before declaring in time to be able to bowl 15 overs at England on the third evening.

Graeme Swann, on a pitch his opposite number Nathan Lyon had already demonstrated could help the off-spinner, and third seamer Chris Tremlett (three for 69) were especially ineffective - a worrying development for England, not just here but for four more Tests stretching in front of them.

It was not until Warner was guilty perhaps of minor complacency, having just crashed Broad back over his head for a six, that there was some temporary respite.

The left-handed opener tried to glide more runs behind on the off side, but instead edged Broad behind.

England had resumed badly needing a revival to stay remotely in this match, after their calamitous collapse on Friday afternoon.

That man Broad earned himself a few more boos by striking with his first ball of the day.

It was hardly a deserving delivery, a loosener of a short ball which Rogers somehow contrived to cut tamely into the hands of Michael Carberry at point.

But Broad and Anderson did not make life easy for Australia's batsmen initially - and by the time the former was given a breather, the hosts had added only five runs in seven overs.

When Tremlett then started with a long-hop, duly pulled for four by Watson, it seemed the pressure was about to be quickly released.

Watson went for a repeat next ball and mistimed terminally, however, to present a simple catch to Broad at mid on - the second wicket to fall for just eight runs.

Australia's number three departed with a flea in his ear from Anderson, and England predictably brought Broad straight back into the attack to try to discomfort Clarke - at the expense of Tremlett, despite a wicket in his solitary over.

Broad had expertly exploited Clarke's apparent weakness against the short ball in the first innings, but had no joy this time.

By lunch, Warner and Clarke already had the measure of the tourists - and in the first hour of an extended afternoon session, they showed no mercy.

Warner passed his century in 135 balls, having hit 11 fours, and Clarke greeted one spell from Swann by immediately hoisting him over long on for six in an over which cost 16 runs.

After Broad got Warner at last, Tremlett dug out a good delivery to have Steve Smith caught-behind for a duck.

But Ian Bell put down a very sharp chance at short leg, to reprieve George Bailey on 17 off Joe Root, and then Clarke completed his near three-hour hundred from 115 balls.

Swann did eventually get the Australia captain, up the wicket and bowled aiming over long on, to give the off-spinner match figures of one for 192 at that stage.

Clarke had batted beautifully throughout for his sixth hundred against England, and 25th in all.

Swann would eventually also bowl Bailey, playing for non-existent spin, but the second new ball merely provided an extra spike in the run rate as Brad Haddin (53) bagged his second 50 of the match.

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