Australia 295 and 2 for 145 (Warner 83*, Clarke 34*) lead England 136 (Carberry 40 by 304 runs
Live scorecard and ball-by-ball details
Michael Clarke survived a none too torried examination against the short ball to enter lunch unscathed as Australia reached lunch on the third day in a dominant position at the Gabba.
England's aggressive tactics against Australia's captain, not short of initial verbals, even extended to allowing David Warner singles to get him back on strike - quite an insult for a world-class batsman with a Test average top side of 50 and an excellent record on this ground.
But Stuart Broad never quite revved up the challenge on a good batting pitch, James Anderson, whose approach in any case tends to be more cerebral, did not get much of a look at him, and Chris Tremlett, for all his impressive build, trundled along at barely 130kph. Australia are gradually playing Tremlett in a more aggressive fashion and, if he does not England the control they need from him, their four-strong attack will come under strain.
Clarke, intent upon an aggressive approach after his first-innings dismissal against Broad had invited questions about his ability to play short-pitched bowling, pulled with equanimity as Australia reached lunch with a lead of 304 with seven second-innings still intact.
While England focused, increasingly hollowly, on Clarke, Warner batted ominously, reaching lunch only 17 runs short of a century which would confirm his excellent form this Australian summer. Warner's clean hitting against the pace bowlers was evident from the outset. Clarke's unbeaten 34 came from only 47 balls and was evidence of his contented morning's work.
There was further frustration for England when for the second time in the match they were timed out as they discussed whether to review Graeme Swann's appeal for an lbw decision against Clarke. As they debated whether to send the decision to the third umpire, Kumar Dharmasena ruled that they had run out of time - a tougher approach which seems set for the series. TV replays suggested that any review would have failed, but the incident all added to England's sense that the Test was running out of control.
England took two wickets in the morning session as Australia, 0 for 65 overnight, resumed with a lead of 224. Chris Rogers made a hash of Broad's morning loosener, recognising the gift of a short and wide delivery but only managing to punt it to point where Michael Carberry accepted a simple catch.
Shane Watson also made little impact, making 6 in 27 balls before an attempted pull malfunctioned against Tremlett - the ball was a little full for the stroke - and Broad took another easy catch at mid-on.
England's desperation was evident in the last over before lunch when they reviewed Swann's lbw appeal against Warner only for replays to confirm that he had played the ball with his bat and the review was little better than wishful thinking. With Australia's lead passing 300, and eight wickets to fall, there seemed no way out. Even a Brisbane shower only interrupted play for a few minutes.
Warner and Clarke build Australia's advantage
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Warner and Clarke build Australia's advantage
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Warner and Clarke build Australia's advantage
