Pat Cummins took a career-best 6-23 to help Australia crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs inside three days in the series opening day-night Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

The paceman completed his maiden 10-wicket match haul as Australia bundled out Sri Lanka for 139, five fewer than the tourists had managed in their first innings, to register only their second Test win of the summer at the Gabba.

Jhye Richardson claimed two-second innings wickets in his impressive debut with Australia comfortably maintaining their record of not having lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988.

Resuming at 17-1 Saturday, Sri Lanka’s hopes of saving the match were dealt a heavy blow when Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis fell in consecutive overs from Cummins at the start of the day.

After taking a wicket with the final ball of day two, it took Cummins just two balls on day three to get his next wicket, squaring-up the scoreless Chandimal and finding the edge which ballooned to Kurtis Patterson at gully.

In his next over, Cummins teased an attempted drive from Mendis (one), who edged to Joe Burns at second slip.

Lahiru Thirimanne (32) and Roshen Silva (three) briefly stemmed the flow of wickets, before Cummins got his fourth, having Silva caught by Burns in the slips to reduce the tourists to 35-4.

Right on tea, Richardson produced a fast yorker to bowl Dhananjaya de Silva for 14.

Cummins got a deserved fifth wicket but in controversial circumstances when he had Thirimanne adjudged caught behind, a decision upheld by the TV umpire despite no conclusive evidence Thirimanne had edged the ball.

Niroshan Dickwella tried one attacking shot too many off Richardson and holed out to Marcus Harris at square leg, before Cummins’ sixth wicket came from a spectacular catch by Patterson at gully off Dilruwan Perera.

Suranga Lakmal was last man out when he was stumped by Tim Paine for Nathan Lyon’s only wicket of the innings.

Lahiru Kumara did not bat after Sri Lanka team management confirmed Saturday the paceman had torn his hamstring during the second day and is likely to be unavailable for the second Test at Canberra’s Manuka Oval beginning on Friday.

Pat Cummins took a career-best 6-23 to help Australia crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs inside three days in the series opening day-night Test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Pat Cummins took a career-best 6-23 to help Australia crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 40 runs inside three days in the series opening day-night Test in Brisbane on Saturday. The paceman completed his maiden 10-wicket match haul as Australia bundled out Sri Lanka for 139, five fewer than the tourists had managed in their first innings, to register only their second Test win of the summer at the Gabba. Jhye Richardson claimed two-second innings wickets in his impressive debut with Australia comfortably maintaining their record of not having lost a Test at the Gabba since 1988. Resuming at 17-1 Saturday, Sri Lanka’s hopes of saving the match were dealt a heavy blow when Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis fell in consecutive overs from Cummins at the start of the day. After taking a wicket with the final ball of day two, it took Cummins just two balls on day three to get his next wicket, squaring-up the scoreless Chandimal and finding the edge which ballooned to Kurtis Patterson at gully. In his next over, Cummins teased an attempted drive from Mendis (one), who edged to Joe Burns at second slip. Lahiru Thirimanne (32) and Roshen Silva (three) briefly stemmed the flow of wickets, before Cummins got his fourth, having Silva caught by Burns in the slips to reduce the tourists to 35-4. Right on tea, Richardson produced a fast yorker to bowl Dhananjaya de Silva for 14. Cummins got a deserved fifth wicket but in controversial circumstances when he had Thirimanne adjudged caught behind, a decision upheld by the TV umpire despite no conclusive evidence Thirimanne had edged the ball. Niroshan Dickwella tried one attacking shot too many off Richardson and holed out to Marcus Harris at square leg, before Cummins’ sixth wicket came from a spectacular catch by Patterson at gully off Dilruwan Perera. Suranga Lakmal was last man out when he was stumped by Tim Paine for Nathan Lyon’s only wicket of the innings. Lahiru Kumara did not bat after Sri Lanka team management confirmed Saturday the paceman had torn his hamstring during the second day and is likely to be unavailable for the second Test at Canberra’s Manuka Oval beginning on Friday.

Australia crush Sri Lanka by innings and 40 runs in 1st Test

The inaugural edition of the $15 million ATP Cup men's team event will be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and one other city in the lead-up up to the Australian Open next January, Tennis Australia announced on Monday (January 7).

Sydney, which will host the final, announced a $50.5 million ($36 million) upgrade of the Olympic Tennis Centre venue on Friday (January 4), which includes putting a roof on the main showcourt. Perth, which has hosted the mixed team Hopman Cup for the last 30 years, and Adelaide are the other cities likely to be in the running to host the group stage of the event.

The 24-team tournament is seen as a threat to the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) revamped 18-nation Davis Cup competition starting in Madrid in November.

The new ATP event also has major implications for the other men's and mixed events in Australia and further afield that have traditionally been used by players to prepare for the year's first grand slam at Melbourne Park.

The inaugural edition of the $15 million ATP Cup men's team event will be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and one other city in the lead-up up to the Australian Open next January, Tennis Australia announced on Monday (January 7).

The inaugural edition of the $15 million ATP Cup men's team event will be hosted in Sydney, Brisbane and one other city in the lead-up up to the Australian Open next January, Tennis Australia announced on Monday (January 7). Sydney, which will host the final, announced a $50.5 million ($36 million) upgrade of the Olympic Tennis Centre venue on Friday (January 4), which includes putting a roof on the main showcourt. Perth, which has hosted the mixed team Hopman Cup for the last 30 years, and Adelaide are the other cities likely to be in the running to host the group stage of the event. The 24-team tournament is seen as a threat to the International Tennis Federation's (ITF) revamped 18-nation Davis Cup competition starting in Madrid in November. The new ATP event also has major implications for the other men's and mixed events in Australia and further afield that have traditionally been used by players to prepare for the year's first grand slam at Melbourne Park.

ATP Cup men's team event goes to Sydney and Brisbane

Former world number one Andy Murray made a successful return to competitive tennis on Tuesday with a 6-3,&nbsp;6-4 victory over local favourite James Duckworth at the Brisbane International tournament.

The 31-year-old Murray ended his season early last year after suffering pain in his hip following surgery earlier in 2018 that ruled him out of three of the four Grand Slam events.

Murray, whose ranking has dropped to 240 and was unseeded in Brisbane, had earlier said he was still feeling pain in his hip but was in a "better place" than he was 12 months ago.

"I was a bit nervous. But as the match went on I thought I moved well," Murray told reporters after his 10th successive win in Brisbane, having won the tournament at both his previous appearances in 2012 and 2013.

"It's my first match after a big break. It's not easy to sum up (but) it's been really hard the last 18 months, been a lot of ups and downs trying to get back on court.

"Being back now I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can, for as long as I can because I am not sure how much longer I have got."

Murray returned to the court last June and played just 12 complete matches last year.

As an unseeded player in Brisbane he has a tough draw, with a second-round clash with Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev.

Former world number one Andy Murray made a successful return to competitive tennis on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over local favourite James Duckworth at the Brisbane International tournament.

Former world number one Andy Murray made a successful return to competitive tennis on Tuesday with a 6-3, 6-4 victory over local favourite James Duckworth at the Brisbane International tournament. The 31-year-old Murray ended his season early last year after suffering pain in his hip following surgery earlier in 2018 that ruled him out of three of the four Grand Slam events. Murray, whose ranking has dropped to 240 and was unseeded in Brisbane, had earlier said he was still feeling pain in his hip but was in a "better place" than he was 12 months ago. "I was a bit nervous. But as the match went on I thought I moved well," Murray told reporters after his 10th successive win in Brisbane, having won the tournament at both his previous appearances in 2012 and 2013. "It's my first match after a big break. It's not easy to sum up (but) it's been really hard the last 18 months, been a lot of ups and downs trying to get back on court. "Being back now I am trying to enjoy it as much as I can, for as long as I can because I am not sure how much longer I have got." Murray returned to the court last June and played just 12 complete matches last year. As an unseeded player in Brisbane he has a tough draw, with a second-round clash with Russian fourth seed Daniil Medvedev.

Andy Murray makes winning return in Brisbane after hip injury

Two armed men were holed up in an apartment building on Monday after a shot was fired at police in Brisbane, Australia.

The area in Auchenflower suburb was on lockdown with all surrounding areas cordoned off.

Two armed men remain inside the unit, Queensland Police said on Twitter, but no one has been injured.

Police responded to the incident on Coronation Drive shortly after 11 am and an emergency declaration was made, police said in a statement.

The public has been asked to avoid the area.

Two armed men were holed up in an apartment building on Monday after a shot was fired at police in Brisbane, Australia. The area in Auchenflower suburb was on lockdown with all surrounding areas cordoned off.

Two armed men were holed up in an apartment building on Monday after a shot was fired at police in Brisbane, Australia. The area in Auchenflower suburb was on lockdown with all surrounding areas cordoned off. Two armed men remain inside the unit, Queensland Police said on Twitter, but no one has been injured. Police responded to the incident on Coronation Drive shortly after 11 am and an emergency declaration was made, police said in a statement. The public has been asked to avoid the area.

Brisbane suburb on lockdown after 2 armed men hole up in apartment

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The most awaited series between India and&nbsp;Australia is set to&nbsp;start&nbsp;and it will be a&nbsp;real test for Virat's team in both formats of the game, including the T20S.&nbsp;

Despite the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia still&nbsp;have the&nbsp;upper hand since they are playing at home under familiar condictions.&nbsp;

"When you do well in places like Australia you feel good as a team. Thinking about the World Cup ahead it can only give you confidence winning in places like Australia," said Rohit Sharma before the crucial T20 match to kick-off in Brisbane.

Gabba, which Rohit considers to be Australia's fastest surface, does not host any Test but Perth, known for assisting the quicks, is the venue for the second match while Melbourne and Sydney will host the last two Tests.

Brisbane ground, which is known as&nbsp;the 'GABBA', has been a batting heaven. The track is known for staying flat.&nbsp;&nbsp;

There is often a little more there for the spinners, with the extra bounce likely to hoodwink the batsman.&nbsp;

The GABBA is a fortress for Australia, as they have not lost here since 1988 when they faced those fearsome West Indians. The deck is suited to pace, and both sides sport top pace attacks making this a mouthwatering contest.&nbsp;

However, India will play just one T20 match here at Brisbane but performance here will matter.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has played eleven Twenty-20 matches against Australia since his debut. He scored a total of 423 runs at an average of 60.42 with 144.36 strike rate.

He recently gained popularity for his streak of slamming one-day and Test centuries but it is surprising to know that he did not score a single ton in so far 62 T20 matches he played in his career.

The fans and spectators will expect that headline-grabber, whose highest runs scored against Aussies is an unbeaten 90 to score his first T20 century in the upcoming T20 series.

India and Australia&nbsp;have played 15 T20 matches and not surpringly the visitors&nbsp;have a&nbsp; better record than Australia winning 10.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan has played six T20 innings against Australia and has scored 130&nbsp;runs.

In the one-day format, he has scored 626 runs against the same opponent including two centuries.

 
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The most awaited series between India and Australia is set to start and it will be a real test for Virat's team in both formats of the game, including the T20S. Despite the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia still have the upper hand since they are playing at home under familiar condictions.

The most awaited series between India and Australia is set to start and it will be a real test for Virat's team in both formats of the game, including the T20S. Despite the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner, Australia still have the upper hand since they are playing at home under familiar condictions. "When you do well in places like Australia you feel good as a team. Thinking about the World Cup ahead it can only give you confidence winning in places like Australia," said Rohit Sharma before the crucial T20 match to kick-off in Brisbane. Gabba, which Rohit considers to be Australia's fastest surface, does not host any Test but Perth, known for assisting the quicks, is the venue for the second match while Melbourne and Sydney will host the last two Tests. Brisbane ground, which is known as the 'GABBA', has been a batting heaven. The track is known for staying flat. There is often a little more there for the spinners, with the extra bounce likely to hoodwink the batsman. The GABBA is a fortress for Australia, as they have not lost here since 1988 when they faced those fearsome West Indians. The deck is suited to pace, and both sides sport top pace attacks making this a mouthwatering contest. However, India will play just one T20 match here at Brisbane but performance here will matter. Virat Kohli has played eleven Twenty-20 matches against Australia since his debut. He scored a total of 423 runs at an average of 60.42 with 144.36 strike rate. He recently gained popularity for his streak of slamming one-day and Test centuries but it is surprising to know that he did not score a single ton in so far 62 T20 matches he played in his career. The fans and spectators will expect that headline-grabber, whose highest runs scored against Aussies is an unbeaten 90 to score his first T20 century in the upcoming T20 series. India and Australia have played 15 T20 matches and not surpringly the visitors have a better record than Australia winning 10. Opener Shikhar Dhawan has played six T20 innings against Australia and has scored 130 runs. In the one-day format, he has scored 626 runs against the same opponent including two centuries.

T20: 'Fortress Brisbane' awaits Virat's India against Australia

Ukraine&#39;s Elina Svitolina laid down her marker as a serious contender for the Australia Open when she demolished Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1 in the Brisbane International final on Saturday.

Svitolina won five titles on the WTA tour last year, more than any other woman.

She ended the year ranked sixth in the world, but will climb two places when the new rankings are released on Monday and will go into the year&#39;s first Grand Slam as the fourth seed.

Svitolina said she had worked hard in the offseason to improve her game and that work was now paying off.

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A special moment: Evonne Goolagong Cawley presents <a href="https://twitter.com/ElinaSvitolina?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ElinaSvitolina</a> with the Evonne Goolagong Cawley trophy ??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrisbaneTENnis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrisbaneTENnis</a> <a href="https://t.co/YLix8Mypoc">pic.twitter.com/YLix8Mypoc</a>
&mdash; #BrisbaneTennis (@BrisbaneTennis) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrisbaneTennis/status/949588016896462849?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 6, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&quot;I&#39;ve started to play more consistently and there are lots of things that changed,&quot; she said.

&quot;I&#39;m stronger physically. I have a different look at my game.&quot;

The 23-year-old had a tough path to the decider, having to overcome top-10 players Johanna Konta and Karolina Pliskova and former world number six Carla Suarez Navarro along the way.

&quot;I didn&#39;t have any expectations for this week -- I was just trying to take it one match at a time,&quot; she said.

&quot;The first match was quite tough against Suarez Navarro. And I had a very tough draw.

&quot;It was very important to use what I was working on during the offseason, and it was working.&nbsp;

&quot;I was playing better and better and my serve worked really good during this week.&quot;

Svitolina was far too strong for Sasnovich, who struggled to cope both with the Ukrainian&#39;s serve and her relentless barrage of groundstrokes from the back of the court.

Sasnovich was playing in her first final on the WTA tour and her nerves showed in the early stages as Svitolina broke her early and raced away to a 3-1 lead.

The Belarusian steadied the ship but she was always under pressure and serving at 2-5, she cracked.

Svitolina pounced, breaking her again and wrapping up the set in 31 minutes.

Sasnovich was also playing her eighth match in nine days and her movement around the court appeared slightly slower than in her previous outings.

Svitolina was even more dominant in the second set, racing to a 5-0 lead before Sasnovich even got on the board.

However, it was a minor reprieve as Svitolina held serve to love to claim her 10th title in just 65 minutes.

Sasnovich refused to blame her busy schedule for her performance.

&quot;I don&#39;t know why it&#39;s like this, why I played so bad,&quot; she said.

&quot;I don&#39;t know, to be honest. Sometimes it happens. I played some good matches and this one was bad.&quot;

But the Belarusian, who will rise 35 places in the world ranking to 53rd, said her efforts in making the final had made her reevaluate her goals for Melbourne.

&quot;I have time to prepare for Australia Open,&quot; she said.

&quot;I hope to be ready mentally, physically, to be good there.&quot;

&nbsp;

Svitolina crushes Aliaksandra Sasnovich in Brisbane final in straight sets 6-2, 6-1

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina laid down her marker as a serious contender for the Australia Open when she demolished Belarusian qualifier Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 6-1 in the Brisbane International final on Saturday. Svitolina won five titles on the WTA tour last year, more than any other woman. She ended the year ranked sixth in the world, but will climb two places when the new rankings are released on Monday and will go into the year's first Grand Slam as the fourth seed. Svitolina said she had worked hard in the offseason to improve her game and that work was now paying off. A special moment: Evonne Goolagong Cawley presents @ElinaSvitolina with the Evonne Goolagong Cawley trophy ??#BrisbaneTENnis pic.twitter.com/YLix8Mypoc — #BrisbaneTennis (@BrisbaneTennis) January 6, 2018 × "I've started to play more consistently and there are lots of things that changed," she said. "I'm stronger physically. I have a different look at my game." The 23-year-old had a tough path to the decider, having to overcome top-10 players Johanna Konta and Karolina Pliskova and former world number six Carla Suarez Navarro along the way. "I didn't have any expectations for this week -- I was just trying to take it one match at a time," she said. "The first match was quite tough against Suarez Navarro. And I had a very tough draw. "It was very important to use what I was working on during the offseason, and it was working. "I was playing better and better and my serve worked really good during this week." Svitolina was far too strong for Sasnovich, who struggled to cope both with the Ukrainian's serve and her relentless barrage of groundstrokes from the back of the court. Sasnovich was playing in her first final on the WTA tour and her nerves showed in the early stages as Svitolina broke her early and raced away to a 3-1 lead. The Belarusian steadied the ship but she was always under pressure and serving at 2-5, she cracked. Svitolina pounced, breaking her again and wrapping up the set in 31 minutes. Sasnovich was also playing her eighth match in nine days and her movement around the court appeared slightly slower than in her previous outings. Svitolina was even more dominant in the second set, racing to a 5-0 lead before Sasnovich even got on the board. However, it was a minor reprieve as Svitolina held serve to love to claim her 10th title in just 65 minutes. Sasnovich refused to blame her busy schedule for her performance. "I don't know why it's like this, why I played so bad," she said. "I don't know, to be honest. Sometimes it happens. I played some good matches and this one was bad." But the Belarusian, who will rise 35 places in the world ranking to 53rd, said her efforts in making the final had made her reevaluate her goals for Melbourne. "I have time to prepare for Australia Open," she said. "I hope to be ready mentally, physically, to be good there."

Tennis: Elina Svitolina clinches Brisbane title

A pulsating Ashes opener that had promised a grandstand finish will more than likely end early with a handsome win to Australia after Steve Smith&#39;s side pushed within 56 runs of victory at the close of day four on Sunday.

The teams will return to the Gabba on Monday to go through the motions, and Australia&#39;s openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will look to mop up the winning runs after protecting their wickets with aplomb after tea.

Australia were 114 without loss at stumps, with Bancroft (51 not out) having celebrated his maiden half-century in his test debut after vice-captain Warner (60) raised his 25th as shadows crept across the ground.

The match was decided earlier, however, when England&#39;s middle order suffered a ruinous collapse after lunch for the second time in succession.

The loss of captain Joe Root for 51 some 10 minutes before the first break was a blow but there was still hope as Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow drove England to 155 for five.

From there it all went sour, as England crashed out for 195, a collapse triggered by a third umpire decision that may be debated for years to come.

Having breezed to 40, Moeen was beaten by spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped the bails off in a flash with the all-rounder&#39;s foot planted squarely on the line.

Long, tortuous deliberations followed, as New Zealander Chris Gaffaney pondered various angles of replay footage.

None confirmed that any part of Moeen&#39;s foot was behind the line, so Gaffaney duly sent the batsman packing.

It was Lyon&#39;s third wicket of a brilliant test for the offspinner and England&#39;s breaking point after three-and-a-half days of mostly valiant cricket.

They lost 4-40 and their last three wickets for 10 runs as paceman Mitchell Starc awoke to trample all over England&#39;s wafer-thin hopes.

All-rounder Chris Woakes added 30 runs with Bairstow but his uneasy 57-ball innings felt on borrowed time.

He was dropped at short leg off Lyon when yet to score but caught easily in the slips by Smith for 17 after worked over by a short ball from Starc.

Left to dig in and carry the tail, Bairstow instead threw away his wicket for 42 with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to the third man.

Stuart Broad was Starc&#39;s third victim four balls later when he feathered a nick behind and England&#39;s capitulation was complete when a harried Jake Ball was out for one, fending away Pat Cummins to fly slip.

Smith&#39;s epic, unbeaten 141 on day three will take on an even greater significance when his team finishes the job, given the scant contributions of England&#39;s batsmen in their second innings.

Root made the only half-century for his team, but it will be marked down as a footnote in a match and an emphatic first-up defeat in his ongoing duel with Smith.

It was back to the old stagers James Anderson and Broad to try to pull off a miracle.

But they washed harmlessly against the wall of Warner and Bancroft, who began opening their shoulders after a mostly watchful first hour.

In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Root.

After England resumed the day on 33 for two, Lyon had opener Mark Stoneman caught for 27 by Smith at slip.

The spinner and captain combined again when Dawid Malan nicked behind to fall for four.

Australia need 56 runs to win on Day 5 of the first Test

A pulsating Ashes opener that had promised a grandstand finish will more than likely end early with a handsome win to Australia after Steve Smith's side pushed within 56 runs of victory at the close of day four on Sunday. The teams will return to the Gabba on Monday to go through the motions, and Australia's openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft will look to mop up the winning runs after protecting their wickets with aplomb after tea. Australia were 114 without loss at stumps, with Bancroft (51 not out) having celebrated his maiden half-century in his test debut after vice-captain Warner (60) raised his 25th as shadows crept across the ground. The match was decided earlier, however, when England's middle order suffered a ruinous collapse after lunch for the second time in succession. The loss of captain Joe Root for 51 some 10 minutes before the first break was a blow but there was still hope as Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow drove England to 155 for five. From there it all went sour, as England crashed out for 195, a collapse triggered by a third umpire decision that may be debated for years to come. Having breezed to 40, Moeen was beaten by spinner Nathan Lyon and wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped the bails off in a flash with the all-rounder's foot planted squarely on the line. Long, tortuous deliberations followed, as New Zealander Chris Gaffaney pondered various angles of replay footage. None confirmed that any part of Moeen's foot was behind the line, so Gaffaney duly sent the batsman packing. It was Lyon's third wicket of a brilliant test for the offspinner and England's breaking point after three-and-a-half days of mostly valiant cricket. They lost 4-40 and their last three wickets for 10 runs as paceman Mitchell Starc awoke to trample all over England's wafer-thin hopes. All-rounder Chris Woakes added 30 runs with Bairstow but his uneasy 57-ball innings felt on borrowed time. He was dropped at short leg off Lyon when yet to score but caught easily in the slips by Smith for 17 after worked over by a short ball from Starc. Left to dig in and carry the tail, Bairstow instead threw away his wicket for 42 with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to the third man. Stuart Broad was Starc's third victim four balls later when he feathered a nick behind and England's capitulation was complete when a harried Jake Ball was out for one, fending away Pat Cummins to fly slip. Smith's epic, unbeaten 141 on day three will take on an even greater significance when his team finishes the job, given the scant contributions of England's batsmen in their second innings. Root made the only half-century for his team, but it will be marked down as a footnote in a match and an emphatic first-up defeat in his ongoing duel with Smith. It was back to the old stagers James Anderson and Broad to try to pull off a miracle. But they washed harmlessly against the wall of Warner and Bancroft, who began opening their shoulders after a mostly watchful first hour. In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Root. After England resumed the day on 33 for two, Lyon had opener Mark Stoneman caught for 27 by Smith at slip. The spinner and captain combined again when Dawid Malan nicked behind to fall for four.

Ashes: Australia on brink of victory after England crumble

Australia will chase 170 for victory in the first Ashes test after England crumbled to be all out for 195 in their second innings at tea on day four of the series-opening Ashes test on Sunday.

Pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon each took three wickets as England collapsed after lunch to lose their last five wickets for the addition of 76 runs in the session.

England resumed on 119 for five after the break, with Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali tasked with pulling their team out of trouble.

For a period, it looked like the free-scoring pair might dig in, with Bairstow slogging Lyon for a six over midwicket.

Enter offspinner Lyon, who coaxed Moeen forward and the all-rounder&#39;s back foot strayed onto the line as wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped off the bails.

The decision went upstairs and after a long deliberation using multiple angles of the video, Moeen was given out for 40, prompting jeers from English fans.

All-rounder Chris Woakes, who was out cheaply in the first innings, added 30 runs with Bairstow but was never comfortable.

He was dropped when yet to score, with Cameron Bancroft putting down a tough, low chance at short leg, but his luck ran out against Starc and he was caught in the slips by captain Steve Smith for 17.

That left Bairstow to carry the tail but instead of battening down the hatches, he threw away his wicket for 42 two overs later with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to Peter Handscomb at third man.

Stuart Broad was out four balls later, caught behind by Paine with the decision confirmed by another lengthy use of the DRS.

England then lost their third wicket for one run when Starc had Jake Ball fend off a short ball to Handscomb at fly slip to be out for one.

In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of England captain Joe Root for 51.

Root had to pass a concussion test to play after being struck on the helmet by a fierce Starc bouncer late on day three and he showed commendable grit to reach his 33rd test half-century.

But a ball after bringing up the milestone with a flick for two off his pads, Root was trapped lbw for 51 just 10 minutes shy of the safety of lunch.

England had started on 33 for two, with Root on five and Mark Stoneman on 19, and the batsmen survived a tough pace examination before Smith turned to Lyon to break the stand.

The bowler obliged, having Stoneman play forward and Smith took a fine, lunging catch at slip to remove the opener for 27.

Lyon and Smith combined again soon after when Dawid Malan nicked straight to the skipper to fall for four.

Pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon each took three wickets as England collapsed after lunch to lose their last five wickets for the addition of 76 runs in the session

Australia will chase 170 for victory in the first Ashes test after England crumbled to be all out for 195 in their second innings at tea on day four of the series-opening Ashes test on Sunday. Pacemen Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc, and spinner Nathan Lyon each took three wickets as England collapsed after lunch to lose their last five wickets for the addition of 76 runs in the session. England resumed on 119 for five after the break, with Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali tasked with pulling their team out of trouble. For a period, it looked like the free-scoring pair might dig in, with Bairstow slogging Lyon for a six over midwicket. Enter offspinner Lyon, who coaxed Moeen forward and the all-rounder's back foot strayed onto the line as wicketkeeper Tim Paine whipped off the bails. The decision went upstairs and after a long deliberation using multiple angles of the video, Moeen was given out for 40, prompting jeers from English fans. All-rounder Chris Woakes, who was out cheaply in the first innings, added 30 runs with Bairstow but was never comfortable. He was dropped when yet to score, with Cameron Bancroft putting down a tough, low chance at short leg, but his luck ran out against Starc and he was caught in the slips by captain Steve Smith for 17. That left Bairstow to carry the tail but instead of battening down the hatches, he threw away his wicket for 42 two overs later with a ramp shot over the slips that went straight to Peter Handscomb at third man. Stuart Broad was out four balls later, caught behind by Paine with the decision confirmed by another lengthy use of the DRS. England then lost their third wicket for one run when Starc had Jake Ball fend off a short ball to Handscomb at fly slip to be out for one. In the morning, it was Lyon who turned the screws with two wickets before Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of England captain Joe Root for 51. Root had to pass a concussion test to play after being struck on the helmet by a fierce Starc bouncer late on day three and he showed commendable grit to reach his 33rd test half-century. But a ball after bringing up the milestone with a flick for two off his pads, Root was trapped lbw for 51 just 10 minutes shy of the safety of lunch. England had started on 33 for two, with Root on five and Mark Stoneman on 19, and the batsmen survived a tough pace examination before Smith turned to Lyon to break the stand. The bowler obliged, having Stoneman play forward and Smith took a fine, lunging catch at slip to remove the opener for 27. Lyon and Smith combined again soon after when Dawid Malan nicked straight to the skipper to fall for four.

Ashes series: Australia to chase 170 for victory after England crumble

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon turned the screws with two early wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root to leave England in trouble at 119 for five at lunch on day four of the first Ashes test on Sunday.

Moeen Ali, on 26 not out, and new batsman Jonny Bairstow, who had scored one, will resume after the break facing a huge task to increase England&#39;s 93-run lead to a competitive total as the wicket wears.

England captain Root had to pass a concussion test to be deemed fit to play in the morning after being struck on the helmet by a fierce Mitchell Starc bouncer late on day three.

He battled to reach his 33rd test half-century on a steamy day at the Gabba but was out the next ball, trapped lbw for 51 to leaving the tourists reeling with 10 minutes left until lunch.

England had resumed on 33 for two, with Root on five and Mark Stoneman on 19, and the batsmen survived a tough pace examination before Australia captain Steve Smith turned to offspinner Lyon to break the stand.

Lyon duly obliged, having Stoneman play forward and edge to the Australia skipper, who took a fine lunging catch at slip to remove the batsman for 27.

Not long after, Lyon had England number five Dawid Malan also nick straight to Smith for four.

Moeen survived an early scare with a nick behind off Starc that fell just short of a leaping Smith, who managed to get a finger on the ball before it hit the grass.

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon turned the screws with two early wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root to leave England in trouble at 119 for five at lunch on day four of the first Ashes test on Sunday

Australia spinner Nathan Lyon turned the screws with two early wickets before Josh Hazlewood claimed the prized scalp of Joe Root to leave England in trouble at 119 for five at lunch on day four of the first Ashes test on Sunday. Moeen Ali, on 26 not out, and new batsman Jonny Bairstow, who had scored one, will resume after the break facing a huge task to increase England's 93-run lead to a competitive total as the wicket wears. England captain Root had to pass a concussion test to be deemed fit to play in the morning after being struck on the helmet by a fierce Mitchell Starc bouncer late on day three. He battled to reach his 33rd test half-century on a steamy day at the Gabba but was out the next ball, trapped lbw for 51 to leaving the tourists reeling with 10 minutes left until lunch. England had resumed on 33 for two, with Root on five and Mark Stoneman on 19, and the batsmen survived a tough pace examination before Australia captain Steve Smith turned to offspinner Lyon to break the stand. Lyon duly obliged, having Stoneman play forward and edge to the Australia skipper, who took a fine lunging catch at slip to remove the batsman for 27. Not long after, Lyon had England number five Dawid Malan also nick straight to Smith for four. Moeen survived an early scare with a nick behind off Starc that fell just short of a leaping Smith, who managed to get a finger on the ball before it hit the grass.

Root gone as England stagger to 119-5 at lunch

A captain&#39;s century hewn from granite and two wickets in a fiery pace assault after tea saw Australia wrest the momentum away from England by the end of an enthralling day three of the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Josh Hazlewood snared two victims to leave England 33 for two at stumps and clinging to a seven-run lead after skipper Steve Smith inspired the hosts with a brilliant, unbeaten 141 in front of a grateful crowd of 33,474 at the Gabba.

Opener Mark Stoneman, on 19 not out, and Joe Root on five survived a furious pace examination in the final overs as the pitch grew appreciably quicker.

With Australia teetering at 76 for four on day two and their nearly 30-year unbeaten record at the Gabba seemingly in peril, Smith dragged his side back from the brink over eight-and-a-half hours of steely application.

By the time tail-ender Nathan Lyon edged to Alastair Cook in the slips, marking the end of Australia&#39;s innings of 328, Smith strode off to a hero&#39;s ovation, having pushed his side 26 runs in front of England&#39;s first innings 302.

&quot;It&#39;ll be up there definitely, obviously with the team in a bit of trouble,&quot; Smith told reporters when asked if was the most satisfying ton of his career.

&quot;I had to bat some time and dig really deep ... I think it was my slowest hundred, someone told me, had to work hard and be really disciplined and resilient.&quot;

Smith&#39;s team mates inspired and his pacemen hitting the deck hard, Cook was soon out cheaply for a second time in the test.

Caught behind for two off Mitchell Starc in the first innings, Cook was caught for seven by the paceman in the deep when he tried to hook a short ball from Josh Hazlewood away to safety.

Hazlewood then had an uneasy James Vince out for two with a rearing delivery that sent an edge to Smith in the slips.

Moments later, Starc struck Root in the helmet with a venomous delivery and took turns with Cummins to pepper Stoneman with short balls.

Root and Stoneman will face more of the same in the morning, but Stuart Broad felt England were in the best position they had been at a Gabba test in over 30 years.

&quot;Actually we&rsquo;re in a lot of control of this game after three days,&quot; he said. &quot;It&rsquo;s in our hands to bat big tomorrow.&quot;

Cummins Cameo

Cummins earlier provided fine support to Smith with a knock of 42 in a 66-run partnership, surviving for all but 10 minutes of the middle session until he was finally caught at slip off all-rounder Chris Woakes.

Smith, who began the day on 64, moved slowly but purposefully towards his century and soaked up eight successive dot balls when on 97 before Broad finally gave an opening.

The skipper pounced on a fuller, wide delivery, smashing a drive past mid-off for four, triggering a huge roar from the sell-out crowd.

Having completed his sixth Ashes ton, Smith tore off his helmet, raised his arms in triumph and beat his chest twice in a fired-up celebration, one of the most ardent of his 21 test hundreds.

It helped swing the match back into balance after England&#39;s veteran pacemen had dominated the morning.

A fired-up Broad had captured two wickets and broken a 99-run stand between Smith and Shaun Marsh, with fellow seamer James Anderson chipping in with another.

The Australian number six lasted five overs in the morning before being dismissed softly for 51, spooning a slower delivery from Broad straight to Anderson at mid-off.

Tim Paine, who replaced Matthew Wade in part due to his better form with the bat, managed 13 before falling to Anderson with the fourth delivery of the new ball.

Starc smashed Broad over the long-off rope for six but the England paceman turned the tables on his fellow quick two balls later with a caught and bowled.

A captain's century hewn from granite and two wickets in a fiery pace assault after tea saw Australia wrest the momentum away from England by the end of an enthralling day three of the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Saturday

A captain's century hewn from granite and two wickets in a fiery pace assault after tea saw Australia wrest the momentum away from England by the end of an enthralling day three of the series-opening Ashes test in Brisbane on Saturday. Josh Hazlewood snared two victims to leave England 33 for two at stumps and clinging to a seven-run lead after skipper Steve Smith inspired the hosts with a brilliant, unbeaten 141 in front of a grateful crowd of 33,474 at the Gabba. Opener Mark Stoneman, on 19 not out, and Joe Root on five survived a furious pace examination in the final overs as the pitch grew appreciably quicker. With Australia teetering at 76 for four on day two and their nearly 30-year unbeaten record at the Gabba seemingly in peril, Smith dragged his side back from the brink over eight-and-a-half hours of steely application. By the time tail-ender Nathan Lyon edged to Alastair Cook in the slips, marking the end of Australia's innings of 328, Smith strode off to a hero's ovation, having pushed his side 26 runs in front of England's first innings 302. "It'll be up there definitely, obviously with the team in a bit of trouble," Smith told reporters when asked if was the most satisfying ton of his career. "I had to bat some time and dig really deep ... I think it was my slowest hundred, someone told me, had to work hard and be really disciplined and resilient." Smith's team mates inspired and his pacemen hitting the deck hard, Cook was soon out cheaply for a second time in the test. Caught behind for two off Mitchell Starc in the first innings, Cook was caught for seven by the paceman in the deep when he tried to hook a short ball from Josh Hazlewood away to safety. Hazlewood then had an uneasy James Vince out for two with a rearing delivery that sent an edge to Smith in the slips. Moments later, Starc struck Root in the helmet with a venomous delivery and took turns with Cummins to pepper Stoneman with short balls. Root and Stoneman will face more of the same in the morning, but Stuart Broad felt England were in the best position they had been at a Gabba test in over 30 years. "Actually we’re in a lot of control of this game after three days," he said. "It’s in our hands to bat big tomorrow." Cummins Cameo Cummins earlier provided fine support to Smith with a knock of 42 in a 66-run partnership, surviving for all but 10 minutes of the middle session until he was finally caught at slip off all-rounder Chris Woakes. Smith, who began the day on 64, moved slowly but purposefully towards his century and soaked up eight successive dot balls when on 97 before Broad finally gave an opening. The skipper pounced on a fuller, wide delivery, smashing a drive past mid-off for four, triggering a huge roar from the sell-out crowd. Having completed his sixth Ashes ton, Smith tore off his helmet, raised his arms in triumph and beat his chest twice in a fired-up celebration, one of the most ardent of his 21 test hundreds. It helped swing the match back into balance after England's veteran pacemen had dominated the morning. A fired-up Broad had captured two wickets and broken a 99-run stand between Smith and Shaun Marsh, with fellow seamer James Anderson chipping in with another. The Australian number six lasted five overs in the morning before being dismissed softly for 51, spooning a slower delivery from Broad straight to Anderson at mid-off. Tim Paine, who replaced Matthew Wade in part due to his better form with the bat, managed 13 before falling to Anderson with the fourth delivery of the new ball. Starc smashed Broad over the long-off rope for six but the England paceman turned the tables on his fellow quick two balls later with a caught and bowled.

Centurion Smith ushers Australia to safety

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