Centurion Smith ushers Australia to safety

Cricket - Ashes test match - Australia v England - GABBA Ground, Brisbane, Australia, November 25, 2017. England's James Anderson reacts after dismissing Australia's Tim Paine during the third day of the first Ashes cricket test match. REUTERS/David Gray

BRISBANE (Reuters) - 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.