Aussies in command against England

BRISBANE, Australia, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Australia thrashed the England bowlers to finish 3/346 on the first day of their first cricket test match in Brisbane.

Aussie skipper Ricky Ponting ran up 137 runs off 206 balls to score his ninth century in his last 12 tests.

Ponting had solid support from the openers, Mathew Hayden (21) and Justin Langer (82), in Australia's flying start to regain the Ashes.

Damien Martyn (29) and Mike Hussey (63 not out) were the other batsmen to savage the England bowlers after Ponting won the toss and elected to bat on a placid wicket.

England captain Andrew Flintoff fared best of seven bowlers used Thursday, taking out both Hayden and Langer to finish with 2/48.