Michael Clarke hundred puts Australia on top on day one of third Ashes Test at Old Trafford FINALLY discovering the resolution absent at the start of the series, the Australian batsmen mounted a strong fightback against England on the first day of the third Test at Old Trafford. Captain Michael Clarke, promoting himself to No.4, led from the front with a wonderful unbeaten 125 as Australia finished the first day on 3-303. With Steve Smith (69 not out), Clarke combined in an unbroken 179 partnership that was itself far more substantial than the first nine wickets could accumulate in the first innings at Trent Bridge, and the entire team could compile in the first innings at Lord's. It was an excellent response by a batting line-up rightly condemned after the debacles in the first two Tests. One that, on a pitch expected to crumble on the final days, should give the Australians some chance of keeping the series alive. But, during an Ashes tour on which the poor umpiring has baffled and frustrated both teams, it was the puzzling use of the DRS, rather than Australia's more disciplined batting, that created the greatest talking point. Yet again, the officiating descended into farce when Australian No.3 Usman Khawaja's dismissal was upheld despite evidence which should, upon review, have provided a reprieve. With Australia making a solid start at 1-82, Khawaja was given out caught behind for 1 after driving at - and missing - a sharply spinning ball from Graham Swann. Khawaja used the DRS, and replays showed no hot spot, and that the ball had most likely passed his bat without taking the edge. Yet, in scenes almost as farcical as Stuart Broad's bizarre survival at Trent Bridge, third umpire Kumar Dharmasena upheld umpire Tony Hill's original decision. Opener Chris Rogers, who had batted productively for his 84, was dismissed soon after when he was trapped in front by Swann. Australia was then 3-133, and in danger of another ignominious collapse. But, while aghast at the Khawaja decision, Australia enjoyed some success with the DRS too. Three times, Smith survived England appeals - an "umpire's call" from an LBW shout from Swann that was given not out, a confident shout for a caught behind off James Anderson and an LBW from Broad that would have been out, if England had not used their two reviews. On a brown pitch, Swann had again threatened to run through the Australians. But using his feet deftly on an already turning track, Clarke provided the counter attack. His century came from 208 balls and included 17 boundaries as he combined stubborn defence with some elegant strokeplay. At the same time, Smith made the most of his good fortune and vindicated the faith of the selectors, who had discarded Phil Hughes, rather than him, for the returning David Warner. On a tour when things have not gone their way, Australia had one significant piece of good fortune when Clarke won the toss and chose to bat on a pitch that is likely to deteriorate rapidly. Rogers and Shane Watson gave Australia some much needed momentum with an opening partnership of 76. But Watson again failed to make the most of a good start. He was caught by Jonathan Cook at first slip from a perfectly pitched Tim Bresnan outswinger for 19. As well as Warner for Hughes, Mitchell Starc replaced the injured James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon came in for Ashton Agar. This is the moment captain Michael Clarke brought up his hundred at Old Trafford - Australia's first ton of the series. Lyon's inclusion could prove particularly crucial, with the batsmen finally giving the bowlers a significant total to defend. Michael Clarke was in very good touch on day one at Old Trafford.