Michael Clarke hit an unbeaten 125 to help Australia end day one of the third Ashes Test on 303-3 at Old Trafford.
Needing a win to keep alive their slender hopes of regaining the urn, the tourists made the most of the chance to bat first on a placid pitch to enjoy their best day of the series so far.
Clarke became the first Australian to reach three figures when he turned a single to the mid-wicket region; by the close he was on 125 having hit 17 boundaries during his maiden Test ton against the old rivals since taking charge of the team.