England in a good position – Broad

STUART Broad believes England’s tight spot in the first Ashes Test still represents their best position after three days at the Gabba since his dad Chris was in the team more than 30 years ago.

England’s efforts to test Steve Smith’s patience failed to stop him grinding out an unbeaten 141 - over more than eight and a half hours - in an Australia total of 328 all out as they eked out a lead of 26.

Josh Hazlewood was then the successful new-ball bowler in a dramatic final session which ended with England 33 for two.

Even so, Broad was able to put a positive spin both on Smith’s close-of-play remarks - the Australia captain accused England of defensive bowling from the outset - as well as a precarious match situation.

England have famously not won in Brisbane since 1986/87, when Mike Gatting’s tourists had Broad’s father opening the batting and Ian Botham as their man of the match.

After taking three for 49 here, Broad said with a smile: “I think after three days, we’re probably the best-placed England side here for 30 years.

“It was crucial we only lost two tonight. You can easily lose four of five, and that’s the Test gone ... it could have been a lot worse.”

As for the frustrations voiced by Smith off the field, if none evidently shown on it, Broad added: “Perfect. We know they like to score quickly. If we can restrict them from scoring boundaries, we’ll have periods of taking wickets.” Stuart Broad of England