Steve Smith gives Australia the upper hand as England suffer nightmare start to second innings on day 3 at the Gabba

Steve Smith played the sort of innings that defines Ashes series to give Australia the upper hand in this absorbing contest.

The Australia captain made his mark with a masterly unbeaten 141, compiled in more than eight-and-a-half hours, to give his team a first-innings lead of 26.

The home side seized their opportunity as Josh Hazlewood, disappointing with the ball in the first innings, quickly removed Alastair Cook and James Vince. Then Mark Stoneman and England captain Joe Root survived a hostile period, with Root struck on the helmet, to ensure the tourists reached the close 33 for two, seven runs ahead with two days remaining.

Cook has failed twice in the match and fell into the trap, hooking his first short delivery straight to fine leg. Mitchell Starc then hit Root with a 90mph bouncer, leading to a check-up from the team doctor.

England will keep a close eye on Root overnight but mystery surrounds the fitness of Jimmy Anderson. While England say their premier fast bowler has no problems, he did not bowl at key stages of the game, and also spent time off the field.

Former England spinner Phil Tufnell, a radio pundit for this series, then tweeted his belief that Moeen Ali was also short of full fitness. Moeen missed England’s first two warm-up games because of a side strain.

Anderson has bowled outstandingly in this game and England cannot afford to lose him, especially with the day/night Test at Adelaide one week away. Anderson is a genius in swinging conditions and would be expected to excel with the pink ball.

If Anderson is fully fit, why did he not bowl after lunch, when Australia were 213 for seven, still 89 runs behind? Pat Cummins, Australia’s No9, had been at the crease only a short time, and Anderson and Stuart Broad had taken a wicket apiece with the new ball, which was still only eight overs old.

Root has had a fine match as skipper but when he reflects on this match, he may admit that he missed a trick at that stage. Anderson finished with figures of two for 50 and Broad three for 49, and they looked a class apart again.

Australia lost Shaun Marsh (51), Tim Paine (13) and Starc (six) in the morning session and when Starc was out, England led by 93. Yet Smith and Cummins turned the tide, adding 66 for the eighth wicket, allowing Smith to reach his 21st Test century.