Cricket: Australia maintained England's opening Test battering at the Gabba today by establishing an overwhelming 626-run lead after electing not to enforce the follow-on.
After dismissing the tourists for a lowly 157 to secure a daunting 445-run first innings advantage, Australia had enough of a lead to bowl again at England and progress towards an overwhelming victory.
But captain Ricky Ponting instead opted to bat again, perhaps wishing to undermine England further by condemning them to 40 further overs in the field.
And by the close of the third day Australia had extended their lead to 626 by reaching a commanding 181 for one.
England, who resumed 549 runs adrift and 350 runs away from saving the follow-on on 53 for three, were humiliated with Glenn McGrath claiming six for 50 to dismiss them for a lowly total.
Andrew Flintoff's men knew they would need an exceptional batting display to salvage anything from the Test - but few in the capacity 40,000 crowd could have predicted such a lame surrender.
Overnight batting pair Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen successfully frustrated Australia for 11 overs, but once their stand was broken England capitulated quickly with their last five wickets falling for 31 runs.