ASHES PHOTOS: Clarke's century hoists Australia at Old Trafford

Australia captain Michael Clarke adopted a positive approach as he stroked his way to a fluent hundred on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test against England at Old Trafford, on Thursday.

- Scorecard

The New South Wales batsman, in the process, registered his 24th hundred as Australia put up 303 for 3 at stumps.

Clarke's 125 not out came off 208 balls and included 17 fours.

Earlier, he brought up his half-century in some style, off 67 balls, pulling Tim Bresnan for a boundary through square leg.

Earlier, Australia won the toss and elected to bat.

The tourists included batsman David Warner for Phil Hughes, spinner Nathan Lyon for Ashton Agar and Mitchell Starc for injured pacer James Pattinson.

- Scorecard

England named an unchanged side, with Kevin Pietersen passed fit to play after a calf strain.

England lead the five-match series 2-0, having won the toss and batted in the first two Tests.

Chris Rogers and Shane Watson helped Australia get off to a great start. 

They put up 70 runs for the opening wicket before the home side made the first breakthrough. 

Chris Rogers went on to complete his second Test fifty en route. 

His first, 52, came in the opening Test at Trent Bridge, Nottingham. 

At Lord's, he had a poor run, scoring just 15 and 6. 

Tim Bresnan struck in his fourth over, having Watson (19) caught by Alastair Cook at first slip.

Bresnan was brought on after England's new ball bowlers, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, failed to provide the breakthrough.

Shortly after, Graeme Swann was introduced into the attack. 

The spinner struck in his second over, having Usman Khwaja (1) caught behind.

The left-hander reviewed the decision but the third umpire sided with his on-field colleague despite replays showing no obvious edge in the latest decision review system dispute to afflict the series and Australia.

At lunch, Australia were 92 for two in 26 overs.

Swann checked Australia's progress by dismissing Chris Rogers in the post-lunch session.

The left-hander, who scored 84 from 114 balls with the help of 14 boundaries, tried to hit Swann across the line on the leg side but missed and was trapped leg before wicket.

Clarke was impressive in his 24th Test ton if not at his very fluent best having been troubled by spectators above the pavilion sightscreen.

The unflappable Clarke was 125 not out from 208 balls at the close after notching the tourists' first ton of the series with a flicked single.

Giving his captain company was Steve Smith. who remained unbeaten on 70.

Smith survived another minor DRS controversy when England reviewed a not-out lbw decision against Swann and Hawk-Eye said just less than half the ball would have hit leg stump, thus reverting to the umpire's call.