Ashes: DRS controversy mars a good day for Australia

Day one of the third Ashes Test saw fortunes fluctuate.

- Australia demand ICC answers over DRS after Khawaja's controversial dismissal

- Old Trafford Test: Batsmen help Australia dominate on Day One

But it was Australia captain, Michael Clarke, who had the privilege of ending the day on a high after hitting a superb century to put Australia on top on Thursday.

Clarke was 125 not out from 208 balls and Australia totalled rack up 303 for three at the close of play.

Steve Smith giving the Aussie captain company with an unbeaten 70.

But some poor decision making by the umpires and the controversial Decision Review System (DRS) took off some sheen off the Australia’s joy.

Opener Chris Rogers, 35, fell short of his first Australia century when he was trapped lbw by a fullish ball from spinner Graeme Swann for a Test-high 84 in the middle session.

Replays showed the decision against Rogers was right, but Usman Khawaja's dismissal before lunch was the major talking point.

Khawaja was adjudged to have been caught behind off Swann for one but reviewed umpire Tony Hill's decision.

Third umpire Kumar Dharmasena sided with his colleague despite replays showing no obvious edge in the laTest decision review system (DRS) dispute to afflict the series and Australia.

"It was disappointing and another question mark. It's people's careers on the line as well so you want decisions to be right," Rogers said.

Shane Watson was out early for 19. It was then up to Clarke and Rogers to build an innings and play without being reckless. And that is exactly what they did.

Clarke was impressive in his 24th Test ton if not at his very fluent best.

"(Clarke) is such a key person in our batting side. If he scores runs it makes it easier," Rogers said.

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

The hosts later wasted their second and final review on Smith when DRS showed he had not edged James Anderson behind. He was then plum in front to Stuart Broad on 24 but Hill said not out.

"We are quite pleased with the way we stuck in there," England's Bresnan said.

"Clarke has left the ball well. He's identified that it's a batting day. It's not done a lot out there."