Australia batsman Michael Clarke has delivered a captain's innings by hitting the first century of the series for his nation on the opening day of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Despite the Aussies looking down and out ahead of today's play due to their 2-0 deficit in the series, the second of which resulted in a 347-run win for England at Lord's, the tourists have kept themselves in contention with a 125 from Clarke.

Graeme Swann took two wickets in the morning session, one being Usman Khawaja (1), who requested a review after the umpire gave the batsman out for being caught behind.

Despite the Hotspot failing to show an edge, Khawaja was sent packing, leaving Clarke to come into the crease following the misfortune and take control alongside Chris Rogers.

While Rogers was dismissed short of reaching his century on 84, Steve Smith, who narrowly escaped an lbw decision as replays showed that the ball was clipping leg stump, battled on after tea to rack up 70 runs.

Joe Root had a short stint with the ball during the evening session and while James Anderson, Tim Bresnan and Swann tried to put pressure on the batsmen, they were unable to handle the Old Trafford pitch.

Before the arrival of the new ball, Clarke scored a century from a single into the leg-side, while Smith shortly followed him with two runs to clinch a half-century.

Despite some impressive bowling from England, the flat pitch prevented the hosts from snatching a fourth wicket by stumps.