McGrath takes six wickets on test return

BRISBANE, Nov 25 (Reuters) Glenn McGrath destroyed England's batting before Australia set about building a massive lead on the third day of the first Ashes test today.

McGrath took six for 50 in his first test appearance in almost 11 months as England collapsed to 157 all out in their first innings replying to Australia's 602-9 declared.

Australia led by 445 and could have enforced the follow-on but captain Ricky Ponting opted to bat again, seeking to protect his bowlers from doing too much work at the start of a series involving five tests in just seven weeks.

When tea was taken, Australia were 33 without loss in their second innings, leading by 478, with Matthew Hayden unbeaten on 33 and Justin Langer seven.

The Australians are likely to bat through to the first session tomorrow before declaring with a lead of around 700 to send England back in with five sessions left and the cracks starting to widen.

England had started the day in deep trouble on 53 for three and lost their last seven wickets for just 79.

McGrath triggered the collapse when he removed dangerman Kevin Pietersen lbw for 16 when the batsman failed to offer a shot to a ball that pitched outside off stump and darted back in.

England's troubles deepened in the next over when Brett Lee dismissed England captain Andrew Flintoff for a duck, caught behind by Adam Gilchrist.

Ian Bell and Geraint Jones put on 47 for the sixth wicket to stall the Australian bowlers but the end came quickly once Jones fell lbw to McGrath for 19 soon after lunch.

RESISTANCE ENDED Bell batted almost four hours to make 50 but his resistance ended when he edged Stuart Clark to Ponting at slip. Matthew Hoggard and Steve Harmison made ducks and Ashley Giles scored 24 before skying McGrath to cover to give the experienced seamer his sixth scalp.

''The length I bowl there were a few cracks on the pitch and I just tried to get the ball in the right areas,'' McGrath said in a televised interview.

''(Andrew) Strauss's wicket was the key, after that I just relaxed and got a bit of rhythm going. ''To walk off with six wickets I'm obviously delighted with the way it's gone.

''Now we can have a bit of a rest and wait for the cracks to widen and have another go at them. Things are looking very good for us.'' REUTERS PDS KP1050