Australia declare, set England 648 for victory

BRISBANE, Nov 26 (Reuters) Australia declared their second innings closed on 202 for one today, setting England a near-impossible 648 to win the first Ashes test.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting called an end to the innings 23 minutes after the start of the fourth day's play when Justin Langer completed his century with a single off Steve Harmison.

Ponting was unbeaten on 60 after sharing an unbroken partnership of 131 with Langer but was troubled by lower back pain and did not return to the field when England began their second innings.

England were bowled out for just 157 in their first innings and face the prospect of having to survive a minimum of 172 overs over two days to save the match.

Australia had led by 445 on the first innings but opted not to enforce the follow-on to give their bowlers an extra rest before the second test starts in Adelaide on Friday.

Reuters DH VP0712