England could perhaps cite one moment of minor controversy as mitigation as they moved to the brink of a resounding defeat in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba.

By stumps on day four, in pursuit of just 170 to win after England mustered 195 all out, Australia put themselves bang on course to wrap up their long-accustomed Brisbane victory.

David Warner (60no) and his debutant opening partner Cameron Bancroft (51no) both bagged half-centuries as the hosts closed on 114 for none after England had hinted at a more substantial target on the back of a half-century from captain Joe Root (51).

Moeen Ali's dismissal, stumped after the tightest of third-umpire rulings amid mutterings about a bulge in the hand-painted popping crease counting against him, did not help England - who lost their last five wickets for 40.
Cameron Bancroft of Australia catches his breathe after being hit while batting (
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Getty)
Stuart Broad takes a tumble (
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PA)
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PA)
James Anderson reacts (
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REUTERS)
Joe Root walks off the field with team mates as rain falls during the first day (
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REUTERS)

But they were in trouble long before their all-rounder departed the scene and Australia now need just 56 runs to win the opening Test.

Follow the final morning with our scorecard...
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Getty)
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Joe Root walks out for the toss (
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PA)
Root won the toss and chose to bowl first (
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PA)
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