Mike Hussey's timely return to form salvaged the spoils for Australia in the first Test at the Gabba, with the hosts overcoming a spirited England fightback to reach 220 for five before bad light and rain brought a premature close to play on day two.

It was another pulsating and highly competitive day of Ashes cricket in Brisbane, where England took the initiative in the afternoon session, reducing a vulnerable Aussie middle-order to 143 for five, before Hussey's aggressive 81 not out guided the home side away from danger and to within 40 runs of England's first-innings score.

The first session of the day went Australia's way, despite a disciplined bowling effort from the English quicks. Simon Katich and Shane Watson, starting day two on 25 for no loss, went relatively untroubled through the early stages of the morning, building a solid platform in pursuit of England's 260.

Katich was fortunate to survive an early run-out chance as Alastair Cook's shy went inches wide, but the first real drama of the day came after the hour mark as the Aussie left-hander benefited from the Umpire Decision Review System. Trapped lbw by James Anderson, Katich sent the decision upstairs and was vindicated, much to the frustration of Andrew Strauss and company, with Katich putting away the very next delivery for four to rub salt in the wounds.

Anderson, however, would not have to wait much longer before he got his just reward. A delivery which drew Watson into a dabble outside off-stump found the edge and England had their much-needed breakthrough. That brought Ricky Ponting to the crease and after fielding a volley of abuse from the Barmy Army the Aussie skipper guided his side to the lunch interval, still very much in the driving seat at 96 for one.

From that position of relative comfort drama unfolded as Australia were then sent rocking after the break by a determined and persistent England bowling onslaught. Anderson deserved his luck as he claimed the wicket of Ponting via a fortunate leg-side catch. Next into the action was Steven Finn, who clung onto a return catch from Katich (50) to hand the Ashes debutant his first Aussie scalp.

Finn nearly had two in two as Mike Hussey edged his first ball just short of Graeme Swann at first slip and at 100 for three, with the ball seaming around, there was suddenly panic in the Aussie ranks.

It fell to Hussey and Michael Clarke to rebuild the innings and Clarke, with his score still on nought, was lucky to survive a caught-behind appeal as he appeared to edge through to Matt Prior. Umpire Aleem Dar was unmoved and England, adamant, called for the review. Technology mysteriously showed no sign of an edge and Dar's decision rightly stood, allowing Clarke to get off the mark and continue his scratchy stay at the crease.

The Australian vice-captain was, however, unable to capitalise and battled his way to nine off 50 balls before becoming Finn's second victim. Marcus North didn't last long as Swann got into the wickets and, with the score 143 for five, England were right back in the game.

Despite the carnage going on around him Hussey (81 not out) continued, all the way showing controlled aggression with his ruthlessness against the short ball a particular feature of his innings. Brad Haddin (22 not out), while less fluid, provided sturdy support and the pair slowly regained control for the home side with an all-important 77-run stand to put Australia in the ascendency when bad light halted play.

Play will start 30 minutes early on Saturday to make up for lost time.

Shot of the Day
Hussey hit a particularly juicy cover drive late in his innings and also landed a sweet six off Swann, but the stroke which kick-started his innings was a commanding pull shot to fetch his first boundary. The lanky Finn pitched in short and Hussey rocked back to lambaste through midwicket and give his confidence a stellar boost.

Delivery of the Day
All three England seamers were disciplined and impressive, with Anderson showing signs of his very best form. It was he who dished up the most telling ball of the day, snaring the in-form Watson with a perfect length ball, which moved away a fraction and caught the outside edge.

Defining Moment of the Day
Hussey came to the crease with Australia suddenly in trouble at the fall of two quick wickets after lunch. His very first ball from Finn was right on the money and Hussey nervously prodded forward and edged toward Swann at slip. The catch fell tantalisingly short, though, with just a couple of inches proving the difference between a first-ball duck - and Finn's chance at a hat-trick - and a potentially match-winning return to form.

Doug Saxby