BRISBANE: In the 28 tests he has played since replacing Adam Gilchrist as Australia's wicketkeeper, Brad Haddin couldn't remember a tougher examination from a bowling attack as the one he faced on day three of the first test against England.

The Ashes series is already playing up to the hype.

The Australian No. 7 endured a tough first hour on Saturday morning as James Anderson in particular bowled superbly with the new ball.

But then he cut loose, making 136 including an audacious straight six to bring up his century, stepping down the pitch to Graeme Swann.

“That first hour and a half was the toughest and highest quality test bowling you're going to get out of anyone and it was a real battle,” Haddin said.

“The pleasing thing was we came out the other side of it. It was as good test bowling as you're going to get from Anderson and (Stuart) Broad in that session.

“Today I had to get through that, not being able to play with as much freedom as I would have liked to,” he added.

“I didn't think too much about the scoreboard when I went out there, which is odd.”

By the end of the day, Haddin and Mikey Hussey (195) had shared a ground record 307-run partnership to help boost Australia's total to 481, a 221-run first-innings lead.

“It was quite satisfying to do what we did today, but we had to get over it pretty quick and get back on the field and get back to reality,” said Haddin, who now has three test centuries.

Steven Finn was the main beneficiary late as Australia collapsed to lose their last five wickets for 31 runs after Haddin's dismissal, but the England paceman was the first to admit that his figures of 6-125 flattered him.

“I picked up the wickets today but wasn't the most consistent bowler out there,” Finn said.

“I was the least consistent bowler out there and I'm well aware of that. Jimmy and Broady and Swanny at times bowled fantastically well and when we work together as a unit, that's when we get our wickets.”

England resumes Sunday at 19 without loss, needing another 202 runs to make Australia bat again.