The umpires decided to take lunch 30 minutes early at 12.30pm local time (1130GMT), with the aim of starting play at 1.10pm following the standard 40-minute break.
At stumps on first day, Australia were 307 for four as they sought a consolation victory in a five-match series already won by England at 3-0 up.
Shane Watson's Test-best 176 was the cornerstone of Australia's imposing total. It was only his third Test hundred -- his first in 25 matches and 48 innings since his previous best of 126 against India at Mohali in October 2010.
Steven Smith was 66 not out overnight having helped Watson add 145 for the fourth wicket before the all-rounder was well caught at deep backward square leg by Kevin Pietersen after hooking a Stuart Broad bouncer.
Nightwatchman Peter Siddle was unbeaten on 18.
England have never won four Tests in a home Ashes series, while it is 36 years since Australia last went through an Ashes without winning a single Test.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
