AUSTRALIAN captain Ricky Ponting tried not to get too carried away after he scored an unbeaten century as the hosts rattled up 346-3 in the first Test in Brisbane.

The day began ominously for England when Steve Harmison's first ball was taken at second slip by captain Andrew Flintoff, and openers Justin Langer (82) and Matthew Hayden (21) gave Australia a good start before Ponting made his mark, with Mike Hussey (63no) sharing in an unbroken 148-run fourth-wicket stand.

"It was quite an interesting start to the day," smiled Ponting.

"Our openers got us off to a great start and put the England bowlers under pressure and then Mike and I had a nice little partnership to cap the day off."

Ponting admitted his form had not been brilliant heading into the game, but he completed his 32nd Test century, drawing him level with Steve Waugh for the most centuries scored by an Australian.

"I got to go in when the shine was off the ball and was able to build an innings, and spending some time in the middle was fun."

Ashley Giles warned England will be determined to bounce back tomorrow after being under the cosh on the opening day.

"Things didn't go as we would have liked but there is plenty of spirit in this England camp and we will come out fighting tomorrow," he said.