JOHN Crawley admits that Australia have taken a stranglehold on the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Crawley was stranded unbeaten on 69 as England, 158 for one overnight, were bowled out for 325.

Australia were 111 for two in the second innings by the close - a lead of 278 - and England look to be staring down the barrel of a losing start to the series.

Crawley admitted England were a little deflated at not being able to build on a solid start to their innings and get much closer to Australia's first innings 492.

"The Australians have taken the game a little bit away from us," groaned Crawley.

"It's slightly disappointing after the day we had yesterday dragging ourselves back into the game.

"There's still a vital morning session for the England team and we're going to have to work very hard for the rest of this game."