Cook and Pietersen fell early-on, with Ashton Agar claiming the England captain as his first international scalp.
The spinner struck again just after lunch to take Jonny Bairstow, before Prior’s quick-fire 30 came to an end with the wicketkeeper toe-ending to mid-on.
Bell showed some mettle to prod his way to a hard fought 50. Steadied by his partnership with Broad, the England number four opened his shoulders and upped the run-rate after lunch, ably supported by the seamer.
The English would-be all-rounder showed good composure to deal with the Aussie’s sweet chin music early on, before escaping an lbw decision.
Broad sparked controversy after he edged to Michael Clarke at first slip off Agar, but stood his ground, and was given not out by umpire Aleem Dar.
The Aussie captain was left to rue his wasted referrals including a particularly lbw appeal from Peter Siddle which was going five inches down leg.
