Hat-trick swings contest

PETER Siddle ripped out England's heart with a drama-charged hat-trick he completed with a replica of the sandshoe crushers that gave Jeff Thomson his place in Ashes legend.

Siddle sizzles

PETER Siddle ripped out England's heart with a drama-charged hat-trick he completed with a replica of the sandshoe crushers that gave Jeff Thomson his place in Ashes legend.

Siddle was honest enough to admit his Thomson-esque inswinging yorker to Stuart Broad was a complete accident after his 6-54 helped skittle England for 260 on day one of the Gabba Test.

Australia openers Shane Watson and Simon Katich left the hosts at 0-25 at stumps.

"I'd like to say it was exactly what I wanted but I was trying to hit the top of off-stump," Siddle said of the hat-trick ball which struck Broad flush on the big toe.

"Obviously it still came out well and it was full so it was all good. Hopefully this is the start of a good summer.

"I was at the top of my mark and the cheering, I don't think I've heard anything like that in Australia before. To have that behind me pumped me up.

"It's been a lot of hard work and I guess this is my day. We've given the batters a good opportunity for two days where they can work their magic. I got a hat-trick when I was about 13. It's been a long time."

Siddle charged in like a raging bull to dismiss Alastair Cook (67), Matt Prior (0) and Broad (0) with three consecutive rockets as Australia grabbed England by the throat.

Cook nicked Siddle to Watson at first slip. Prior was stung for pace and lost his off stump.

With the noise at the Gabba going off the dial, Siddle motored in for his hat-trick ball and unleashed a yorker that would have Thomson nodding his approval.

It struck Broad on the big toe without bouncing.

"The nerves, the crowd was behind me, I was always going to bowl fast," Siddle said.

Umpire Aleem Dar raised his finger. Bedlam in the grandstand.

Siddle was mobbed by his Australian teammates, only for Broad to refer the decision to the video, claiming he had hit it.

Dar's call was proved correct. Siddle was mobbed again, unable to be seen in the pile of Australian players. His right arm appeared, forefinger pointing to the sky.

The first two sessions had been tight.

Kevin Pietersen (43) was looking ominous before Siddle justified his selection ahead of Doug Bollinger with the first breakthrough.

Opener Cook was supposed to be the weak link in England's batting but he found strength for 4hr 42min until Siddle's intervention.

Momentum swivelled back to Australia with Siddle's first strike.

Two balls later, England were on their knees.