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Matthew Hauser wins Australia's first medal at Commonwealth Games

Matthew Hauser (centre) finished behind Alex Yee and Hayden Wilde. (AP: Rui Vieira)

Matthew Hauser has won Australia's first medal at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, claiming bronze in the men's sprint triathlon.

Hauser finished third behind England's Alex Yee and New Zealand's Hayden Wilde.

Wilde looked to have the race won but was given a 10-second penalty for not properly putting his helmet in the basket at the bike transition.

"What an honour to be the first silverware holder for team Aus," Hauser told ABC Gold Coast on Saturday.

"Hayden Wilde and Alex Yee were on another level today but I was just happy to be there or there abouts and claim the bronze medal, which I am super proud of."

Another Australian, Jake Birtwhistle, finished fourth, 16 seconds behind Hauser.

Yee staged a dramatic late charge to win, giving England a golden start at its home Games.

"For me this is a home Games, the first time I have been able to race in front of my parents for a long time, this I would say is probably my greatest achievement ever," said Yee, who also beat Wilde to a silver at last year's Tokyo Olympics.

"I have a lot of time for Hayden, he is a great competitor and brought the best out of me every single day we race."

Trailing top-ranked Wilde by 15 seconds coming off the bike, Yee, urged on by massive crowds, ruthlessly hunted down the New Zealander during the 5-kilometre run, crossing the line with arms raised to a roaring ovation.

While it looked a dramatic finish, it was actually a comfortable victory for Yee after Wilde's penalty.

Wilde pulled ahead in the sprint, but gave Yee a high-five and a fist bump before stepping off to the side to serve his time in the penalty box before jogging over the line just in front of Hauser and embracing Yee.

The three medallists then all hugging as Birtwhistle entered the final straight.

ABC/Reuters

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