Australia take control of first test
Published:Friday | July 10, 2009 | 5:59 PM
Australia were in total control at the end of today’s third day of the first Ashes Test against hosts England at Cardiff.
The tourists reached 479 for 5 when bad light stopped play to lead England by 44 runs.
Vice-captain Clarke was dismissed for 83 in a six-over period following a two-hour rain delay after tea when the teams played under floodlights for the first time in a home England Test.
Marcus North, who added 143 for the fifth wicket with Clarke, was unbeaten on 54 with Brad Haddin on four.
Australia, seeking to retain the Ashes, lost three wickets in the morning after resuming on 249 for one replying to England’s first innings total of 435.
Simon Katich was out for 122, Ricky Ponting for 150 and Mike Hussey made three.
James Anderson has so far taken most wickets for England with two for 80. Andrew Flintoff, Monty Panesar and Stuart Broad chipped in with a wicket apiece.