Australia take control before rain halts charge

MICHAEL CLARKE became the first dismissal under floodlights in Test cricket in Britain last night but only after boosting Australia’s position in the Ashes opener in Cardiff.

Australia vice-captain Clarke gloved a catch down the leg-side during a short spell of play late in the evening session.

Stuart Broad’s first success of the innings denied Clarke a maiden Test hundred in England but his 83 and an unbeaten 54 from Marcus North meant Australia will resume the penultimate day on 479 for five, a lead of 44 runs.