Stubborn Aussies thwart England

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin combined in stunning fashion after the tourists were reduced to 128 for five.

When bad light stopped play, Australia were 313 for five, having been set an unlikely 522-run target.

Clarke's classy, unbeaten 125, his 11th Test hundred, and 80 not out from Haddin clearly got England in a panic.

To such an extent that England captain Andrew Strauss summoned his team together for an on-field team talk when the new ball became available late on in the evening session.

It was during the post-tea play that Clarke reached the landmark with a turn for two in the 75th over, the same in which Brad Haddin brought up a half-century.

Their rally altered the mood of the Australians after England were given a helping hand by some controversial decisions. Andrew Flintoff struck two blows, both of which came under scrutiny, and Graeme Swann was also gifted a wicket as five wickets went down inside 39 overs.

England began their push for victory at 11.15am after Strauss declared on an overnight 311 for six.

Rain delayed the start by 15 minutes but the predominantly pace attack were effectively handed two days to dismiss their opponents to seal a 1-0 lead in the series.

Australia would have to break the world Test record for the highest successful chase to turn that prospect on its head with the current high of 418 for seven set by West Indies against Ponting and Co in 2002-03.