Australia tightens grip against England in Adelaide Test

Adelaide (Australia) –  Centuries from Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin put Australia in the driver’s seat in the second Test against England in Adelaide.

Australia piled up a huge total of 570 for 9 in their first innings before declaring on the second day. And then, enjoyed a further upper hand when left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Johnson roared in to remove England captain and opener Alastair Cook.

England were precariously placed at 35 for one, still needing a further 535 runs to overcome Australia.

Earlier, Australian skipper Clarke scored 148, while Haddin scored 118. Right-arm fast bowler Ryan Harris chipped in with an unbeaten 55.

For England, fast bowler Stuart Broad claimed three wickets for 98.

Clarke scored his 148 in five and three quarter hours before he became the first Test victim for debutant Ben Stokes. Clarke’s sixth Adelaide hundred in nine Tests, and his 26th of all, was his second in succession, following his century in Brisbane when Australia’s domination was assured.

Clarke’s stand with Haddin was worth 200 in 51 overs, a new record for the sixth wicket for any team in Adelaide.

Haddin fell for 118, his fourth Test century reaffirming in aggressive fashion that he has turned the back-to-back Ashes series into one of the most productive periods in his Test career.

England had designs of dismissing Australia, resuming 5 for 273 at the close of the first day, for around 350, only to become increasingly bereft as they conceded another 297 runs in 68 overs.

Australia’s total was their highest in Ashes cricket since they amassed 674 for 6 declared against England in Cardiff in 2009.