The Australians resumed their innings on a humid but somewhat overcast morning with an impressive first innings score of 479 for five.

This 2009 Australian Ashes test team are proving to be just as ruthless and professional as their illustrious predecessors. The signs are that they are moving smoothly towards victory over England and only today’s rain brought a brief respite to the hosts.

Marcus North (125 not out) and Brad Haddin (121) put on exactly 200 between them for the sixth wicket, joining Simon Katich and Ricky Ponting, the two other century makers in the Australian innings.

The Aussies have made Ashes history in having amassed four centuries in one innings and that their 674 for six declared ,which took them over 12 hours is their fourth highest total against England.

North and the Australian wicket keeper Haddin, went about putting England to the sword with gusto, adding a further 98 in the morning session with North reaching his century before the interval. The two of them pushed the total swiftly on to 600. He went on to make his century from 138 balls before finally being caught by Bopara off Paul Collingwood.

Sadly for the English cricket team, all five of their frontline bowlers conceded more than 100 runs. When Ponting declared after Haddin was caught on the boundary, England were left needing 239 to ensure Australia bat again.

To cap the end of a most miserable day in the field, they then lost Cook(6)
playing across a full-length delivery from Mitchell Johnson to be followed shortly after by Bopara (1) bowled by Ben Hilfenhaus. Rain stopped play at 5.37 PM leaving England on 20 for two.

With one day’s play still remaining and the weather expected to improve on Sunday, Australia stand an excellent chance of winning the first 2009 Ashes Test. Only a miracle can now save England from losing in Cardiff – that miracle might take the form of England’s ally the rain. From the evidence of their batting form so far, it certainly will not be their batsmen.