AUSTRALIAN vice-captain Michael Clarke fell agonisingly short of scoring his third hundred in consecutive Tests as Australia continued to press home its advantage at Headingley last night.
Clarke (93) was out to an inswinging yorker from Graham Onions just before lunch on day two with the tourists still in a position of rude health at 5-306, a lead of 204.
Marcus North (53no) and Brad Haddin (2no) were unbeaten with Clarke's scoring in the Ashes series now at 445 runs at 89.
Clarke's performance came despite heading into the match having barely trained because of an abdominal strain.
He also suffered a nasty blow to the back of his head late on day one off the bowling of Steve Harmison and needed a new helmet.
The sun came out in yesterday's first session and Clarke immediately took to the England bowling attack.
Australia's first 50 runs of the morning came off 49 balls as Steve Harmison bowled too short and Clarke enjoyed rocking back and twice punching him through mid-on for four.
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