Ashes Series - Australia extend lead

Australia led England by 626 runs with nine second-innings wickets in hand at stumps on the third day of the first Ashes test yesterday. Captain Ricky Ponting was unbeaten on 51 with opener Justin Langer not out 88 with Australia in complete control at...

Australia led England by 626 runs with nine second-innings wickets in hand at stumps on the third day of the first Ashes test yesterday. Captain Ricky Ponting was unbeaten on 51 with opener Justin Langer not out 88 with Australia in complete control at 181 for one with two days left to play as the hosts continued their bid to regain the Ashes won by England in 2005.

Australia turned down the opportunity to enforce the follow-on after bowling out England for 157 to lead by 445 on the first innings. England had started the day on 53-3 in reply to Australia's 602-9 but lost their last seven wickets for 79 to be all out before tea. Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath took 6-50 while Stuart Clark captured three wickets and Brett Lee one.

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