Aussies on top at the end of day 3.

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CARDIFF 1st Test, Day 3
Day 3 started with Ponting & Katich continuing from were they left yesterday, their partnership added another 50, before Katich departed after compiling a crafty 122, with scoreboard reading 299 for 2, then came Mr. Cricket, who has not been in the best of form since the last couple of series and his poor form continued as he got out for 3 of the bowling of Anderson. England getting a glimmer of hope, which only increased when Paneser dismissed Ponting not before he stroked a brilliant 150, scoreboard reading 331 for 4 with two new batsmen at the crease England were back in business. However, Clarke and North had different plans the duo didn't gave England a sniff. It was Clarke's cover drives and North straight drives which kept the spectators entertained. English bowlers tried hard but to no avail with second session belonging to Australia, Englands hope were diminishing fast.
The third session saw both batsmen complete their half centuries, then rain came and the play was halted for more than an hour. The rain break didn't help Clarke as he got out for 83 shortly after the play resumed. Broad getting something to smile at the end. When stumps were drawn on day 3 Australia was very well placed at 479 for 5 with a lead of 44 runs and I am afraid to say unless something dramatic happens only two results are possible at this stage either Australia winning or a draw. A possible threat of rain on day 4 tame draw looks a certainity. I hope the rain Gods stay away and we get full 5 days play, till then goodbye.

Crunching Numbers:

Michael Clarke has scored 824 runs since the begining of the Australian summer at an average of 58.85, during the same period Michael Hussey has scored only 325 runs at 21.66.