Ruthless Australia scent victory

By John Mehaffey

LONDON (Reuters) - Australia moved with ruthless professionalism on Saturday towards victory in the first Ashes test against England before rain brought a premature end to the fourth day.

Marcus North (125 not out) and Brad Haddin (121) put on exactly 200 for the sixth wicket to join Simon Katich (122) and captain Ricky Ponting (150) among the centurions.

It was the first time in Ashes history that four Australians have scored centuries in one innings and Australia's 674 for six declared compiled over more than 12 hours was their fourth highest total against England.

Ponting's declaration after Haddin was caught on the boundary attempting a fourth six meant England needed 239 to make Australia bat again.

A distant target looked beyond reach when Alastair Cook (6) and Ravi Bopara (1) were both out lbw playing across the line in the half hour before tea. England were 20 for two but as they left the field the rain started to fall and play was finally called off at 5.37 pm (1637 GMT).

Three sessions still remain in the match and the weather is forecast to improve on Sunday giving Australia every prospect of sealing victory in the first Ashes test staged in the Welsh capital.

ASHES DEBUT

Australia resumed on a warm, overcast morning with their first innings score already standing at an intimidating 479 for five.