Australia seek to force win in first test

By John Mehaffey

CARDIFF (Reuters) - Australia seized the initiative in the opening Ashes test against England on Friday with some resourceful batting which put them in an excellent position to force a result over the remaining two days.

Floodlights shone for the first time in a British test after a two-hour rain break and at the end of the day Australia held a first innings lead of 44 with five wickets in hand.

The determination in the Australian camp shone through after Simon Katich (122) and captain Ricky Ponting (150) had ground out a second wicket partnership of 239 runs.

Michael Clarke, Ponting's designated successor, played a series of delightful drives, including a lofted six over long-off, to reach 83 before he was caught behind attempting an injudicious hook after the rain break.

He was complemented by Marcus North, who has improved his skills at five different English counties and who batted with cool professionalism to reach 54 not out.

Clarke was not in the least bit downcast after failing to reach a maiden test century in Britain and instead enthused about his team's prospects of taking a 1-0 series lead.

"For the team I would have liked to be out there for the end of the day's play but more than the amount of runs I was just disappointed to get out like that," he said.

"Hopefully the rain will stay away tomorrow and we can continue batting and put the pressure back on England.