Saturday 27th June 2009
Hughes, Clarke grind Sussex
Australia dominated Sussex on day three of the warm-up game ahead of the Ashes, piling up 379 for seven.
Phil Hughes and Michael Clarke controlled the proceedings for the visitors with some gritty batting.
Hughes rattled up 78 before being cleaned up by Pepler Sandri, while Clarke was unbeaten on 75 when his side declared.
Ricky Ponting, Simon Katich and Michael Hussey also spent some valuable time in the middle with the first Test less than a fortnight away.
A draw now seems the most likely outcome with the hosts traling by 417 runs and a day remaining.
The Aussies, however, were not tested to the hilt with Sussex heavyweights Yasir Arafat, Dwayne Smith and Jason Lewry being rested.
The weakened attack barely worried either opener until a delivery from all-rounder Robin Martin-Jenkins did Simon Katich in.
Katich's miscued pull shot was easily pouched by Luke Wright at mid-on, reducing the tourists to 93 for one.
Joined by Ponting at the crease, Hughes showed why he has had such a useful summer with Middlesex, as he went about building a good score.
After clearing one over the boundary rope, wicketkeeper Brad Haddin's attempt to repeat the trick saw him top-edge Rayner to mid-wicket.
Australia's long tail kept the scoreboard turning over, just as it had done in the first innings and Clarke paired up with Brett Lee to add 100 runs in 19 overs before the latter's departure at the hands of Beer.
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