Ponting, Strauss seek positives

Vice-captain Clarke made 103 not out, his 12th century in 50 Tests and second in as many matches and shared a stand of 185 with North (96) to save the game.

This result still left England 1-0 up in the five-match series with two to play.

“After we lost all that time it was pretty evident there was only one team that could win but full credit to our bowlers, they stuck at it and stopped  England getting too far ahead.”

“All the guys in our dressing room don’t mind this. I’ve always said about the Australia team that we play our best cricket in adversity.”

England captain Andrew Strauss said: “There’s obviously some soreness there but nothing deteoriated. He needs to rest-up well because back-to-back Tests are hard for any bowlers.”

England are due to name their fourth Test squad on Tuesday and Strauss added: “If he’s fit to play we want to play him, if not not. “The Headingley Test is a massive Test. If we win there, we win the Ashes, the same goes for both these last two games.”