Centuries from Haddin, Clarke put Australia on top

ADELAIDE: Brad Haddin and Michael Clarke smashed centuries as Australia took a firm grip on the second and final Test against New Zealand here on Sunday.

Haddin scored 169 en route his maiden Test century while Clarke posted 110 as Australia piled up an imposing 535 in their second innings, taking a first innings lead of 265 runs at the Adelaide Oval.

At stumps on the third day, New Zealand were 35 for no loss in the second innings with Aaron Redmond on 15 and Jamie How on 13. New Zealand were all out for 270 in the first innings.

New Zealand, who lost the first Test in Brisbane, will have to battle out to save the match.

Resuming at three for 241, Australia lost the wickets of overnight batsman Michael Hussey (70) and Andrew Symonds in the third over of the day from Chris Martin (2-110).

Hussey misguided a pull shot and was caught by Redmond and then three balls later out-of-form Symonds was taken behind the stumps by Brendon McCullum.

Haddin and Clarke then came together to stitch a 181-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Haddin scored an entertaining knock studded with 24 fours and two sixes. Clarke's 10th century took 239 balls and had 11 fours.

Haddin started tentatively and survived few anxious calls but grew on confidence as the day wore on.

The wicket-keeper, playing his ninth game after Adam Gilchrist's retirement, soon out scored his vice-captain and reached the three-figure mark in just 133 balls, hitting 16 boundaries.

Haddin kept on the tempo after the dismissal of Clarke, who gave his wicket to Iain O'Brien (3-111).

After Clarke's dismissal, Haddin added 42-runs with Brett Lee (19) and 56 with Mitchell Johnson (23).

Brief scores: New Zealand 270 & 35/0 (Aaron Redmond 15 batting, Jamie How 13 batting);
Australia 535 (Brad Haddin 169, Michael Clarke 110; Iain O'Brien 3-11, Aaron Redmond 2-47)