Cowan ton, Clarke double push Australia ahead

Nov 12, 2012

Opener Ed Cowan, who was unbeaten on 49 overnight, reached his half-century in the first over of the day•Getty Images

...Once they had survived the initial burst, though, both batsmen stuck in to lay the foundation for a big total. South Africa's captain Graeme Smith brought himself on to give his strike bowlers a break•Getty Images

In the 85th over, South Africa effected an unlikely breakthrough when Cowan was dismissed for backing up too far•Getty Images

South Africa created a few chances to get both batsmen out in the first hour...•AFP

Ed Cowan reached his first Test century soon after lunch...•Getty Images

Clarke, however, carried on to reach his double-century before stumps•Getty Images

...and was followed soon after by his captain Michael Clarke, who had survived a couple of chances in the morning session•Getty Images

He put on 188 runs with Michael Hussey, who scored an unbeaten 86, as Australia overtook South Africa's 450 with a day to go•Getty Images