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Rain halts Australia progress

Steven Smith and the returning Michael Clarke guide Australia to 405-6 on the second morning in Adelaide before rain halts play in the first Test against India.

A promising start to day two of the first Test match against India came to an abrupt halt as Australia were forced off the field on 405-6.

The first surprise of the day came when Michael Clarke walked out to the middle alongside Steven Smith after being forced to retire hurt on 60* on day one.

Despite struggling to move freely at the crease, Clarke frustrated the touring bowlers with some firm strikes off both the front and back foot before finishing the session unbeaten on 85.

The Australian captain worked in tandem with Smith, who carried his fine form into day two by reaching 98* in the drizzle, before being asked to delay his pursuit of a century when the rain came down more heavily.

India's bowlers struggled to build pressure in the morning, and face a long battle on an Adelaide pitch which continues to favour the batting side.

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Australia's batsman Steven Smith raises his bat as he reaches his 100 on day one of the third Ashes cricket Test against England in Perth on December 13, 2013
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