MANCHESTER, England:

Australia assumed total command of the third Ashes Test yesterday, reducing England to 52-2 after compiling a formidable 527-7 declared on the back of Michael Clarke's brilliant 187 on day two.

Peter Siddle removed Joe Root (8) and nightwatchman Tim Bresnan (1) in the space of 12 balls as England, needing a draw to win a third straight series against its old rival, struggled during a testing two-hour spell after tea and still requires 276 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Clarke played with a swagger to post his highest score outside Australia, adding 62 runs to his overnight score before becoming Stuart Broad's 200th test victim by chopping a rising ball on to his stumps with a fifth double hundred in sight.

Steve Smith missed a golden opportunity to reach his first Test century by throwing his wicket away, but a late bombardment by Brad Haddin (65 not out) and Mitchell Starc (66 not out) tormented England's tired attack on another draining day in the Manchester sun.

With Alastair Cook (36) and Jonathan Trott (2) the not-out batsmen, the hosts have their two most obdurate players out in the middle. Cook, though, had issues with his back and received pills from England's medical team.

It has taken one sublime knock from Clarke, his highest against England, to swing the momentum Australia's way and restore some belief within the embattled tourists after demoralising losses at Trent Bridge and Lord's left them 2-0 behind in the five-match series.

"As their one standout superstar batsman, he was probably due a score," said England spinner Graeme Swann, who claimed 5-159 but not the prized wicket of Clarke.

Clarke cut loose yesterday in a manner that suggests he is back to his aggressive best after a below-par start to the series, displaying his full repertoire of strokes that included a measured slog through mid-on and a back-foot drive through point in successive shots off Tim Bresnan, pushing him past his best previous score against England (136, at Lord's in 2009).

Clarke was given a standing ovation by spectators, with his 314-ball knock, containing 23 fours, surely one of the most important of his nine-year Test career.

"How good was my innings? Ask me in three more days," Clarke said. "If we win, then it's a good innings. If not, it's a waste of time."