Australia trail England by 239 runs

ADELAIDE, Dec 3 (Reuters) Australia trailed England by 239 runs with five first-innings wickets in hand at the close on the third day of the second Ashes test at Adelaide Oval today.

Australia were 312 for five in reply to England's 551-6 declared, with Michael Clarke unbeaten on 30 and Adam Gilchrist not out 13.

Australia captain Ricky Ponting earlier made 142 to register his 33rd test hundred, moving clear of Steve Waugh as Australia's most prolific century maker.

He shared a fourth-wicket partnership of 192 with Mike Hussey, who was bowled by Matthew Hoggard for 91 half an hour before the close of play.

Hoggard also claimed Ponting's wicket after tea as well as Matthew Hayden (12) and Damien Martyn (11) before lunch to finish with figures of four 76.

REUTERS DH RN1354