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Clarke adds another classic to CV

Aussie skipper's great grab removes England opener and keeps his team in the hunt for first Test

Michael Clarke has defied the laws of gravity to take a stunning catch at first slip on day three of the first Ashes Test in Cardiff.

Clarke spectacular one-handed grab off Nathan Lyon removed Adam Lyth for 37 after the opening batsman had targeted Australia’s premier spinner on a flat wicket offering little assistance for fast or spin bowler alike.

The Australia skipper flew parallel to the Sophia Gardens turf to reel in the thick edge with a pistol grip and keep his side in the hunt for victory as England continue to build on their 122-run first innings lead.

The classic catch is not the first time bowler and fielder have combined to remove a top-order batsman.

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Clarke grabs a screamer in Galle in November 2011 // Getty Images

Lyon’s first Test wicket was a mirror image of Lyth’s dismissal when Sri Lanka batting colossus Kumar Sangakkara edged the debutant to Clarke at first slip who claimed the sharp catch low and one-handed to his left.

And like the global Britney Spears hit of 2000, Clarke did it again in 2014 to remove England’s leg-spinning allrounder Scott Borthwick at the SCG the last time these two historic rivals locked horns.

Video: Clarke catches Borthwick in January 2014

Former England captain Sir Ian Botham analysed the 34-year-old’s catch on Sky Sports, saying the Australian captain was one the best slip fielders he’s seen in recent times. 

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