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Manchester: Bad light and rain stops play with Australia 172-7 in the third Test - leading England by 331 in the third Test against England at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Although the floodlights were on, the umpires decided conditions were too dangerous to continue when it looked as if fast-medium bowler Stuart Broad was about to be brought back into the attack 36 minutes after tea.
Had England persisted with off-spinner Graeme Swann the chances are that play would have continued.
It used to be the case the umpires would 'offer' the light to the batsmen to see if they wanted to continue or not.
Clarke, 30 not out when play was halted Sunday, had a prolonged conversation with South African official Erasmus as he and batting partner Ryan Harris stayed in the middle while England walked off.
Eventually, Clarke and Harris followed their opponents into the dressing-room.
England only need a draw in this match to retain the Ashes -- something made more likely by play being suspended.
Earlier, England were bowled out for 368 in reply to Australia's first innings 527 for seven declared, a deficit of 159 runs.
Matt Prior was last man out for 30, with James Anderson unbeaten on three.
Significantly, England avoided the follow-on when they'd made 328.
That meant Australia had to bat again, thereby reducing the time available to them to bowl England out in their second innings in a match the tourists have to win to stand any chance of regaining the Ashes.
Pace bowler Peter Siddle led Australia's attack with a return of four wickets for 63 runs in 29.3 overs.
England lead the five-match series 2-0 and a draw at Old Trafford will be good enough to see them retain the Ashes.
Brief scores
Australia 527/7d (Clarke 187, Smith 89, Rogers 84, Swann 5-159) and 172/7 (Warner 41)
England 368 (Pietersen 113, Siddle 4-63)
Status Australia lead by 331 runs
