UPDATE 1-Cricket-Play resumes under floodlights in Ashes test

CARDIFF, July 10 (Reuters) - Floodlights were turned on for the first time in a British test match on Friday after rain stopped play for just under two hours in the first Ashes test between England and Australia.

Play resumed at 6.15 pm (1715GMT) after the rain had relented and the covers had been removed. The lights were switched on to ensure play could continue to the new scheduled close time of 7.30.

Australia were 463 for four in reply to England's first innings 435 with Michael Clarke on 74 and Marcus North on 51.

(Reporting by John Mehaffey; Editing by ; to query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)