Australia require a monumental resistance or severe rain intervention to retain the Ashes at Old Trafford, after England took a 189-run result in lunch on day three of the fourth Test.
After beginning the day on 4-384, England moved alongside to 8-506 on the break as they opted to maintain Australia within the subject somewhat than take an early declaration.
Harry Brook went to 61 earlier than he was caught on the boundary off Josh Hazlewood, whereas Ben Stokes was clear bowled on 51 attempting to hit Pat Cummins throughout the road.
Hazlewood took his figures to 4-105 when he had Chris Woakes (0) caught behind after which skittled Mark Wood (six) proper on the break.
England confirmed some indicators of early aggression – with Brook taking 12 runs off one Mitchell Starc over – however it was a managed method than all-out assault.
Jonny Bairstow has additionally threatened a return to kind, going to lunch unbeaten on 41 from 39 balls after a tricky few Tests with the bat and gloves.
Australia’s poor Thursday continued into the primary half-hour of Friday, as Cummins and Alex Carey missed probabilities to expire Brook and Stokes.
But the vacationers had been significantly better after that – extra disciplined with the ball and with Cummins again bowling at his finest after a particularly tough day two.
Friday was at all times going to be a matter of how lengthy England wished to maintain batting after Zak Crawley’s sensible 189 set the sport up for the hosts on day two.
After being all out for 317 of their first innings, Australia’s solely saving grace on this recreation could also be rain.
There was gentle rain earlier than play on Friday and extra halfway by way of the primary session, however a heavier downpour is forecast for the ultimate two days of this match.
If Australia are capable of maintain on for a draw they are going to retain the Ashes.
A loss, nevertheless, would see the 2-0 lead the vacationers held a fortnight in the past fully evaporate, with the perimeters going to the finale at The Oval stage at 2-2.
The one optimistic for Australia on Friday was that Starc was capable of resume bowling after hurting his shoulder within the subject late on day two.
However, Mitch Marsh stayed off the sector for the primary 75 minutes of the day after he had appeared to wince in ache whereas bowling on day two.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
