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England took four Australia wickets to press close to a drawn Ashes series victory on the third day of the Fourth Test on Friday.
Having quickly scored 592 for a huge first innings lead of 275, England reduced Australia to 113-4 in their second innings with stumps at Old Trafford.
Marnus Labuschagne was challenging England on 44 and Mitch Marsh was with him on 1.
Mark Wood’s extra pace and timely entries into the attack made the difference as Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Travis Head were dismissed cheaply to pass 100 Test wickets, and Chris Woakes got David Warner.
England dictated their innings pace at 5 1/2 runs apiece before the bad weather expected this weekend.
Jonny Bairstow smashed an unbeaten 99, mostly in a final partnership of 66 with James Anderson, who contributed 5.
The figure of 592 was the highest score at England’s Ashes Stadium since 1985, and it might have been enough to secure a win if there were enough breaks in the expected rain.
England must win to force the series to be decided at The Oval next week.
Australia, leading 2-1, will hold on to the tug with an unlikely win or draw more likely thanks to the weather.
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