MANCHESTER friday: Josh Hazlewood strengthened Australia’s grip on the fourth Test at Old Trafford with a trio of England wickets late on Friday’s third day.
England were 200-5 when bad light ended play shortly before the scheduled close, still 297 behind Australia’s imposing 497-8 declared built on star batsman Steve Smith’s commanding double century.
Fast bowler Hazlewood had so far taken 4-48 in 20 overs, with England needing a further 98 runs just to avoid the follow-on.
Ben Stokes, whose unbeaten century took England to a stunning one-wicket win in the third Test at Headingley, was seven not out and Jonny Bairstow two not out. England were making steady progress during a third-wicket partnership of 141 between Rory Burns (81) and captain Joe Root (71). But Hazlewood removed both well-set batsmen before clean-bowling Jason Roy.
Victory in this match would see holders Australia retain the Ashes at 2-1 up with one to play in a five-Test series.
England resumed on 23-1, with left-handed opener Burns 15 not out and nightwatchman Craig Overton three not out after Cummins had dismissed makeshift opener Joe Denly on Thursday. AFP
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