Cook gone for 12. Loose shot from Starcās first over. An already wide ball swinging away further and he guided it low to gully. 17/1. Lyth has been scratchy enough so far and has just edged one away for 4.
Starc follows his wicket maiden with a very threatening maiden. Australia will need to bowl England out for 250 or below to have a chance of knocking off 370 odd I reckon.
Hazelwood and Starc bowled outstandingly in the opening overs and England were creaking on 22/2. In the last 5 overs Lyth and Bell have smashed them all over the park - putting on 49 runs to move the score on to 71/2. Mitchell Johnson into the attack now.
Its 91/3 now. Terrific slip catch from Clarke (b Lyon) to dismiss Lyth. England lead by 213. Thereās a good bit of work to do still. Will need to get that lead up to at least 350.
Bell is on 31 off 32 balls. Playing beautifully here. Should help to restore confidence levels after his recent slump.
Fourth wicket partnership of 50 is up. 129/3 - England lead by 251 - Bell 39 n.o. Root 25 n.o.
Mitchell Johnson finally has his first wicket of the match breaking a fourth wicket stand of 97 with the dismissal of Ian Bell (60). England on 170/4. A lead of 292.
245/7. Lead of 367, England have lost wickets at regular intervals during the afternoon but it is not an easy pitch.
278/8 and the lead is 400.
England all out for 289 and its stumps on Day 3. Australiaās target is 412. The record run successful run chase in Ashes history was the 404 Bradmanās Invincibles chased down at Headingley in 1948.
Some of the England batting, to Nathan Lyons in particular, suggested they had pressing engagements elsewhere on Sunday. The ECB will be seething.
Iāve just been offered a junket to edgebaston on Friday in three weeks, lift, dinner, free bar etc.
Iām uncertain whether I can be bothered.
Thereās heavy rain forecasted for most of Sunday in Cardiff. Thatās why England want to wrap it up tomorrow.
Informative rating.
Go you mug. You might get a few namedropping opportunities.
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Iād still prefer 450 though.
Youāre very cautious though.
True . Iād say you are much more adventurous than me.
Australia 97/2 at lunch. Rogers departed early on 10. Warner & Smith had a useful partnership of 78 going but Moeen Ali trapped Warner lbw last ball before lunch.
Where does Clarke bat in the order?
Four. Heāll be facing the first ball over the lunch.
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