After England’s Jonny Bairstow’s brilliant performance with the bat went unbeaten in 99, the hosts managed to post a commanding total of 592 all in front of a passionate Old Trafford crowd on Friday.
As It Happened: Ashes 3 Test Day 4
With rain forecast for the coming weekend and England holding a 275-point lead, Australia appeared to be playing for a draw which would see them retain the Ashes.
However, Mark Wood had other plans and made an immediate impact with the ball. After a steady start, he struck to dismiss Usman Khawaja for 18. The dangerous David Warner then played on his own stumps after scoring 28.
Wood’s relentless pace and aggression proved too much for Australia’s batting squad as he went on to knock out the formidable Steve Smith for 17 and Travis Head for just 1.
Thanks to Wood’s fiery bowling game, England are now poised for a momentous victory, which would breathe new life into the Ashes series, currently led by Australia.
(With contributions from Reuters)
