Day three of fourth Ashes Test: England seek to turn the screw

England will be seeking to build an imposing lead before getting into Australia’s batters on the third day of the must-win fourth Ashes Test – although the hosts could be frustrated by the elements.

Zak Crawley produced an Ashes innings for the ages, blazing his way to 189 from just 182 balls, as England ended day two on 384 for four and a lead of 67 to seize control of the penultimate Test.

Half-centuries from Joe Root (84) and makeshift number three Moeen Ali (54) in assertive ton-plus stands with Crawley boosted England, who had earlier bowled out Australia for 317 as Chris Woakes claimed his maiden Ashes five-wicket haul at Emirates Old Trafford.

There is a strong possibility of morning showers lasting until mid-afternoon on Friday, while rain is predicted for Saturday and Sunday, but England will be hoping there is enough playing time to build a sufficient advantage and then bowl out Australia without then having to bat again.

Zak attack

Three is the Moeen number

Five-star Woakes gets just reward

Pat splats

Tweet of the day

Amid a jaw-dropping onslaught from Crawley and Root as England scored 178 in just 25 overs between lunch and tea, former footballer turned presenter Gary Lineker took time to salute England’s efforts.

No Balls duo take centre stage

England seamer Kate Cross became the first female to ring the bell before the start of play at an international fixture at Emirates Old Trafford. Cross was a pivotal figure in the drawn multi-format Women’s Ashes series, which the England and Wales Cricket Board announced had drawn an attendance of 110,000 – almost five times greater than four years ago. Cross’ Lancashire team-mate and fellow co-host of their popular ‘No Balls’ podcast Alex Hartley, meanwhile, had a floodlight at the ground named after her following a light-hearted campaign to achieve just that. “I’m beaming with pride,” she said on the BBC’s Test Match Special.