The Ashes 2023 LIVE: England vs Australia score and latest updates in fourth Test at Old Trafford

Jonny Bairstow hit a rapid 99 as England built a huge first-innings lead on the third day of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Harry Brook and Ben Stokes both made 50s before Bairstow smashed Australia’s bowlers to all corners of the ground, falling only one run short of a century when he ran out of partners as James Anderson was trapped LBW by Cameron Green.

England were eventually all out for 592 and carried a lead of 275 runs heading into the second innings where they chased quick wickets ahead of a weekend that is forecast to be heavily disrupted by rain in Manchester.

Mark Wood struck first to dismiss Usman Khawaja before Chris Woakes got in on the action by removing David Warner. There were worries that the resolute Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith would hinder England’s progress but Wood returned for a second spell to take the wicket of Smith and later Travis Head late on in the evening leaving the hosts requiring just six wickets to level the series.

Relive all the live action from Old Trafford as England face Australia:

England vs Australia - fourth Ashes Test, day three

• England chase dominant victory at Old Trafford after Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood heroics

• STUMPS: Australia 113/4 (trail by 162)

• OUT! Steve Smith c †Bairstow b Wood 17 (Australia 97/3) - Smith falls to thin tickle on the pull

• OUT! David Warner b Woakes 28 (Australia 54/2) - Warner chops on to waste another solid start

• TEA: Australia 39/1 (trail by 236)

• OUT! Usman Khawaja c †Bairstow b Wood 18 (Australia 32/1) - Opener feathers behind

• END OF INNINGS: ENGLAND 592 all out (lead by 275)

• OUT! Stuart Broad c & b Hazlewood 7 (England 526/9) - Australia seamer completes five-for

• LUNCH: England 506/8 (lead by 189)

• OUT! Chris Woakes c †Carey b Hazlewood 0 (England 486/7) - Hazlewood strikes with consecutive balls

• OUT! Harry Brook c Starc b Hazlewood 61 (England 474/6) - Brook hooks to long leg

• OUT! Ben Stokes b Cummins 51 (England 437/5) - Australia break through after stalling England skipper

England chase dominant victory at Old Trafford after Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood heroics

Friday 21 July 2023 19:05 , Mike Jones

England chose not to make a bold declaration, but they were ruthless on their way to a score of 592 and left Australia ragged in the field, with the tourists finishing the day 113 for four in reply at Old Trafford.

Since the start of the Bazball era, England fans have learnt to expect the unexpected. But Jonny Bairstow’s stunning unbeaten 99 helped turned the screws on an increasingly struggling Australia, before Mark Wood claimed three crucial wickets as they finished the day 162 runs behind.

England have not scored more than 592 against Australia since 2011 in Sydney, and it is rare that such a quality seam attack is left looking as tired as they did.

Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood help England chase dominant victory at Old Trafford

STUMPS: Australia 113/4 (trail by 162)

Friday 21 July 2023 19:04 , Mike Jones

Punchy stuff from Jonny Bairstow having delivered a rather emphatic reminder of his tonking talents. Now, though, England will be weather watching, with a genuine possibility of tomorrow being wiped out entirely. England need only six more, but might Australia’s bolstered batting lineup end up coming in handy?

The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out

Jonny Bairstow reflects on England’s day

Friday 21 July 2023 18:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

“It was a good day,” the England wicketkeeper tells Sky Sports. “We know what is ahead with the weather that may come but we have done everything so far that we can. To get four wickets tonight puts them under pressure.

“I think that the approach has been questioned at times but we have stuck to our guns all the way through. That’s what we are sticking by.

“I’ve been happy. There have been a couple of interesting dismissals through the series. It’s only a couple of games ago I got 70-odd, so it is what it is.

“I want to go out there and enjoy, go out there an entertain. People will have their comments about the way I bat, but I’ll just leave them to their comments and do what I do.

“With the squares as they are at the moment, you’ve got to try and hit it as hard as you can across the square and let the rest happen. The outfields have been quick so it is just a case of trying to hit the biggest cap and as hard as you can.”

STUMPS: Australia 113/4 (trail by 162)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And if the rain never comes? Well, Australia are right in the mire, savaged by England’s batters earlier and then failing to show much fight this evening.

To sum it all up - here’s Jonny...

STUMPS: Australia 113/4 (trail by 162)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Slaps on the back for England’s attack from their captain - Ben Stokes will be mightily pleased to already have four Australians returned to the hutch, Mark Wood leading the way with three wickets in another couple of hostile spells. Earlier, Jonny Bairstow went large as England took charge, and though the weekend weather may yet play spoilsport, the home side could hardly be more perfectly positioned.

STUMPS: Australia 113/4 (trail by 162)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 113/4 (41), Mitchell Marsh 1, Marnus Labuschagne 44, Moeen Ali 0-28 (6) (trail by 162)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England’s close in three (slip, leg slip, short leg) yelp as Mitch Marsh deflects on to his boot, the ball looping up into the only vacant space around the bat with no silly point in place. That’ll do us for day three.

Australia 112/4 (40), Mitchell Marsh 1, Marnus Labuschagne 43, James Anderson 0-17 (11) (trail by 163)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hints of movement late in the day for a returning James Anderson, twice finding shape into the meat of Mitchell Marsh’s bat before zipping one ever-so-slightly away.

Three minutes until stumps, so the next over might well be the last of the day - Moeen Ali will try his luck at Anderson’s end for the first time in this Test.

Australia 111/4 (39), Mitchell Marsh 1, Marnus Labuschagne 42, Mark Wood 3-17 (7) (trail by 164)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marsh continues to look the most comfortable of Australia’s batters against England’s fire-breather, handling the heat with a series of burly blocks.

Australia 110/4 (38), Mitchell Marsh 1, Marnus Labuschagne 41, Chris Woakes 1-18 (9) (trail by 165)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Woakes turns to take his cap at the end of a maiden, but an outstretched arm indicates his book has been blotted by an overstep. Marsh shoulders arms to conclude an otherwise scoreless over.

Australia 109/4 (37), Mitchell Marsh 1, Marnus Labuschagne 41, Mark Wood 3-16 (6) (trail by 166)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:30 , Jack Rathborn

Australia 109/4 (37), Mitchell Marsh 1, Marnus Labuschagne 41, Mark Wood 3-16 (6) (trail by 166)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That ball was hurled down at 91mph, Head closing his eyes before attempting that inexact parry, jolted by the electric Wood’s high voltage. Mitchell Marsh climbs aboard with another ship-steadying job to do.

OUT! Travis Head c Duckett b Wood 1 (7b 0x4 0x6), Australia 108/4 (36.1)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Spooned to gully! Travis Head is roughed up and bounced out!

Mark Wood has another! Head is like Bambi on ice as he backs away, feet all out of kilter as he throws up a fending blade. Ben Duckett settles under a sitter and England are on the charge.

Australia 108/3 (36), Travis Head 1, Marnus Labuschagne 41, Chris Woakes 1-17 (8) (trail by 167)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Marnus Labuschagne looked more organised in the first innings than in the rest of this series, and has been good again today - another competent clip for four in Chris Woakes’s latest over.

Australia 103/3 (35), Travis Head 0, Marnus Labuschagne 37, Mark Wood 2-14 (5) (trail by 172)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The close of play tonight will be at 18.43, if you were wondering, leaving Australia half-an-hour or so left to get through. The forecast isn’t getting any more promising tomorrow - if these two can stick at it until stumps, they may well find themselves together on Sunday morning.

That bang to the bonce doesn’t seem to have done Labuschagne much harm, his timing impeccable as Mark Wood strays on to his pads. The Smith wicket was Wood’s 100th in Test cricket, by the way - I believe that makes England the first side in Test history with six bowlers in an eleven with an overall tally in three figures.

Australia 98/3 (34), Travis Head 0, Marnus Labuschagne 33, Chris Woakes 1-12 (7) (trail by 177)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:08 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Top edged on to the helmet! Marnus Labuschagne will be expecting some short stuff against Mark Wood but is caught off guard as Chris Woakes produces a bouncer of his own, hurrying the batter. A thin snick goes unspotted by the umpires due to a cannon off the badge, but Jonny Bairstow was again perceptive and scrambled after it. He can’t quite reel it on the full, with the signalled leg bye revealing the umpires’ error, and Labuschagne is cleared to continue after a concussion check.

Australia 97/3 (33), Travis Head 0, Marnus Labuschagne 33, Mark Wood 2-10 (4) (trail by 178)

Friday 21 July 2023 18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It was only a delicate peck on Smith’s bat, but that’s all Mark Wood needed - cross-seam into the surface seems to be the way on this tiring pitch.

Travis Head arrives to face the chin music with Australia back in a mire and the close still distant.

OUT! Steve Smith c †Bairstow b Wood 17 (38b 1x4 0x6), Australia 97/3 (32.3)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Smith walks!

Well well well - Mark Wood strikes again! Called back in and swung around to replace James Anderson at the veteran’s end, Wood bangs it in down the legside and Smith can’t resist playing at it. Jonny Bairstow whoops with delight, and Smith is on his way before Joel Wilson even has a chance to raise a finger.

Australia 95/2 (32), Marnus Labuschagne 32, Steve Smith 16, Moeen Ali 0-27 (5) (trail by 180)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Just a single from Moeen Ali’s over as the spinner finds some consistency.

Australia 94/2 (31), Marnus Labuschagne 32, Steve Smith 15, James Anderson 0-16 (10) (trail by 181)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Nicely played by Marnus Labuschagne, letting the ball come to him and directing a back-of-a-length ball from Anderson down to the third fence for a first boundary for a little while. Backward point starts off on a futile chase but the outfield is plenty quick enough.

Australia 90/2 (30), Marnus Labuschagne 28, Steve Smith 15, Moeen Ali 0-26 (4) (trail by 185)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia have been so much better against Moeen in this Test than at Headingley, definite in their footwork and actively looking to score, leaving them more able to capitalise when the off-spinner has missed his length. Back-to-back Labuschagne slaps to the offside sweeper bring two twos.

Australia 83/2 (29), Marnus Labuschagne 22, Steve Smith 14, James Anderson 0-12 (9) (trail by 192)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Anderson’s run of dots is capped at 18, a single to Steve Smith followed up by a lovely tuck from Marnus Labuschagne as Australia’s quirky couple start to settle.

Mark Wood is off, for now, perhaps with a switch of end in mind - Moeen Ali takes over.

Australia 79/2 (28), Marnus Labuschagne 19, Steve Smith 13, Mark Wood 1-8 (3) (trail by 196)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A terrifyingly tight leave! Aye, aye, aye - Marnus Labuschagne lifts the bat out of the way but must be expecting a death rattle as Mark Wood skids one towards the top of off, missing by a gnat’s hair.

Australia 78/2 (27), Marnus Labuschagne 19, Steve Smith 12, James Anderson 0-8 (8) (trail by 197)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Still no score in James Anderson’s spell, Marnus Labuschagne beaten once in the over by one that jags away from him and releasing one of his unintelligible, involuntary garbles in recognition.

Australia 78/2 (26), Marnus Labuschagne 19, Steve Smith 12, Mark Wood 1-7 (2) (trail by 197)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood goes wide of the crease, trying to lance into the pads, but Marnus Labuschagne is tidy off his toes, flicking a couple of singles to deep square leg. It is at the other end, largely, where the ball has been misbehaving, an earlier grubber nearly doing for Labuschagne after one burrowed by Joe Root yesterday.

Australia 75/2 (25), Marnus Labuschagne 17, Steve Smith 11, James Anderson 0-8 (7) (trail by 200)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A couple of mistimed drives ensure James Anderson is able to join the dots again, though the absence of lateral movement leaves Steve Smith largely comfortable as he navigates through another maiden.

Perhaps Mark Wood needed to let his tea go down - slightly later than one might have thought, here he is for the first time since the interval.

Australia 75/2 (24), Marnus Labuschagne 17, Steve Smith 11, Chris Woakes 1-12 (6) (trail by 200)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Having tried to drag Steve Smith by plugging away outside off, Chris Woakes feels the time is right to attack the pads, but Smith is equal to the challenge, clipping typically securely straight of midwicket for four.

Australia 68/2 (23), Marnus Labuschagne 17, Steve Smith 4, James Anderson 0-8 (6) (trail by 207)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anderson has served his period on probation after that time off the field, and is cleared for take off in relief of Broad. Marnus Labuschagne isn’t quite yet ready, though, needing a few final checks after pulling out as Anderson starts off down the runway.

Just two slips for Anderson, with a reinforced ring on the offside trying to tie up Labuschagne. Anderson picks up where he left off in his first spell, completing a maiden in miserly manner.

Australia 68/2 (22), Marnus Labuschagne 17, Steve Smith 4, Chris Woakes 1-5 (5) (trail by 207)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Smith is setting up slightly differently in this innings, taking a leg stump guard to try and prevent himself getting quite so far across his stumps having been trapped in front by Mark Wood on day one. It also looks like his back foot isn’t moving quite so definitely, allowing Smith to not get so square on at the point of impact.

A length ball spikes out of the surface into Smith’s splice, bottom hand torn away from the bat handle.

Australia 68/2 (21), Marnus Labuschagne 17, Steve Smith 4, Stuart Broad 0-31 (8) (trail by 207)

Friday 21 July 2023 17:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ben Stokes tries to bring James Anderson on in place of Stuart Broad, but Anderson has spent a bit of time off the field, and isn’t yet permitted to re-enter the attack. To Mark Wood then? Nope, Stokes sticks with the old guard, Broad getting a fifth in his spell.

Steve Smith forces through extra cover, up tall on his toes and then striding back for three, before Marnus Labuschagne tugs a similar ball to leg, outdoing his mate with a crisply struck boundary as Broad scowls at the footholes in his landing zone.

Australia 61/2 (20), Marnus Labuschagne 13, Steve Smith 1, Chris Woakes 1-5 (4) (trail by 214)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That really was very, very tight. The ICC have removed the soft signal for this summer, with the on-field officials no longer required to give an indication of whether or not they thought an incident like that was out - we’ve seen a couple of catches like that upheld over the last few weeks, though.

On balance, you’d say it is a fair enough call, particularly as Root himself wasn’t remotely certain.

Not out! Australia 60/2 (19.1), Marnus Labuschagne 13, Steve Smith 0, Chris Woakes 1-4 (3.1) (trail by 215)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Blimey, it’s tighter than Root’s instant reaction suggested, and Kumar Dharmasena has a long old look - but it looks as if that has bounced up into the palms off the grass rather than clutching fingers. Dharmasena eventually concludes as much.

Australia 60/2 (19.1), Marnus Labuschagne 13, Steve Smith 0, Chris Woakes 1-4 (3.1) (trail by 215)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Edged but just short! Or is it? Joe Root immediately said no at first slip, but the third umpire wants to make certain...

Australia 60/2 (19), Marnus Labuschagne 13, Steve Smith 0, Stuart Broad 0-24 (7) (trail by 215)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A delightful drive from Marnus Labuschagne, presenting a full face to press the ball back past the bowler for four charming runs.

Australia 54/2 (18), Marnus Labuschagne 7, Steve Smith 0, Chris Woakes 1-4 (3) (trail by 221)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another in the wickets column for Chris Woakes, who really is enjoying a most marvellous return to England whites. Steve Smith joins Marnus Labuschagne.

OUT! David Warner b Woakes 28 (53b 3x4 0x6), Australia 54/2 (17.5)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chopped on!

David Warner does the hard work and throws it again! Warner contemplates playing and then mulls a shouldering of arms, in the end doing neither one nor t’other and nicking back on to his stumps.

Australia 54/1 (17.2), Marnus Labuschagne 7, David Warner 28, Chris Woakes 0-4 (2.2) (trail by 221)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Chris Woakes finally shows his generous side, a riser at David Warner’s ribs jabbed to the square leg boundary for four after 13 balls on the money. Warner off to another start - and one he can’t really afford to squander.

Australia 50/1 (17), Marnus Labuschagne 7, David Warner 24, Stuart Broad 0-18 (6) (trail by 225)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A scuttler! That’ll excite the England bowlers, Marnus Labuschagne’s toes in trouble off a length as a Stuart Board ball doesn’t get up, a puff of dust indicative of this abrading surface. Inches from off stump with the batter’s downward thrust tardy, though Labuschagne gets through for a bye.

50 up for Australia via a David Warner pat to point.

Australia 46/1 (16), Marnus Labuschagne 6, David Warner 22, Chris Woakes 0-0 (2) (trail by 229)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Ooh, that’s a good nut from Chris Woakes, pushing the ball across David Warner having ended the left-hander’s first hit nicking on the angle. Warner’s on the offensive with his footwork but holds the line well to avoid a similar fate.

A dozen dots to begin for Woakes.

Australia 46/1 (15), Marnus Labuschagne 6, David Warner 22, Stuart Broad 0-15 (5) (trail by 229)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Stuart Broad isn’t happy at all as James Anderson helps Australia out, flinging a needless, careless shy at the stumps for four overthrows with Marnus Labuschagne already running his bat home as he releases. Up goes an apologetic hand.

Australia 39/1 (14), Marnus Labuschagne 4, David Warner 17, Chris Woakes 0-0 (1) (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Chris Woakes follows Stuart Broad’s lead. Australia easing into their evening armchairs.

Australia 39/1 (13), Marnus Labuschagne 4, David Warner 17, Stuart Broad 0-8 (4) (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Six dots to begin post-tea proceedings.

No curveball at the other end - Chris Woakes on, fresh from a first Ashes five-for.

Australia 39/1 (12.1), Marnus Labuschagne 4, David Warner 17, Stuart Broad 0-8 (3.1) (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Or not! Well, this is a shock - Mark Wood is off, Stuart Broad is on, hoping a switch of ends might mend his slightly ropey radar. David Warner is on strike, but has looked solid and secure against his tormentor thus far.

TEA: Australia 39/1 (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four bowlers used by England in that short spell before tea, though no sign yet of their first innnings star. Does Ben Stokes toss the ball Chris Woakes’s way immediately after the interval? Mark Wood will surely continue at the James Anderson End, with Old Trafford ready to bounce again to his up-tempo tunes.

TEA: Australia 39/1 (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But the undoubted story of the afternoon at Old Trafford was Jonny Bairstow revelling in his revenge. Sonia Twigg soaked up all of the cathartic carnage as Bairstow was left stranded one shy of a magnificent ton.

The agony and ecstasy of Jonny Bairstow’s 99 not out

TEA: Australia 39/1 (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 16:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That Mark Wood wicket will make England’s tea taste all the sweeter. It shows the value of Mark Wood’s extra gas - Australia’s opening pair had looked very comfortable against James Anderson and Stuart Broad, but Usman Khawaja couldn’t resist a little fiddle even with Wood still working up to full tilt.

Over in Trinidad, meanwhile, Virat Kohli has celebrated his 500th international appearance with a 29th Test century - more pain for the West Indies against their Indian tourists, having elected to bowl on what always looked a flat one.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Friday 21 July 2023 15:57 , Sonia Twigg

Tea: England had one breakthrough before tea, when Wood claimed the wicket of Khawaja caught behind to leave Australia 32-1.

It was an important wicket, but England will want a few more in the evening session to be fully in control of this game, with most weather forecasts – and yes I have checked most of them – predicting a washout on Saturday.

Australia go into the break 39 for one, trailing England by 236.

TEA: Australia 39/1 (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Australia 39/1 (12), Marnus Labuschagne 4, David Warner 17, Moeen Ali 0-19 (3) (trail by 236)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Brook is moved across to a catching short extra cover from short leg, David Warner eager on the drive as Moeen gives it a bit of air. Too much air that time, another full bunger levered to leg with Warner back safely for three.

Australia 36/1 (11), Marnus Labuschagne 4, David Warner 14, Mark Wood 1-4 (1) (trail by 239)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Rapid! Marnus Labuschagne gets himself in a tangle, squared up and skewing as Mark Wood cranks it up. An out-of-control prod careers down through the gully gap for four.

OUT! Usman Khawaja c †Bairstow b Wood 18 (34b 2x4 0x6), Australia 32/1 (10.2)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood into the attack and is that a fine nick through second ball? Up goes the finger but Usman Khawaja looks perplexed. Upstairs for a look...and there’s a murmur on UltraEdge!

Khawaja didn’t feel the feather but the evidence is indisputable. The extra pace does the trick to end Australia’s placid period, the batter fondling for it outside off and edging behind.

Australia 32/0 (10), Usman Khawaja 18, David Warner 14, Moeen Ali 0-16 (2) (trail by 243)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lovely feet and hands from David Warner, getting down to the pitch and drop-kicking with a straight bat back over Moeen Ali’s head.

Appreciable turn! That’ll please Moeen, giving it some extra revs and troubling Warner’s thigh guard with one that grips back past the outside edge. There’s a little bit in this wearing surface.

You’ve got to pitch it though, Mo, to make use of it - Warner clomps a full toss over midwicket for four more.

Australia 24/0 (9), Usman Khawaja 18, David Warner 6, James Anderson 0-8 (5) (trail by 251)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Edged short of third slip! It’s a sore one for Ben Duckett, releasing an anguished cry as it hits him on the hop . Usman Khawaja’s hands were soft but that’s another sign of how his technique can get him in a bit of bother, playing back to a very full ball from Anderson and nearly nicking off.

Australia 22/0 (8), Usman Khawaja 16, David Warner 6, Moeen Ali 0-8 (1) (trail by 253)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:37 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The imminence of that break is perhaps in part the reason for Moeen Ali’s introduction into the attack, though two left-handers should be to his liking. With the lacquer fresh on the new ball, the one that skids on is the obvious threat to Warner and Khawaja, though there is an inviting patch of rough outside off if Moeen wishes to seek the outside edge.

Moeen starts a touch short, Khawaja helping off his hip for a boundary, and then over-corrects, allowing the batter to drive for a single to the cover sweeper.

Australia 14/0 (7), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 4, James Anderson 0-6 (4) (trail by 261)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That line of attack prompts the introduction of a leg gully, Harry Brook’s baggy jumper flapping in the breeze as James Anderson switches to around the wicket. Anderson cleverly double bluffs, hanging one outside off stump as Khawaja is drawn into a shot he might not have ordinarily played, but there’s no edge.

Jimmy joins ‘em up - his last ball is pulled straight to Chris Woakes at midwicket as England begin to build a little bit of pressure before tea.

Australia 14/0 (6), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 4, Stuart Broad 0-8 (3) (trail by 261)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle

David Warner is starting a foot outside of his crease against Stuart Broad, who like his opening partner hasn’t quite found rhythm yet. Warner can’t get a tickle on three balls speared down the legside, though - a maiden.

Australia 14/0 (5), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 4, James Anderson 0-6 (3) (trail by 261)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

There’s a bit of movement apparent for Anderson across the left-handers, but his starting line has generally been a little bit too straight, both Warner and Khawaja able to watch the ball on to their bat, not necessarily afraid of playing square on given Anderson’s relatively gentle pace. That’s more like it, pushing it across to beat Khawaja’s defensive stroke.

Australia 13/0 (4), Usman Khawaja 10, David Warner 3, Stuart Broad 0-8 (2) (trail by 262)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle

The barbershop quartet to Jonny Bairstow’s left ooh and aah as Usman Khawaja is slightly squared up by an away-nipper from Stuart Broad. That’s safe off the outside half of the bat, though, into the cover gap for a single. David Warner matches his partner with a tuck off the toes.

Australia 11/0 (3), Usman Khawaja 9, David Warner 2, James Anderson 0-5 (2) (trail by 264)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

James Anderson shows his footballing skills, five keepy-uppies before collecting back in those gnarled old fingers. I hear those aross the road at the other Old Trafford are seeking a new number nine.

His last ball is over-pitched on about middle, Khawaja never one to get a stride in so playing an otherwise perfect on-drive with his plimsolls together. Stuart Broad’s game chase keeps it to three.

Australia 7/0 (2), Usman Khawaja 6, David Warner 1, Stuart Broad 0-6 (1) (trail by 268)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Jaunty from Usman Khawaja, at least by his standards, a couple of steps down to cover the swing before leaning on a square drive. Four runs.

Australia 1/0 (1), Usman Khawaja 1, David Warner 0, James Anderson 0-1 (1) (trail by 274)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A nudge off the hip gets Usman Khawaja underway, James Anderson not finding too much immediate nip as he makes the familiar canter down from his own end.

Stuart Broad at the other.

Australia 0/0 (trail by 275)

Friday 21 July 2023 15:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

What do Australia have by way of riposte? Bairstow’s blitz at least showed how good this surface remains for batting, but the new ball swung earlier for Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood - this could be a tough little period for Usman Khawaja and David Warner.

END OF INNINGS: England 592 all out (lead by 275)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Revenge? That was a blockbuster bit of batting from Jonny Bairstow, letting out all of his frustration on Australia’s hapless attack, already bruised by yesterday’s battering. England eschewed any thought of an early declaration and have piled on the runs - they’ve got a session and a bit to make inroads into the Australian order before the rain is due to come overnight.

END OF INNINGS: England 592 all out (lead by 275)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle

OUT! James Anderson lbw b Green 5 (18b 1x4 0x6), England 592 all out

Friday 21 July 2023 14:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Anderson’s stay of execution is brief! Jonny Bairstow is stranded on 99!

It’s cruel for Bairstow, his partner shuffling across his stumps and then missing a straight one. The appellate court can’t save him, three reds on review, with Bairstow hurrying off for a quick-change into his keeping gear.

England 592/9 (107.3), James Anderson 5, Jonny Bairstow 99, Cameron Green 1-64 (15.3) (lead by 275)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anderson nearly comes-a-cropper! Bairstow pushes to long-off and hares off in search of the two he needs, but it’s never on. Anderson plants and turns with the intent of a 200m sprinter rounding the bend, and is a goner if Australia throw to the keeper’s end. But the two ends up in Cameron Green’s hands and Anderson is back before the bowler can aim his shy!

England 591/9 (107.1), James Anderson 5, Jonny Bairstow 98, Cameron Green 1-63 (15.1) (lead by 274)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Another scrambled bye! Alex Carey just can’t hit the stumps with Jonny Bairstow out of his ground...

England 590/9 (107), James Anderson 5, Jonny Bairstow 98, Pat Cummins 1-129 (23) (lead by 273)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anderson need not play a shot. Pat Cummins hurls one down the legside for four more byes, and Bairstow is then alive to the possibilities of getting through for another with Alex Carey forced to crouch to take on the half-volley.

A cue-ender to third man gets Bairstow to within a single blow. Slapped over cover...but not far enough! For once, Bairstow doesn’t quite have the requisite beef - a couple of bounces and over the rope but Anderson will have to get him back on strike.

England 577/9 (106), James Anderson 5, Jonny Bairstow 90, Cameron Green 1-63 (15) (lead by 260)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Cameron Green pacifies Bairstow briefly, his extra height handy as he extracts some uncertain bounce out of the surface with some cross-seamers. The respite doesn’t last for long - flapped around the corner for Bairstow’s eighth four.

Gilbert Jessop’s record is safe though - that’s Bairstow’s 76th ball, meaning the record for the fastest Test ton by an Englishman will have to wait for another day. Unless James Anderson gets going, of course...

England 572/9 (105), James Anderson 4, Jonny Bairstow 86, Pat Cummins 1-121 (22) (lead by 255)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Biffage! Bairstow has a sledgehammer in hand now, swatting, swiping and smashing with a ton suddenly not seeming so distant. Another short-arm pull heaved over midwicket as those beefy biceps ripple.

Have some more! Yowzer, this is some hitting, Pat Cummins again a fraction short and positively pulverized for the biggest six of the lot.

Cummins tries to hide the ball down the legside and keep Bairstow off strike for the start of the next - it works, but the concession of four more byes only further increases England’s advantage.

England 556/9 (103), James Anderson 4, Jonny Bairstow 74, Josh Hazlewood 5-126 (26) (lead by 239)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Steve Smith bobs his head along to the chant of the England fans behind him, finding peverse pleasure in their taunting as England’s batters gather for a mid-pitch strategy chat.

Hooked high into the stands! A colossal blow from Bairstow, taking the men on the fence on and clearing them by a distance.

England 549/9 (103), James Anderson 4, Jonny Bairstow 67, Pat Cummins 1-109 (21) (lead by 232)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle

And Jimmy joins the fun! Ben Stokes beats enthusiastically on the door to England’s dressing room as Anderson swats Pat Cummins to the square leg boundary, England’s last man anticipating the chin music and able to join in with his own merry tune. There would appear little reason for Stokes to keep his last pair out there, beyond annoying the Australians - and the visitors appear appropriately irked.

England 545/9 (102), James Anderson 0, Jonny Bairstow 67, Josh Hazlewood 5-119 (26) (lead by 228)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle

That Bairstow boundary does mean that Josh Hazlewood can have a crack at James Anderson. But that’s smart thinking from the England pair - a Hazlewood bouncer loops over a ducking Anderson, who gets his skates on as Bairstow calls him through for a bye. Alex Carey misses with his toss at the stumps, having released almost immediately...

Bairstow’s amongst things now, guiding a bumper down to third man to beat a sliding Mitchell Starc for a boundary. And there’s another - seeking a single, Bairstow times the pants off a legside flick to end up with four more runs instead.

England 536/9 (101), James Anderson 0, Jonny Bairstow 59, Mitchell Starc 2-137 (25) (lead by 219)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Bairstow’s raise of the bat means six of England’s top seven have reached 50 for the first time since 1930. There’s more to come, too, the batter beating the squarer of two men in the midwicket region for another boundary.

England 532/9 (100.1), James Anderson 0, Jonny Bairstow 55, Mitchell Starc 2-133 (24.1) (lead by 215)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A short arm jab for six to bring up his half-century! Jonny Bairstow is back, making the most of a friendly situation to canter to a run-a-ball 50.

England 526/9 (100), James Anderson 0, Jonny Bairstow 49, Josh Hazlewood 5-111 (25) (lead by 209)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Anderson safely ducks and dodges the three remaining balls in Josh Hazlewood’s over.

OUT! Stuart Broad c & b Hazlewood 7 (10b 0x4 0x6), England 526/9 (99.3)

Friday 21 July 2023 14:10 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Five for Josh Hazlewood! A massive heave from Stuart Broad ends up going up the chimney, and the bowler settles beneath it.

James Anderson is wandering out - England are batting on.

England 514/8 (97), Stuart Broad 1, Jonny Bairstow 43, Mitchell Starc 2-120 (23) (lead by 197)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hallelujah - sunshine as Mitchell Starc resumes! And that will further brighten England’s dispositions, wild, wayward and away for four byes down the legside.

Stuart Broad is off the mark, fending into the offside and through for a single to pinch the strike.

England 508/8 (lead by 191)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hurrah - Australia have re-emerged and the stumps are back in. Ben Stokes drains the last of his energy drink as he sends Stuart Broad and Jonny Bairstow back out there.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: England 508/8 (lead by 191)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Hello, hello - Joel Wilson, optimistically still with his shades on, and his umpiring colleagues are back out there, inspecting the surface as the groundstaff peel off that white tarpaulin.

The rain appears to have relented - but how much damage has that short shower done?

RAIN STOPS PLAY: England 508/8 (lead by 191)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well, that was all rather brief - three balls and back to the dressing rooms. The hope is that this is only a passing squall, with brighter patches beyond the rather sombre skies currently engulfing Old Trafford.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: England 508/8 (lead by 191)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle

To make things even more miserable for the groundstaff, the hover cover has broken! A white sheet is therefore dragged across the square to provide at least some protection, but that’s far from ideal.

England 508/8 (96.3), Stuart Broad 0, Jonny Bairstow 42, Mitchell Starc 2-119 (22.3) (lead by 191)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It doesn’t look particularly nice out there, Mitchell Starc coweing almost at the top of his mark as the wind whips the rain into his face. A trumpeter toots beneath the hood of a cagoule - it looks like it might even be getting wetter.

The covers are coming on. Stuart Broad is desperate to stay out there, pleading with the umpires, but the umbrellas are going up.

England 506/8 (lead by 189)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

England are back out there - and Jonny Bairstow and Stuart Broad have bats in hand. Rain on the camera speaks to the need to get a move on, though. A quick dart and then stick Australia in?

Lunch: England 506/8 (lead by 189)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Well, the difference so far is Zak Crawley, his 189 currently separating the sides. No word yet on a declaration, though it sounds like some rain has blown through while the two sides were lunching.

Sonia Twigg at Old Trafford

Friday 21 July 2023 13:05 , Sonia Twigg

Lunch: Australia took wickets, but England have kept scoring, and have scored more than 500 runs, always a significant milestone.

The questions will be surrounding Ben Stokes’ likely impending declaration, but it is hard to predict in this England side, and they tend to do the unexpected.

500 in less than 96 overs has left the pressure firmly on the visitors. Both Harry Brook and Stokes brought up their half centuries in the morning session, and Jonny Bairstow finished on the brink of one of his own, going into the break unbeaten on 41.

Only Chris Woakes had to make a return to the dressing room without scoring when he was out first ball, but it is only encouraging for England with Australia floundering.

Mark Wood was bowled on the final ball of the session, but if they choose to continue after lunch, they will do so on 506 for eight, with a lead of 189.

LUNCH! ENGLAND 506/8 (lead by 189)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle

OUT! Mark Wood b Hazlewood 6 (8b 1x4 0x6) , England 506/8 (96)

Friday 21 July 2023 13:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

But Hazlewood has his revenge! Back on the money next ball, Hazlewood leaves off peg prone and poleaxed with Wood playing down entirely the wrong line.

England 506/7 (95.5), Mark Wood 6, Jonny Bairstow 41, Josh Hazlewood 3-105 (22.5) (lead by 189)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle

An enormous ovation as Jonny Bairstow brings up the England 500, a back-foot carve and a pristine on-drive bringing back-to-back boundaries before the two batters hustle between the wickets for two.

And Mark Wood is in on the fun, Josh Hazlewood losing his line for the first time all session, and letting the England fast bowler have four freebies off his pads.

England 491/7 (95), Mark Wood 2, Jonny Bairstow 30, Mitchell Starc 2-118 (22) (lead by 174)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Lunch is drawing ever nearer, with the interval surely a natural break in which England will curtail this innings. Jonny Bairstow will happily take any runs on offer before then, slapping Mitchell Starc out to the cover sweeper, before the bowler snakes a couple past Mark Wood’s bat.

England 488/7 (94), Mark Wood 1, Jonny Bairstow 28, Josh Hazlewood 3-90 (22) (lead by 171)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mark Wood survives the hat-trick ball, fiddling outside off in a similar manner to his predecessor but safely withdrawing his bat in time. The manner in which the ball is hooping won’t displease England, who will have use of these conditions soon enough, you’d imagine.

OUT! Chris Woakes c †Carey b Hazlewood 0 (1b 0x4 0x6), England 486/7 (93.1)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Josh Hazlewood’s on a hat-trick! A thin edge from Chris Woakes through to Alex Carey!

A first-baller for Woakes - it’s a beauty from Hazlewood, a pleasing arc away from the right-hander’s defensive stroke to take a sliver of bat.

England 486/6 (93), Chris Woakes 0, Jonny Bairstow 27, Mitchell Starc 2-115 (21) (lead by 169)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:46 , Harry Latham-Coyle

It’s very nearly two in two for Australia, Jonny Bairstow forming a familiar canyon as he drives outside off, and Mitchell Starc almost meanders a ball through, a flick off the inside edge saving Bairstow.

That’s better from the wicketkeeper though, tucking off his toes for four more.

OUT! Harry Brook c Starc b Hazlewood 61 (100b 5x4 0x6), England 474/6 (92)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A skier of a top edge settles in Mitchell Starc’s hands at long leg!

Judged perfectly by Starc, planting his back foot an inch from the advertising triangle and remaining rooted to the spot as it comes down. It was a surprise short ball from Josh Hazlewood, the newer ball beating Harry Brook for pace and drawing the error on the hook, with Brook trying to help rather than heave.

The crowd boo as a replay is shown that suggests Starc might just have brushed the boundary, the catch that wasn’t at Lord’s still relatively fresh in their memory, but there’s nowt wrong with that.

England 472/5 (91.3), Harry Brook 59, Jonny Bairstow 15, Josh Hazlewood 1-86 (21.3) (lead by 155)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Away movement for Josh Hazlewood, seam erect and curving towards a two-strong cordon. Harry Brook chances a charge down but gives himself too much room, his swipe beaten by the swing.

England 472/5 (91), Harry Brook 59, Jonny Bairstow 15, Mitchell Starc 2-103 (20) (lead by 155)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:33 , Harry Latham-Coyle

A novel experience for Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow - it’s the first time in this series that England’s batters have had a second new ball to face.

A neat enough array of in-duckers from Mitchell Starc, apparently unencumbered by that shoulder niggle. A legside nudge is the only run of the over.

England 471/5 (90), Harry Brook 58, Jonny Bairstow 15, Travis Head 0-52 (7) (lead by 154)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Four nudges and nurdles suggest otherwise as England plod along.

Huzzah - that looks rather like a new ball to me. Australia finally take it to try and liven things half-an-hour before lunch.

England 467/5 (89), Harry Brook 56, Jonny Bairstow 13, Josh Hazlewood 1-86 (20) (lead by 150)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle

This is the first time that five of England’s top six have got to 50 or more since 2009. Jonny Bairstow lifts the lead to 150 with a cut to deep point.

A change of pace - Travis Head’s part-time offies might be able to stir England out of their relative slumber.

England 462/5 (88), Harry Brook 55, Jonny Bairstow 9, Mitchell Starc 2-102 (19) (lead by 145)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Mitchell Marsh is finally making a belated entry into proceedings, off the field so far today but maybe recognising the need to get out there to avoid being left unable to bat if Australia lose four wickets quickly a little later.

Across at Oakham, Josh Tongue has secured Worcestershire a handy win in Division Two of the County Championship, the seamer skittling Leicestershire to finish with figures of 5-29. Depending on what happens here, you’d suggest there is every chance that Tongue is back in the mix for England at the Oval.

A bit of drizzle falling as Harry Brook and Jonny Bairstow bat on in relative comfort. The umpires seem happy enough that it will pass through, taking up their positions for the start of the next over without fuss.

England 457/5 (87), Harry Brook 54, Jonny Bairstow 5, Josh Hazlewood 1-81 (19) (lead by 140)

Friday 21 July 2023 12:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Harry Brook gets funky to find one of the very few open patches of outfield, stepping right across his stumps and helping a short ball around the corner almost over the top of Alex Carey to beat fine leg to the fielder’s right. How much longer do England go on? They might like a go at Usman Khawaja and David Warner before lunch.

Mitchell Starc returns for a second burst.

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