Stokes’ gutsy innings finally came to an end after he mistimed Murphy in his attempt to clear the ropes for the sixth time. He had done enough damage though as his 80 ensured Australia didn’t run away with the game, and were left with only a 26-run first innings lead. Stuart Broad then gave the English crowd more reasons to cheer as he struck early by dismissing David Warner for the 17th time in his career.

Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja batted out a tricky period before the Tea break and looked determined in the final session as well. Labuschagne picked up a couple of streaky boundaries off Broad whereas Khawaja appeared content to bat time. Bairstow then dropped a difficult catch for the third time in the game and like it was the case on the two previous occasions in the Test, England picked up a wicket immediately after the dropped chance.

Labuschagne took on Moeen Ali and went for the slog sweep with a man stationed at the deep. His dismissal brought Steve Smith out to the wicket but the milestone man flattered to deceive again as he found the midwicket fielder with a tame chip. Two key wickets from some ordinary bowling dragged England back into the game. The hosts added to Australia’s woes by having Mark Wood bowl a fiery spell. But it was Chris Woakes who made the breakthrough again for England with a delivery that just seamed away a touch after pitching to take Khawaja’s outside edge. The onus now rests on Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head to guide Australia to a defendable total on a pitch that has started to play up and down.

Brief scores:

Australia 263 & 116/4 (Usman Khawaja 43; Moeen Ali 2/34) lead England 237 (Ben Stokes 80; Pat Cummins 6/91) by 142 runs