Opener Zak Crawley hit a rapid 189 as England dominated the second day of the fourth Ashes test to take a 67-run lead over Australia with six wickets left at stumps overnight.
England reached 384-4 in 72 overs in reply to Australia’s first innings of 317. The visitors were dismissed in the morning session at Old Trafford after resuming on 299-8.
Crawley took England into the lead after just 54.3 overs with a superb flick for six off Mitch Marsh.
Australia’s woes continued as England was allowed a couple of overthrows when Australia captain Pat Cummins forgot to back up Steve Smith’s throw from the deep, although it did have some respite when an off-balance Crawley dragged Cameron Green (1-40) on to his stumps. Crawley scored 189 in 182 deliveries, including three sixes and 21 fours.
Joe Root (84 in 95) then departed 16 short of three figures after he was unable to bring his bat down in time to a grubber from Josh Hazlewood (1-62), the first significant sign of variable bounce in the pitch.