England set Ashes record target of 412 for Australia
England was 411 runs ahead in the first Ashes test at stumps on day three Friday, a lead auspicious for the host and ominous for Australia.
The day finished with the English all out for 289 under floodlights at Sophia Gardens, on top of an eye-opening 122-run lead on the first innings after Australia collapsed in the morning to be all out for 308.
In a test edged by the English over the first two days, they finally achieved separation on a remarkable third morning, when Australia withered in the face of outstanding bowling by the pacemen.
Joe Root again put Australia's bowlers to the sword and together with Ian Bell gave England the platform on Friday to push for victory in the first Ashes test after setting the tourists 412 to win with two days remaining.
Root followed up his first-innings century with another stylish knock of 60 and Bell (60) ended a poor run of form as England, desperate to atone for their humiliating 5-0 reverse in 2013-14, were bowled out for 289 to end an eventful third day's play in which 15 wickets fell.
Australia did fight back in the last hour by taking five wickets but some lusty blows from tailender Mark Wood (32 not out) allowed England to set an imposing target on a pitch offering some signs of life after a docile first two days.
Australia have chased down only one 400-plus total in Ashes history -- 404 in 1948 -- but forecast rain may come to their aid on the final day on Sunday.
The day finished with the English all out for 289 under floodlights at Sophia Gardens, on top of an eye-opening 122-run lead on the first innings after Australia collapsed in the morning to be all out for 308.
In a test edged by the English over the first two days, they finally achieved separation on a remarkable third morning, when Australia withered in the face of outstanding bowling by the pacemen.
Joe Root again put Australia's bowlers to the sword and together with Ian Bell gave England the platform on Friday to push for victory in the first Ashes test after setting the tourists 412 to win with two days remaining.
Root followed up his first-innings century with another stylish knock of 60 and Bell (60) ended a poor run of form as England, desperate to atone for their humiliating 5-0 reverse in 2013-14, were bowled out for 289 to end an eventful third day's play in which 15 wickets fell.
Australia did fight back in the last hour by taking five wickets but some lusty blows from tailender Mark Wood (32 not out) allowed England to set an imposing target on a pitch offering some signs of life after a docile first two days.
Australia have chased down only one 400-plus total in Ashes history -- 404 in 1948 -- but forecast rain may come to their aid on the final day on Sunday.
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