Mitchell Starc sparked an England collapse at Lord’s on Saturday before Ben Duckett
was given a controversial reprieve as the hosts maintained their bid for a remarkable win in the second Ashes Test.
England were 114-4 at stumps on the fourth day, still needing a further 257 runs to reach a target of 371.
If achieved, that would be England’s second-highest run-chase to win a Test behind their 378 against India at Edgbaston last year.
Left-handed opener Duckett, who made 98 in the first innings, was 50 not out and captain Ben Stokes unbeaten on 29
with England looking to level the five-match series at 1-1.
Starc, recalled following Australia’s thrilling two-wicket win in last week’s first Test at Edgbaston, reduced England to 13-2.
And they were in dire straits at 45-4 when Australia captain Pat Cummins struck twice in an over.
Duckett then appeared to fall for exactly 50 when he miscued Cameron Green to fine leg,
where a sliding Starc held a fine catch only for the ball to touch the turf.