Morning session
England 24 for one Australia would have hoped to build a sizeable first-innings lead, but Graeme Swann dismissed Brad Haddin and then centurion Chris Rogers to expose Australia's lower order. Ryan Harris, below, struck five boundaries in a quick-fire 28 to get Australia a lead of 32 as they were all out for 270. Stuart Broad finished with figures of five for 71 for England. Harris then gave his side a boost with an excellent delivery that bowled Joe Root to leave England still eight behind with nine wickets remaining at lunch.
Afternoon session
England 123 for three Rogers had shown in his innings that if you got in, and stayed patient, runs were to be had. Neither Alastair Cook or Jonathan Trott followed that example, both playing reckless shots to get out to Harris, leaving England reeling at 49 for three. It was left to Ian Bell, again, and Kevin Pietersen, to lead the recovery, the pair putting on a stand of 74 to get England to tea with a lead of 91 as they aimed to build a challenging target for Australia to chase.
Evening session
England 234 for five Bell's third century of this Ashes series – his 20th in Test – helped give England the edge at stumps. The Warwickshire batsmanscored an invaluable 105 not out as the hosts ended the day at 234 for five at the close, a lead of 202. Bell, whose hundreds in wins at Trent Bridge and Lord's helped England retain the Ashes, shared partnerships of 106 with Pietersen (44) and 66 with Jonny Bairstow (28) as England gradually wrested control from the tourists.
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