Live Cricket Score - England vs Australia, The Ashes, 3rd Test, Day 3

Stumps - England 27/0

Five tricky overs were negotiated and even some runs were knocked off from the target. England have dominated proceedings on this rain-interrupted day. They need another 224 runs to win this Test match. Two full days and all ten wickets are remaining. Surely, they cannot mess this up?

Australia lose a review

That's a poor start for the Aussies. Out of desperation, they have lost an early review. Carey was convinced that Duckett got something on the bat when Starc sprayed one down the leg side but it was probably his bat hitting his pad. Ultra edge doesn't show any spike. Australia have two reviews left. England have already knocked off 11 runs in the opening two overs.

Target 251

Travis Head has ensured that we have got a cracker of a final innings ahead of us. He ensured that Australia didn't go down without a fight. The visitors obviously would have liked 70-80 runs more but they would be pleased they were able to drag that lead to 250 at least. England need 251 to keep the Ashes alive.

Todd Murphy falls

Well, if you cannot get rid of Travis Head, you got to try and strike at the other end. Head has been trying to farm the strike as much as possible but he cannot shield Murphy forever. Broad traps him plumb in front. Australia lead by 237.

Fighting fifty

While the wickets have fallen, Australia have kept the scorecard ticking. Travis Head has been finding the boundaries and in the process, has brought up a very good half-century. The lead goes past 225 now. England would dearly love to keep it to less than 250.

Seamers run riot

Australia are in trouble. They are in deep trouble. Mark Wood's introduction has added to their woes and he has dismissed Starc and Cummins in successive overs. Starc top edged one and was caught by Brook whereas Cummins edged one behind to Bairstow. Todd Murphy has collected a couple of boundaries to drag the lead beyond 200.

Another one

These are ideal conditions for Woakes to exploit. Once again, the batter is indecisive here and Carey wants to leave. The ball went off the gloves and crashes into the stumps. Headingley is roaring. Starc is the new man in and Australia are set to face Wood now.

Early strike

And it's the big wicket!! Mitchell Marsh is gone. The dangerman who scored a sparkling century in the first innings has gloved one to the keeper. He wanted to leave it but the ball kissed the glove anyway. Woakes strikes.

Disappointing

Wow, we literally had just one over and the rain has returned. Absolutely disappointing. All that effort just for one over. Hopefully, it's just a passing shower.

Update - Play resumes

After a lengthy delay, play is finally underway at Headingley. Crowd are right behind the England players and there is expected to be a lot of movement for seamers in these conditions. Australia will have to be very careful.

Some good news

If there is no rain (a big if), play will resume at 4.45 PM local time. Hopefully, we get a couple of hours tonight.

Tea taken

The frustration continues and the umpires have decided to take Tea in the hope of buying some time later if there is a possibility for play to resume. It's been a long wait.

The wait continues

The session should have been underway by now but the rain had returned just when the covers were being taken off. So the delay is set to be longer now.

Early lunch

Since the covers are still on, the umpires have decided to call for lunch early on Day 3. We won't have play at least until 1.10 PM local time.

Delay

Well, rain is predicted to disrupt the game today and we are definitely not going to start on time. Hopefully, we don't have to wait for a long time.

Build up

Ben Stokes is the difference between Australia being close to 3-0 and England still staying alive in the series. The England skipper was it again on the second day after Australia ran through the middle order. Pat Cummins was at his best again and England's shot selection didn't help matters as well. But Stokes once again rallied with the tail after receiving a couple of reprieves and smashed five sixes to score 80. His fireworks lifted the crowd and ensured Australia's lead was just 26 in the first innings.

David Warner was once again sent back to the pavilion by Stuart Broad to give England a great start but Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja frustrated the home side with a sturdy partnership. But in the final session, things took a turn again as Moeen Ali was gifted two wickets with both Labuschagne and Steve Smith playing uncharacteristic shots. Khawaja was sent back by Chris Woakes and Mark Wood looked hostile. The pitch was slightly playing up and down towards the end of the day and no you shouldn't be surprised if the game witnesses a conclusion today even though there are three days left in the game. Australia's lead stands at 142. Can Mitchell Marsh hurt England again? Or can England keep chipping away to ensure the target doesn't go beyond 240? Hopefully, another absorbing day of cricket is in store for us after that dramatic day two.