Holders Australia will resume on 124-3 – a lead of 34 runs – as the fourth day of the Ashes gets under way at Edgbaston on Sunday.
The Baggy Green are looking to win their first Test series away to England in 18 years, and they were again left looking to talisman Steve Smith in their second innings, with the star batsman 46 not out at the close of Saturday’s third day.
Former captain Smith has already marked his first Test match since completing a 12-month ban imposed by Cricket Australia for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa last year with a brilliant century. His magnificent 144 helped revive Australia from the depths of 122-8 in their first innings to an eventual total of 284.
And James Pattinson has backed the “fantastic” Smith to rescue Australia once again with the bat in the first Test.
“I was talking to the press before about great players and how they always stand up when you need them,” Australia fast bowler Pattinson told reporters.
“And I think he’s done that in this game. Without him, we would be in a bit of trouble.”
Play resumes at 11am UK time (2pm UAE) and you can follow all the action below
