At lunch on the third day, England was 4-0, chasing 121 for victory and a 2-1 series lead.
Resuming on 168-7, Australia scored freely in sunshine. Peter Nevill and Mitchell Starc shared a 64-run partnership before Finn again made the breakthrough, claiming Nevill for 59, with Australia still only 72 in front at 217-8.
Starc helped to push the lead past 100 with an impressive 58, his fifth test half-century, and gave himself something to bowl at when he was last man out.
After avoiding a two-day humiliation, Australia came out on Friday and attacked. The tourists smashed 19 in the first two overs, and 39 in six -- possibly sowing some doubt among England's batsmen after Mitchell Johnson's hostile short-pitched performance in the first innings.
A four brought up Nevill's patient 50 in 126 balls, but he was lucky to survive on 53 when the wicketkeeper-batsman gloved a Stuart Broad delivery to a diving Jos Buttler. The umpire gave not out, England had no appeals left, and Broad missed his 300th test wicket.
Australia continued to frustrate, adding 28 and 20 for the last two wickets, until Starc chipped to extra cover, giving spinner Moeen Ali his first wicket of the match in the last over before the new ball was available.
At lunch, England captain Alastair Cook was 4 not out, and Adam Lyth, averaging 12 in the series, was yet to score.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
