England need 224 for victory at close of play at Headlingley on day three of third 2023 Ashes Test

England closed on 27-0 as they chased 251 for victory in the third Test of the Ashes.

The action on Saturday at Headingley was abridged as a result of rain, but the conditions appeared to help the home side after they bowled Australia out for just 224.

The Australians had been poised at 116-4 before being reduced to 170-8.

That left the away side up by 196 and Travis Head steered another 54 from the last two wickets, with seven fours and three sixes on his way to 77 before being caught out.

England faced 25 minutes of nervy batting in the day’s final session, but Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opened and held onto their own wickets to set themselves up for – at least for now – a decent shot at victory, which would leave the scores at 2-1 in Australia’s favour, with two more Tests to come.

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England lost the first two Tests and another defeat would ensure that Australia retain the Ashes, the first time they would win a series in England since 2001.