England vs Australia LIVE: Cricket scorecard and Women’s Ashes updates from day four at Trent Bridge

England were left in a spin by Ashleigh Gardner as their hopes of victory in the lone Women’s Ashes Test drastically receded despite the indefatigable Sophie Ecclestone’s 10-wicket match haul.

The slow left-armer claimed back-to-back five-wicket hauls to finish with astonishing figures of 77.1-16-192-10 this week and restrict Australia to 257, which left England requiring 268 for victory.

Despite Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont putting on opening stand of 55, Gardner’s introduction to the attack was the catalyst for a top-order collapse as England ended day four on 116 for five.

Follow all the action from the Women’s Ashes, below:

Women’s Ashes: England vs Australia

• REPORT: Australia on top with England five down chasing 268 - England 116-5

• OUT! Dunkley caught behind as Australia strike late on day four - England 110-5

• OUT! Australia in command as Knight out lbw for 9 - England 73-4

• OUT! Sciver-Brunt caught for 0 after rash shot - England 66-3

• OUT! Lamb caught lbw as Australia remove both openers - England 59-2

• OUT! Gardner gets wicket of Beaumont as Australia strike - England 55-1

• OUT! Ecclestone gets five as England need 268 to win - Australia 257 all out

• OUT! Soft dismissal as Healy departs for 50 - Australia 257-9

• OUT! King out in Bell’s first over as England break partnership - Australia 257-8

• TEA: Australia push lead past 260 after England fightback with three quick wickets - Australia 254-7

• OUT! Sutherland caught by Wyatt as England on the charge - Australia 198-7

• OUT! Gardner caught in the slips for just one - Australia 196-6

• OUT! Mooney falls short of century as Ecclestone strikes again - Australia 195-5

• OUT! Ecclestone gets first wicket as Jonassen bowled - Australia 178-4

• WICKET! Two in four balls for Filer as McGrath goes for one - Australia 151-3

• WICKET! Perry bowled by Filer for 25 - Australia 149-2

• FIFTY! Mooney reaches third Test half-century as Aussie lead surpasses 125 - Australia 116-1

• WICKET! Litchfield beautifully bowled by Cross after being dropped earlier - Australia 99-1

CLOSE: England 116-5 - require 152 runs with 5 wickets remaining

19:20 , Ben Fleming

Jones was next, as she was dismissed leg before wicket off the bowling of the impressive Tahlia McGrath:

CLOSE: England 116-5 - require 152 runs with 5 wickets remaining

19:10 , Ben Fleming

Let’s have a look at some of the wickets that fell for England in that second innings. Beaumont was first as she departed to Gardner’s first ball of the innings:

Sophie Ecclestone speaking to Sky Sports

19:04 , Ben Fleming

“I’m absolutely buzzing - especially walking off the pitch with my dad and my brother in the crowd. It’s quite a special day for me.

“I varied my pace a bit more today, especially the one that got Mooney, was a bit slower. It was spinning a bit more today so I was able to bowl that attacking line.

“I just go out and enjoy myself. I’m so much better when I enjoy my cricket. I don’t really look at stats or anything like that. I just go out, put a smile on my face and do what I do best.

On her body: “It’s alright. My shoulder was about to fall off at the end so who knows how I’ll wake up tomorrow morning but it’s a batting day tomorrow, win a Test match - it’ll be alright.”

On tomorrow’s chances: “We’ll definitely win tomorrow. I trust ourselves, we’ve put ourselves in a lot of pressure situations in practice games so hopefully tomorrow it will pay off. Backing our team all the way”

Ash Gardner speaking to Sky Sports

18:55 , Ben Fleming

She said: “We probably didn’t bat to our full potential. But I guess you’ve seen in this last innings how hard it is to bat. Some balls are spinning, some balls aren’t. Some balls are rolling so it’s about keeping the stumps in play.

“Thankfully for us we’ve taken five wickets and [we will look for] five more tomorrow.”

“We speak about batting in partnerships but bowling in partnerships is just as important. Talia [McGrath] and I were able to string a few overs together and build a little bit of pressure and put that back on England to take the upper hand going into tomorrow.

“You have to stay patient. You want to take wicket-taking balls but on a pitch like this, it’s not going to happen. As a whole bowling unit, we needed to stay patient and keep the stumps in play and that will happen for us.

“We have to go in with confidence and I’m sure they will go in with confidence as well knowing they only need around 150 so I think as a bowling unit we’re good enough to take these final five wickets and I’m sure all of our chats will be around that as well.”

CLOSE: England 116-5 (28) Cross 5, Wyatt 20 (target 268)

18:49 , Ben Fleming

An absolute rollercoaster of a final session at Trent Bridge. England found the final three wickets for just three runs after the break and began their chase of 268 with plenty of intent with a quick 50 partnership between Lamb and Beaumont.

However, Australia responded in emphatic style as they dragged England back from 55-0 to 73-4 in the space of five overs as England’s batters fell to a combination of good bowling and poor shot selection.

Sophia Dunkley and Dani Wyatt began a rebuild but Dunkley fell late on to give Australia their fifth wicket. The home side will require 152 runs tomorrow with just five wickets remaining. The wicket appears to be offering more for the bowlers so Australia will go in favourites but if this game has taught us anything, it’s that you never know what could happen in Test cricket.

CLOSE: England 116-5 (28) Cross 5, Wyatt 20, Garth 1-21 (6) (target 268)

18:35 , Ben Fleming

Final over of the day and Cross needs to survive six more balls. Garth is taking dead aim at the stumps but Cross defends resolutely for the first three. She prods at the fourth and nearly catches her edge but it’s a superb stroke with her penultimate delivery to find the gap past Perry and a vital four runs for England.

The last one is very close to the stumps but it’s left well by Cross. She survives and that’s play done for day four.

England 112-5 (27) Cross 1, Wyatt 20, Gardner 3-33 (9) (target 268)

18:31 , Ben Fleming

A couple of singles apiece for Cross and Wyatt before Wyatt pulls one into the deep but doesn’t take the single as to keep herself off strike for the last over.

England 110-5 (26) Cross 0, Wyatt 19, Garth 1-17 (5)

18:28 , Ben Fleming

Cross is the new batter as the bowler comes in instead of Jones as she looks to see out the final two and a bit overs. There is plenty of movement on display for Garth who can’t tempt Cross into a shot but she’s done her job with the big wicket of Sophia Dunkley.

WICKET! Dunkley 16 c Healy b Garth (England 110-5)

18:26 , Ben Fleming

England see of the tricky McGrath as Kim Garth comes into the act...and straight into the wickets! She draws a faint outside edge from Sophia Dunkley and the ball goes straight into the gloves of Alyssa Healy behind the stumps. Her first Test wicket and what a time to get it with just over two overs to go.

England 108-4 (25) Dunkley 16, Wyatt 19, Gardner 3-31 (8) (target 268)

18:22 , Ben Fleming

More runs coming from the bowling of Gardner as Wyatt slashes another one away to the boundary ropes. Two more single gives England six off the over as we approach the end of play.

England 102-4 (24) Dunkley 15, Wyatt 14, McGrath 1-15 (8) (target 268)

18:17 , Ben Fleming

Wyatt sneaks a quick single with a punch down the ground. Dunkley is drawn into a shot with the penultimate delivery but it whistles past the edge. More good bowling from McGrath - one from the over.

England 101 -4 (23) Dunkley 15, Wyatt 13, Gardner 3-25 (7) (target 268)

18:15 , Ben Fleming

A confident stroke from Wyatt who cuts away the first ball of the over for four through point. It’s a less confident stroke to end the over as the ball flies down to third man for three.

That brings up England’s 100 to end the 23rd over. They are scoring at a good rate and there is no doubt they have the overs in hand but these two - who have started okay - need to be around for some time yet and well into tomorrow if England are going to get themselves back into a good position to get near this total of 268.

England 94-4 (22) Dunkley 15, Wyatt 6, McGrath 1-14 (7) (target 268)

18:10 , Ben Fleming

McGrath went at just two runs an over in her 12 overs in the first innings and she has been economical once again in the second innings.

A maiden over for the Aussie who is going at 2 rpo once again today.

England 94-4 (21) Dunkley 15, Wyatt 6, Gardner 3-18 (6) (target 268)

18:07 , Ben Fleming

Not a convincing shot but Dunkley finds the boundary ropes with a thick outside edge to third man. Another single brings her to 15 and England to 94 for the loss of four wickets.

England 89-4 (20) Dunkley 10, Wyatt 6, McGrath 1-14 (6) (target 268)

18:05 , Ben Fleming

Gardner has been making things happen with the ball but provides some extra support for McGrath in the field as she prevents Dunkley’s drive from sneaking behind square for four.

One run off the over for England

England 88-4 (19) Dunkley 9, Wyatt 6, Gardner 3-13 (5) (target 268)

18:01 , Ben Fleming

Gardner bowled well to Dunkley in the first innings and continues that again as she suffocates her for room outside the off stump. One into the pads allows Dunkley to get a single off the last ball and she retains the strike.

England 87-4 (18) Dunkley 8, Wyatt 6, McGrath 1-13 (5) (target 268)

17:58 , Ben Fleming

A single for Dunkley before Wyatt guides one behind square on the off side for a much-needed boundary. Still plenty of danger with McGrath continuing to bowl impressively wicket-to-wicket, however.

Ten more over left for today’s play.

England 82-4 (17) Dunkley 7, Wyatt 2, Gardner 3-12 (4) (target 268)

17:56 , Ben Fleming

Three off Gardner’s fourth over but plenty of signs of turn and bounce for the Aussie spinner. Alana King - Australia’s legspinner - caught a knock while batting and hasn’t come back on the pitch but you suspect she’ll have a vital part to play when she does.

England 79-4 (16) Dunkley 6, Wyatt 0, McGrath 1-8 (4) (target 268)

17:52 , Ben Fleming

McGrath back on it’s time for some calm as England’s two T20 openers look to produce a vital Test partnership to get England out of a hole. A single, a no ball and four byes certainly helps as England look to rebuild.

CLOSE: England 116-5 - require 152 runs with 5 wickets remaining

19:13 , Ben Fleming

And with just over two overs remaining in the day, England lost their fifth as Sophia Dunkley got a thin edge through to Healy of the bowling of Garth, who claimed her first wicket in Test cricket in the process:

England 73-4 (15) Dunkley 4, Wyatt 0, Gardner 3-9 (3) (target 268)

17:48 , Ben Fleming

My, oh my. Four wickets for in five overs and the game massively shifts into Australia’s favour. Wyatt sees out the last ball of Gardner’s over and the England Test debutant has a huge task on her hands now alongside Sophie Dunkley.

WICKET! Knight 9 lbw b Gardner (England 73-4)

17:46 , Ben Fleming

Ash Gardner continues into her third over. She has two in her first two overs and does she have another - Knight is pinned in front of the wicket and she’s given out lbw!

Knight reviews but the decision falls the Aussie’s way. The point impact is umpire’s call but it goes on to hit middle stump and England’s captain has to go.

It’s falling apart for England out there - 73-4.

England 71-3 (14) Dunkley 4, Knight 8, McGrath 1-6 (3) (target 268)

17:42 , Ben Fleming

This game is see-sawing all over the place. Three quick wickets leave England will plenty of work to do but new batter Dunkley starts her work positively as she crunches a full toss through midwicket for four.

England need under 200 runs now but they lost three wickets in quick succession which leaves this game on a knife edge. You can’t take your eyes off it.

WICKET! Sciver-Brunt 0 c Garth b Gardner (Australia 66-3)

17:37 , Ben Fleming

Well, that’s one way to get off the mark. Knight swings back and launches Gardner into the stands for six!

A single brings Sciver-Brunt on strike and she’s gone! She attempts the big sweep as well but it’s nowhere near as full as Knight’s earlier shot.

It’s a poor shot and it balloons up into the air behind the keeper and Garth comes round at short fine leg to take a good catch. England in real bother now.

England 59-2 (12) Sciver-Brunt 0, Knight 0, McGrath 1-1 (2) (target 268)

17:34 , Ben Fleming

Sciver-Brunt is the new batter and sees out the final ball of McGrath’s over. It’s a wicket maiden for the Aussie and suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the Aussies are right back in this.

Two of England’s most experienced batters at the crease now and oh how they could do with a big partnership between number three and four.

WICKET! Lamb 28 lbw b McGrath (England 59-2)

17:32 , Ben Fleming

McGrath continues with her probing, consistent line and she’s got another one, has she!? Lamb is given out lbw but she reviews. It catches her in line with leg stump and just about clips the stump. It’s umpire’s call and so the original decision stands.

Lamb departs and England are two down in no time.

England 59-1 (11) Lamb 28, Knight 0, Gardner 1-0 (1) (target 268)

17:27 , Ben Fleming

Captain Heather Knight is the new batter at the crease and is looking aggressive straight away with a reverse sweep that she doesn’t connect with.

Four byes to end the innings, though, as Gardner leaks one down the leg side which doesn’t bounce and trickles all the way down to the boundary ropes.

WICKET! Beaumont 22 c Mooney b Gardner (England 55-1)

17:24 , Ben Fleming

Ash Gardner into the attack and straight into the wickets! And it’s the big one of Tammy Beaumont. It’s full, outside off, and Beaumont digs it out straight to Mooney at first slip. She wondered whether it was a bump ball but not to be and the first-innings double centurion departs for 22.

England 55-0 (10) Lamb 28, Beaumont 22, McGrath 0-1 (1) (target 268)

17:17 , Ben Fleming

Garth makes way as Tahlia McGrath is introduced. The all-rounder bowled well on day three with plenty of control and hints of movement to pick up three wickets. It’s a good start here on day four as England are watchful and take just one from the over.

55-0 and time for some drinks.

England 54-0 (9) Lamb 28, Beaumont 21, Sutherland 0-17 (2) (target 268)

17:13 , Ben Fleming

A couple more through backward point brings up England’s 50 - a superb opening partnership from Lamb and Beaumont as they give England the perfect springboard in this chase.

And it just gets better! One of the shots of the day as Lamb picks a full one off her pads and flicks it through the leg side, with the ball racing to the boundary ropes.

England 48-0 (8) Lamb 22, Beaumont 21, Garth 0-17 (3) (target 268)

17:09 , Ben Fleming

Runs, runs and more runs from England. Beaumont pulls one with power through square leg before flicking one past fine leg for two more boundaries. Just like Australia yesterday evening, England are off to a flyer against the new ball.

England 39-0 (7) Lamb 22, Beaumont 13, Sutherland 0-11 (1) (target 268)

17:04 , Ben Fleming

Edged...and safe! Lamb pushes hard at one from the new bowler, Sutherland, but it flies through the vacant gap at third slip for four.

And again! The exact same shot flies through the exact same gap and it’s four more runs. A couple of lucky breaks from Lamb there who shows more control with her next shot which she pushes through backward point for a couple.

Another single for Lamb brings 11 off the over for England.

England 28-0 (6) Lamb 11, Beaumont 13, Garth 0-9 (3) (target 268)

16:59 , Ben Fleming

Australia are bowling in the right areas but just not getting the purchase from the ball. Anytime they overpitch ever so slightly they are being punished and Beaumont cashes in again with another fluid stroke through the gap for four.

A really positive start from the openers.

England 24-0 (5) Lamb 11, Beaumont 9, Brown 0-15 (3) (target 268)

16:55 , Ben Fleming

Beaumont times one down the ground but it’s well-stopped and just one. Lamb, now, has to be careful as a couple bounce up off the cracks but she’s all over the next one. Half-volley, head over it and crunched through cover-point for four. Shot.

England 19-0 (4) Lamb 7, Beaumont 8, Garth 0-5 (2) (target 268)

16:52 , Ben Fleming

There’s a slight break between the overs as Lamb is given some pain relief for something that is bothering her. But she’s back on strike and in the runs as a quick single become two after a poor throw from Gardner.

A short ball is pulled into the leg side for two more and England are up and around 20 after just four overs.

England 15-0 (3) Lamb 3, Beaumont 8, Brown 0-10 (2) (target 268)

16:47 , Ben Fleming

A single from Lamb but it’s all about Beaumont once again with two boundaries to end the over. The first is flicked through a gaping space in the leg side while the second is perfectly timed down the ground past Perry.

A solid start for the two England openers.

England 6-0 (2) Lamb 2, Beaumont 0, Garth 0-1 (1) (target 268)

16:42 , Ben Fleming

And it will be Kim Garth to take the ball from the other end as she searches for that probing line and length outside off stump. A single for Lamb before Beaumont gets dragged into a false shot in that region.

There’s an appeal for lbw on Beaumont to end the over but not out is the call. Australia review, though! It’s hitting the pads in line with leg stump but just going on to miss leg stump. A close shave from England’s star performer in the first innings.

England 5-0 (1) Lamb 1, Beaumont 0, Brown 0-1 (1) (target 268)

16:37 , Ben Fleming

A quick changeover between innings and England are back out there in the form of Emma Lamb and Tammy Beaumont. There was movement for England’s bowlers at points throughout the day but there’s no denying this is still a good wicket to bat on.

Darcie Brown takes the new ball and it’s a loosener down the leg side to start which runs away for four byes. Lamb gets off the mark the next ball and it’s five from the first over.

WICKET! Brown 0 lbw b Ecclestone (Australia 257 all out)

16:24 , Ben Fleming

7 balls, no runs, three wickets and Australia are all out! Ecclestone pins Darcie Brown in front of the stumps and it’s given out! The Australians review but the decision is upheld and Australia are all out!

England couldn’t have hoped for a better showing after lunch as they take the final three wickets within four overs. They need 268 runs for victory - that’s far less than many would have thought they would be chasing at the start of the day but they deserve it after a much-improved display with ball on day four.

It’s also another five-wicket haul for Sophie Ecclestone and her tenth of the match - an incredible effort from the world’s number-one bowler who bowled nearly 78 overs.

WICKET! Healy 50 c Lamb b Ecclestone (England 257-9)

16:18 , Ben Fleming

Two in three balls for England - what a start after tea! In truth, it’s a bad delivery and the look on Ecclestone’s face says it all, but it matters not one bit as Healy clips it straight into the grateful hands of Lamb at midwicket.

Australia nine down now.

Australia 257-8 (78) Healy 47, Garth 0, Bell 1-27 (6)

16:16 , Ben Fleming

Kim Garth is the new batter and sees out the last ball of Bell’s over but it’s a big breakthrough for England who finally break that partnership and are now just two wickets away from wrapping this innings up.

WICKET! King 9 c Knight b Bell (Australia 257-8)

16:14 , Ben Fleming

For the first time today, Lauren Bell is brought on to bowl. It wasn’t her best stuff with the ball yesterday evening and she starts with a real loosener which is crunched away into the leg side by Healy. Tammy Beaumont fields well in the deep but they come back for two.

A push into the leg side brings up Healy’s half-century. Her second in Test cricket and a much-improved performance after the Aussie captain departed for a duck in the first innings.

But a great comeback for Bell as she gets a wicket straight after tea! It’s a great line to King and a bit of bounce draws the edge, with Knight taking a good catch at first slip.

Australia 254-7 (77) Healy 47, King 9, Ecclestone 3-63 (30) (lead by 264)

16:09 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone takes the ball again after tea as her mammoth bowling performance during this Test continues. A maiden to start for the spinner.

TEA: Australia 254-7 (75) Healy 47, King 9 (lead by 264)

16:05

VIDEO: An important wicket taken by Cross as Litchfield goes early in the day’s proceedings.

TEA: Australia 254-7 (75) Healy 47, King 9 (lead by 264)

15:50 , Ben Fleming

Another intriguing session comes to a conclusion with the game right in the balance once again. The first half of the session belonged to England with four wickets, including three for just three runs at one stage.

But Australia have restored some semblance of control in that last period of the afternoon session, with a 50-run partnership - spearheaded by Healy’s knock of 47 - moving their lead to 264.

England will want those final three wickets as quickly as possible after tea while Australia look to extend their lead beyond 300 and give themselves a look at victory on day five.

TEA: Australia 254-7 (75) Healy 47, King 9, Filer 2-49 (11) (lead by 264)

15:45 , Ben Fleming

One jags back into King and she’s forced to turn and wear that one on her back. They get through for a leg bye and King can nurse her bruise as she watches her team-mate thump one over point for four. Short, wide and duly punished from Healy.

Six from the over as Australia move past 250 - that will be tea.

Australia 248-7 (75) Healy 42, King 9, Ecclestone 3-63 (29) (lead by 258)

15:41 , Ben Fleming

Some signs of fatigue perhaps creeping in from Ecclestone which is no surprise as she enters her 29th over. Healy finds a couple of runs behind square before driving one into the off side for a single. That brings up the fifty partnership between these two - a timely one given where Australia where at when King walked to the crease.

Australia 245-7 (74) Healy 39, King 9, Filer 2-44 (10) (lead by 255)

15:38 , Ben Fleming

Sciver-Brunt went off after she fell to the ground on the last ball of her previous over and that signals the end of her spell as Lauren Filer is back into the attack after her short spell post lunch. She’s not given any time to settle into her work, however, as Healy pulls her over the infield and into the leg side for two before driving her majestically down the ground with a perfect off drive.

Seven runs from the over.

Australia 238-7 (73) Healy 32, King 9, Ecclestone 3-60 (28) (lead by 248)

15:32 , Ben Fleming

Healy moves into the thirties with a well-executed sweep behind square for four. Australia’s lead inches towards 250 as we near the tea break.

Australia 233-7 (72) Healy 27, King 9, Sciver-Brunt 0-28 (9) (lead by 243)

15:29 , Ben Fleming

Some more good pressure from England as Sciver-Brunt follows up Ecclestone’s maiden with one of her own. Healy and King had been progressing rather nicely so a timely response from England with the ball to keep them in check. Wickets needed now, however for Heather Knight’s side.

Australia 233-7 (71) Healy 27, King 9, Ecclestone 3-55 (27) (lead by 238)

15:25 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone continues into what is her 74th (!) over of the match. It’s another consistent over from the spinner with a brief run-out chance when King and Healy have a small mix-up. The batters get back in time but it’s a maiden over.

Australia 233-7 (70) Healy 27, King 9, Sciver-Brunt 0-28 (8) (lead by 243)

15:21 , Ben Fleming

Sciver-Brunt continues as there are some images of Lauren Bell stretching. Perhaps her first bowl of the day is coming up shortly. Meanwhile for Healy, it’s another five runs with a cut into the off side and a deft touch down to third man.

Australia 228-7 (69) Healy 22, King 9, Ecclestone 3-55 (26) (lead by 238)

15:18 , Ben Fleming

A thick outside edge from King races wide of the slips and away to fine leg for another valuable four runs. Australia’s lead approaching 240 now - how much would England be confident of chasing?

260? 280? 300? Who knows...

Australia 224-7 (68) Healy 22, King 5, Sciver-Brunt 0-23 (7) (lead by 234)

15:15 , Ben Fleming

England seem to have relaxed the field quite a bit since that flurry of wickets and Healy is taking advantage as she canters along to 22 off 30 balls. Just two off the over but England will really be after these final three wickets sooner rather than later.

Australia 222-7 (67) Healy 21, King 4, Ecclestone 3-51 (25) (lead by 232)

15:10 , Ben Fleming

A couple of LBW double shouts are sandwiched between a well-time cut for four by Healy. The first lbw shout is sliding down leg but they review the second one.

Nothing door there as it’s also sliding well down the leg side - a poor review from England who only have one review left.

Another single off the last ball brings Australia’s lead to 232.

Australia 217-7 (65) Healy 16, King 4, Sciver-Brunt 0-21 (6) (lead b 227)

15:05 , Ben Fleming

Kate Cross’ great spell comes to end as Sciver-Brunt is re-introduced to the action but is hit for four straight away with a great back-foot punch from Healy.

Still no sign of Lauren Bell - England’s opening bowler - today. She was poor with the new ball yesterday evening but a bit of a surprise to not see her at all so far on day four.

The final ball jags back into King and almost causes some trouble for the Aussie - five runs of the over.

Australia 212-7 (65) Healy 11, King 4, Ecclestone 3-46 (24) (lead by 222)

15:01 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone bowled Healy in the first innings and threatens the Aussie captain with some well-flighted deliveries to start this over. The next one is too full and she gets a single courtesy of a misfield.

Australia 211-7 (64) Healy 10, King 4, Cross 2-73 (17) (lead by 221)

14:58 , Ben Fleming

Cross continues as Healy flicks it around the corner for a single. King is beaten on the drive as Cross continues to consistently find that line outside off stump - just one from the over.

Australia 210-7 (63) Healy 9, King 4, Ecclestone 3-45 (23) (lead by 220)

14:54 , Ben Fleming

A nice shot from King to settle herself against Ecclestone as the Aussies clips her fellow spinner through the leg side for four.

Australia 206-7 (62) Healy 9, King 0, Cross 2-72 (16) (lead by 216)

14:51 , Ben Fleming

Cross looks immeasurably more threatening today and is bowling with a control that is threatening the Aussies with every ball. Healy sneaks a couple through backward point before there’s a shout for LBW!

Not out from the umpire and England review...sliding down leg. Worth a review but Healy survives. Pressure continues to mount...or does it. Short and wide from Cross and Healy cashes in as she thrashes it through the off side. Four runs and eight from the over.

Australia 198-7 (61) Healy 2, King 0, Ecclestone 3-41 (22) (lead by 208)

14:47 , Ben Fleming

Alana King sees out the rest of the over but it’s a wicket maiden for Ecclestone. Three wickets for just three runs and we have a cracking contest on our hands now. How quickly can England get these last three wickets?

WICKET! Sutherland 15 c Wyatt b Ecclestone (Australia 198-7)

14:41 , Ben Fleming

And another! England running riot at the minute as Sutherland has to depart. She made a hundred in the first innings but she gets this pull shot all wrong and it pops up in the air. England have dropped a load of catches this game but even they can’t put this one down and Wyatt takes a simple catch.

Game on.

Australia 198-6 (60) Healy 2, Sutherland 15, Cross 2-65 (15) (lead by 208)

14:40 , Ben Fleming

Healy’s first ball...and it’s another chance! It’s a thin inside edge from the Aussie straight through to the keeper but Jones can’t get her gloves down in time to hold onto the catch. A hugely difficult one for Jones but gosh how England could have done with that sticking.

Healy edges one nervously wide of slips to get off the mark and avoid a pair but England with their tails up and on the charge!

WICKET! Gardner 1 c Knight b Cross (Australia 196-6)

14:37 , Ben Fleming

Well, now Healy will need to come out. Heather Knight but herself in at second slip and it pays dividends immediately as Gardner catches a thick edge which flies straight into her hands.

There’s an umpire review to check if the ball hit the ground before or after the edge but it bounces first and Gardner is on her way.

Australia 196-5 (59) Gardner 1, Sutherland 15, Ecclestone 2-41 (21) (lead by 206)

14:34 , Ben Fleming

Still no sign of captain Alyssa Healy as Ash Gardner comes in and is off the mark immediately. One run of the over but the crucial wicket off Mooney off the bowling of Ecclestone.

WICKET! Mooney 85 b Ecclestone (Australia 195-5)

14:31 , Ben Fleming

Bowled her! Ecclestone has her second in the space of three overs and it’s the huge wicket of Mooney. There’s spin into the left-hander who chops on and is bowled just 15 runs short of her first Test century.

Gutting for the opener but another big breakthrough for England who suddenly are alive in this game!

Australia 195-4 (58) Mooney 85, Sutherland 15, Cross 1-63 (14) (lead by 205)

14:29 , Ben Fleming

Sutherland off and running against Cross as she flicks one off her pads for four but a great response from the England bowler to find the edge twice with the last two balls.

The first one is a thin edge that flies past Jones and to the left of first slip and the second is a thicker edge that flies to the right of Knight at slip. Both run away for four - that’s harsh on Cross but England creating more chances.

Australia 183-4 (57) Mooney 85, Sutherland 3, Ecclestone 1-40 (20) (lead by 193)

14:24 , Ben Fleming

And that’s why Ecclestone wants to bowl to Sutherland. One pitches, grabs and squares Sutherland up completely. The Aussie batter does well to play it but it’s promising signs. But then it’s another chance and another catch goes down! It’s swept with power from Sutherland and Wyatt dives low to her left but can’t keep hold of it.

Certainly the toughest of the chances so far today but it will go down as a chance.

Australia 179-4 (56) Mooney 84, Sutherland 0, Cross 1-51 (13) (lead by 189)

14:19 , Ben Fleming

Annabele Sutherland is next in for Australia and moved well up the order after her first-innings century. Ecclestone will be eyeing up that match-up but for now, it’s Kate Cross bowling to her. She blocks out her first three balls and it’s just one from the over.

WICKET! Jonassen 14 b Ecclestone (Australia 178-4)

14:14 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone had Mooney in all sorts of trouble with one that went straight on with the arm and almost caught the edge but she gets a reward a few balls later with the wicket of Jonassen!

The Aussie takes on the big sweep but it’s a quicker ball from Ecclestone that sneaks under the bat and smashes into the poles. Another wicket for England and a nice early breakthrough after the break.

Her first wicket of the game with her last ball of the over.

Australia 177-3 (54) Mooney 82, Jonassen 14, Cross 1-50 (12) (lead by 187)

14:09 , Ben Fleming

Surprised to see Filer given just two overs after the break as she’s replaced by Kate Cross in the attack. Cross bowled much better today and will look to keep finding some movement off the surface with Jones up at the stumps.

A couple of punches into the off side sees the Aussies take four from that over.

Australia 173-3 (53) Mooney 82, Jonassen 10, Ecclestone 0-35 (18) (lead by 183)

14:05 , Ben Fleming

Beth Mooney moves into the eighties with a lovely drive against the spin and through the covers for four. She had a lifeline earlier when she was dropped by Nat Sciver-Brunt but is cashing in now as she spearheads this Aussie third innings.

Australia 169-3 (52) Mooney 78, Jonassen 10, Filer 2-37 (9) (lead by 179)

14:02 , Ben Fleming

Filer dropping her length a bit shorter this over as the Aussies knock her around for a few runs to the fielders in the deep. The last ball sees her change the angle and bowls much fuller and the ball just catches the pad of Mooney. It’s going down leg but a promising end.

Australia 163-3 (51) Mooney 75, Jonassen 8, Ecclestone 0-31 (17) (lead by 173)

13:57 , Ben Fleming

A maiden next up from Ecclestone as her impressive figures continue to build. No wickets but going at just 1.82 runs per over.

Australia 163-3 (50) Mooney 75, Jonassen 8, Filer 2-32 (8) (lead by 173)

13:54 , Ben Fleming

Filer, who took those two wickets late on before lunch, resumes from the other end after the interval. Plenty of pace still from the young quick but a poor last ball is too short and Jonassen climbs into the pull shot and hammers it away for the first boundary of the afternoon session.

Australia 158-3 (49) Mooney 74, Jonassen 4, Ecclestone 0-30 (16) (lead by 168)

13:49 , Ben Fleming

Sophie Ecclestone takes the first over after lunch. Some added drama as it appears a power cut around the stadium means that DRS won’t be in operation for the time being. Hopefully, that doesn’t affect things too much but only time will tell.

Well, scrap that. It now appears it is just the DRS timer, which ensures captains refer a decision within the requisite time, that is down. That shouldn’t be too much of a problem - I’m sure the umpires can do the counting in the meantime.

Just one run off the over.

LUNCH: Australia 157-3 (48) Mooney 73, Jonassen 4 (lead by 167)

13:35 , Ben Fleming

We should be underway for the afternoon session shortly, but if you are just tuning in, here’s what you missed:

Lauren Filer made a crucial double breakthrough for England but Australia stretched their lead to 167 in the one-off Women’s Ashes Test at Trent Bridge.

Kate Cross atoned for dropping Phoebe Litchfield minutes into the fourth morning by uprooting the off-stump of the Australia opener, out leaving for the second time in the match on her Test bow.

England debutant Filer, meanwhile, accounted for the highly-rated Ellyse Perry and then took out the leg stump of Tahlia McGrath, but Beth Mooney’s unbeaten 73 helped to lift Australia to 157 for three.

Lauren Filer gives England hope as Australia build lead in Ashes Test

LUNCH: Australia 157-3 (48) Mooney 73, Jonassen 4 (lead by 167)

13:11 , Ben Fleming

Here’s the third wicket of the session - Filer’s second - as she dismissed McGrath for one.

LUNCH: Australia 157-3 (48) Mooney 73, Jonassen 4 (lead by 167)

13:09 , Ben Fleming

You’d have to think that those late wickets may have just tilted the session ever so slightly in favour of England. There were some early missed opportunities with both Kate Cross and Nat Sciver-Brunt dropping catches but Cross made amends with a beautiful delivery to bowl Litchfield.

Ecclestone’s economical bowling kept Australia under pressure before Lauren Filer - on debut - struck twice before the break to leave Australia three down.

There’s still plenty of batting in this Aussie lineup who lead by 167 but their momentum has been halted a bit after that last hour of the morning session.

LUNCH: Australia 157-3 (48) Mooney 73, Jonassen 4, Filer 2-27 (7) (lead by 167)

13:05 , Ben Fleming

Some serious pace from Filer who goes in search of her third wicket in as many overs before lunch. She can’t quite find it and there are four runs off the over courtesy of Jess Jonassen.

That will be lunch but those late wickets from Filer will surely have given England a renewed sense of optimism heading into the break.

Australia 153-3 (47) Mooney 73, Jonassen 0, Ecclestone 0-30 (15) (lead by 163)

13:00 , Ben Fleming

England, sensing an opportunity, bring back Ecclestone for another before lunch. She doesn’t get to bowl at the new batter Jonassen but it’s just two off the over with the runs really drying up for Australia before the lunch break.

Australia 151-3 (46) Mooney 71, Jonassen 0, Filer 2-23 (6) (lead by 161)

12:57 , Ben Fleming

Filer has the bit between her teeth and is charging in full steam, urged on by this Trent Bridge crowd, but Jonassen does well to see out the over. It’s another wicket maiden from the fast bowler and a crucial couple of breakthroughs before the break.

WICKET! McGrath 1 b Filer (Australia 151-3)

12:53 , Ben Fleming

Full, straight and gone! Filer has her second in four balls and Australia are three down in the space of no time. The England quick nearly got McGrath with a full delivery at the end of her last over and she goes to it again to start the next over.

It’s too quick for McGrath and catches her pad before clattering into the stumps. What a spell this is from the young bowler.

Australia 151-2 (45) Mooney 71, McGrath 1, Knight 0-13 (5) (lead by 161)

12:51 , Ben Fleming

Knight continues from the other end and it’s just a couple of runs from that over too. Some good pressure building on the Aussies here before lunch.

Australia 149-2 (44) Mooney 70, McGrath 0, Filer 1-23 (5) (lead by 159)

12:48 , Ben Fleming

McGrath is the new batter in and it’s a beautiful yorker to straight up from Filer. McGrath does well to dig it out but it’s a wicket maiden for England and the crowd applauds Filer’s efforts.

WICKET! Perry 25 b Filler (Australia 149-2)

12:47 , Ben Fleming

Sciver-Brunt is brought off after her five and it’s the turn of Lauren Filer for the first time today. The debutant was expensive at the back end of yesterday but she strikes straight away!

It’s a good tempting length outside off stump and Perry is drawn into the shot and chops onto her own wicket! Filer has the breakthrough and Perry for the second time this match - a reward for England’s persistent and controlled bowling to the Aussie number three.

Australia 149-1 (43) Mooney 70, Perry 25, Knight 0-11 (4) (lead by 159)

12:41 , Ben Fleming

Mooney moves into the seventies now with a push into the off side for a couple. The fifty partnership comes up between Mooney and Perry as well with that shot - a very solid rebuild after that Litchfield wicket and they’ll be looking to bat for some time yet.

Australia 147-1 (42) Mooney 68, Perry 25, Sciver-Brunt 0-16 (5) (lead by 157)

12:37 , Ben Fleming

Sciver-Brunt into her fifth successive over - the same amount she bowled in the entire first innings - and it’s more tight wicket-to-wicket bowling from the all-rounder who concedes just one run from the over.

Australia 146-1 (41) Mooney 67, Perry 25, Knight 0-9 (3) (lead by 156)

12:34 , Ben Fleming

We mentioned it last over but there is finally a rest for Sophie Ecclestone but more spin as captain Heather Knight replaces her. You suspect Ecclestone may well start again after lunch but a nice hour break in the meantime.

A single moves Mooney to 67 - she’s continued to plod along and this is now her highest score in Test cricket.

CHANCE! The very next ball it’s a feather of an edge from Perry but it’s enough to find the gap between wicketkeeper Jones and Ecclestone at first slip. Frustration for Knight and a huge let-off for Perry.

Australia 141-1 (40) Mooney 66, Perry 21, Sciver-Brunt 0-15 (4) (lead by 151)

12:29 , Ben Fleming

Five runs coming off Sciver-Brunt’s fourth over as Australia knock a couple of shots around. Half an hour until lunch, how England would love another wicket before then.

Australia 136-1 (39) Mooney 63, Perry 19, Ecclestone 0-28 (14) (lead by 146)

12:25 , Ben Fleming

A tenth successive over for Ecclestone who has bowled every over from this end since the start of play. She’s England’s best bowler but surely she’ll need a break at some point? Time will tell but for now, it’s another good over from the spinner - just two runs from it

Australia 134-1 (38) Mooney 63, Perry 17, Sciver-Brunt 0-10 (3) (lead by 144)

12:22 , Ben Fleming

Mooney moves into the 60s as a thick outside edge flies away to the boundary behind square. A nice response from the all-rounder who gets a bit of uneven bounce off the surface with a cross-seam delivery which pops up and almost generates another caught and bowled opportunity.

Australia 128-1 (37) Mooney 57, Perry 17, Ecclestone 0-26 (13) (lead by 138)

12:17 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone continues from the other end and she’s swept away for four by Perry. A look of surprise on the Aussie batter’s face - despite her brilliance, that’s not one of her go-to shots but she plays it superbly then.

Australia 124-1 (36) Mooney 57, Perry 13, Sciver-Brunt 0-4 (2) (lead by 134)

12:15 , Ben Fleming

England continue with their tight bowling after the drinks break as Australia only manage a couple of singles off Sciver-Brunt’s second over. Some more movement off the pitch with her last delivery will provide more optimism for England.

Australia 122-1 (35) Mooney 56, Perry 12, Ecclestone 0-22 (12) (lead by 132)

12:12 , Ben Fleming

A tight over from Ecclestone and there’s another appeal for a stumping. This time it’s Perry who is reaching for the ball but she keeps her foot down and it’s not out.

However, replays show that after the bails came off, Perry’s foot did come off the grown so Jones was perhaps too quick for her own good behind the stumps.

Australia 122-1 (34) Mooney 56, Perry 12, Sciver-Brunt 0-2 (1) (lead by 132)

12:03 , Ben Fleming

A change in the bowling as Cross makes way for Nat Sciver-Brunt who only bowled five overs in the first innings as she continues to manage a knee injury.

There’s a chance straight away but it’s dropped! Another catch is put down by England. Her very first ball was driven right back at her by Mooney but the all-rounder couldn’t quite hold on to it. Those caught and bowled opportunities are always difficult but she’ll be bitterly disappointed to have put one down.

A couple of runs but another chance now for a stumping now! It’s sent upstairs to the third umpire but Mooney has her foot back in the crease before Jones whipped the bails off.

Some more bounce off the last ball almost catches Mooney out again - it’s all kicking off the Sciver-Brunt in her over, what an introduction for the experienced all-rounder. That will be drinks.

Australia 120-1 (33) Mooney 55, Perry 11, Ecclestone 0-22 (11) (lead by 130)

11:57 , Ben Fleming

A fun battle between Perry and Ecclestone at the minute with the Aussie batter looking to be positive against the spinner. One catches some extra bounces which causes Perry some trouble but another three to the Australian’s total.

Australia 117-1 (32) Mooney 54, Perry 9, Cross 1-44 (11) (lead by 127)

11:54 , Ben Fleming

Just a couple of singles of the 32nd over. England restricting Australia well but they’ll be desperately after another couple of wickets before the lunch break in just over an hour.

Australia 115-1 (31) Mooney 53, Perry 8, Ecclestone 0-19 (10) (lead by 125)

11:49 , Ben Fleming

Ecclestone offers up a delivery on leg stump and Mooney is going to cash in on that all day long. Sweept for four and that is Mooney’s 50! She played excellently late last night and has started well this morning as well. Her third half-century in Test cricket and she’ll now be eyeing up three figures and her first in the format.

Australia 111-1 (30) Mooney 49, Perry 8, Cross 1-44 (10) (lead by 121)

11:46 , Ben Fleming

Just another single off the Cross over as Mooney edges closer to her half-century. England have exerted far more control on the game this morning which may well draw a few riskier shots from the Aussies as the day goes on as they look to set a total.

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