Shane Watson was forced from the field with a hip and groin problem and didn’t return, making the challenge even tougher for an Australian team already under pressure in the fourth Test at Durham.
England lead by 202 runs with five wickets in hand after being inspired by run-machine Ian Bell’s third hundred of the series.
Australia are still in the contest at Chester-le-Street, but their inconsistent batting line-up appears set for an arduous fourth innings chase on a wicket tipped to get increasingly more difficult for run-scoring.
If allrounder Watson is unable to contribute with the bat after making an excellent 68 in the first innings, it will be an even tougher mountain to climb.
Batsman of the series, Bell (105 not out) led his side to a commanding position at 5-234 at stumps on day three, with Tim Bresnan not out 4.
Bell narrowly avoided being caught at gully by Michael Clarke off Jackson Bird on 97, but thoroughly deserved his 20th Test century after another faultless knock.
Ryan Harris (3-74) and Nathan Lyon (2-46) stood out with the ball for Australia, but Bell continues to be a class above and he’s only one more century away from four for the series – the most ever in Ashes cricket.
Australian spearhead Harris claimed three quick wickets to leave England in early trouble just 17 runs ahead, before Bell and Kevin Pietersen (44) put on 106 for the fourth wicket.
Harris rattled through Joe Root’s stumps with arguably the ball of the series, and had Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott caught behind.
Lyon continued his strong first innings performance to again bowl well and get his man Pietersen for the second time in the match and followed it up by getting Jonny Bairstow (28) caught behind in a sharp effort from keeper Brad Haddin.
But just like at Trent Bridge, Australia couldn’t get Bell.
The fluent No.5 has scored three centuries and three 50s from eight innings this series at an average of 82.
Australia blew an opportunity to take a big first innings lead early on day three when they resumed at 5-222 and just 16 runs in arrears.
But Haddin (13) and Chris Rogers (110) were both dismissed in rapid succession by spinner Graeme Swann and despite an excellent 28-run cameo from Harris, Australia could only manage a slender 32-run lead after losing their last five wickets for 48.
Stuart Broad took five for the innings.
The pitch will likely offer up some unpredictability on day’s four and five, and Australia’s brittle top order face an acid test.
There’s some hope for Australia – Yorkshire chased down 336 to beat Durham this year in the County Championship at Chester-le-Street.
It was inspired by a Joe Root 180.
Watson’s injury is a major concern, after the allrounder sluggishly walked from the field nine balls into his second spell.
The 33-year-old has bowled more in the Ashes than he has in a series since 2008.
