England have declared their innings early on day four of the second Test at Lord’s, setting Australia a mammoth target of 583.

When Joe Root (180) attempted a ramp shot in his rapid pursuit of a double hundred and was out caught off Ryan Harris, England captain Alastair Cook finally called an end to the bloodshed.

England declared at 7-349 in the 115th over, meaning Australia face an insurmountable target and survival is the goal over the next almost six sessions in an arduous task to avoid going down 2-0 in the series.

No team has ever chased more than 418 to win a Test.

In the first innings, Australia was rolled in three and a half hours for 128, which means things don’t bode well for even making it to the fifth day.

If Australia lose this Test, which appears a mere matter of time, it will be their sixth straight loss.

Australia’s longest losing streak is seven.

However, day four is all about pride for the tourists.

They must prove to themselves that they can bat long periods, otherwise belief could die with eight Ashes Tests still left between now and January.

Harris (2-31) took two quick wickets on the Sunday morning to remove Jonny Bairstow and then Root – securing the big fast bowler a total of seven wickets for the match in his return to the Test team.

Root added just two runs to his overnight score, but despite falling short of the double ton, it was a splendid innings.

He smashed 18 boundaries and two sixes for his highest Test score, and second century in just eight matches since his debut.

England’s tactics of batting to start day four were questionable, given they pulled the pin after just 20 minutes.

But it should make little difference, as long as rain doesn’t intervene.

Peter Siddle was the best of the bowlers with 3-65, while James Pattinson and Steve Smith took one wicket each.