Rain has stopped play for a second time on day four, with Australia on the brink of going 1-0 up in the Ashes series.

England are 8-160, needing another 401 runs to win with just two wickets in hand and at least a day to play.

A hailstorm earlier forced a 90-minute delay, before play resumed and Australia took full advantage.

Two overs after the resumption, Nathan Lyon (2-44) and Mitchell Johnson (4-40) both struck twice as England lost 4-9 in the space of 21 balls.

Joe Root is 15 not out and Chris Tremlett unbeaten on 1.

However there is now doubt over whether any more play will be possible on day four.