Jimmy Anderson produced a superb spell of swing bowling to give England a 122-run first-innings lead over Australia.
Anderson removed danger man Brad Haddin and Mitchell Starc and Stuart Broad took the wicket of Mitchell Johnson as England needed just 4.5 overs with the new ball to wrap up the Australian innings.
Starc was the last man out, caught by Joe Root at third slip. After taking the catch, Root turned to team-mate Ben Stokes and put his finger to his lips – the same gesture Starc had made in Stokes’ direction after dismissing the England batsman in the first innings.
Australia resumed 264 for five but their batsmen were kept quiet by more disciplined by the England attack. Broad took his first wicket of the innings as Shane Watson was out lbw – yet again. The batsman reviewed the decision but there would be no reprieve and he was out for 30.
Nightwatchman Nathan Lyon did not last much longer and he was trapped by a full, straight delivery from Mark Wood. England bowled so consistently that Haddin, a free-scorer, had to wait 15 deliveries before getting off the mark.
Haddin struck his next three for four as he and Johnson took Australia past 300 yet when the new ball came, Anderson made his mark.
Haddin was lucky to survive Anderson’s first over but he would not be so fortunate in his second. England’s leading wicket-taker produced a trademark outswinger to tempt Haddin into the stroke and Jos Buttler took the catch behind the stumps.
Johnson went in the next over when he chipped Broad to Gary Ballance at midwicket. While his batting is not as dangerous as his bowling, Johnson has a Test hundred to his name and strikes the ball cleanly, so England were glad to see the back of him.
It was left to Anderson to finish the innings with another outswinger that was too good for Starc. When England batted again it was Johnson, not Starc, who opened the bowling. Starc appeared to be limping slightly as he walked around the boundary edge as he continues to nurse a sore ankle.
