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Lord's Test: Australia in control after brief England revival

Last updated on: July 18, 2015 23:59 IST

Australia bowlers Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Mitchell Johnson leave the field between innings during day three of the second Investec Ashes Test against England at Lord's. Photograph: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images

Australia repelled a brief England fightback led by Alastair Cook and Ben Stokes to remain firmly in control of the second Ashes Test on the third day at Lord's on Saturday.

- Scorecard

Captain Cook made 96 and Stokes 87 to lift the hosts to 312 before the touring side, having decided not to enforce the follow-on, reached the close on 108 for no wicket, a huge lead of 362 runs with two days remaining.

Cook and Stokes came together with England reeling at 30 for four on Friday evening and they resumed on 85 for four in bright sunshine at the home of cricket.

Mitchell Marsh of Australia celebrates dismissing Ben Stokes of England during day three of the second Investec Ashes Test against England at Lord's. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Stokes crunched Mitchell Johnson to the extra cover boundary for his eighth four to bring up his fifty.

Stokes, closing in on his third Test hundred, chopped a ball from Mitchell Marsh on to his stumps that kept a touch low, ending a fluent fifth-wicket partnership of 145.

The powerful 24-year-old left-hander struck 13 fours and a six in another excellent innings in his burgeoning career.

England captain Alastair Cook bats during day three of the second Investec Ashes Test against England at Lord's. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Cook made a brave 96.

The England captain followed Stokes to the milestone by clipping spinner Nathan Lyon through mid-wicket, the captain needing 142 deliveries to get to his half-century in another courageous innings for his side.

Cook, who struck 13 fours and was in sight of his 28th Test century, was undone by another skidding delivery from Marsh which he dragged back on to his stumps.

Josh Hazlewood of Australia successfully appeals for the wicket of Moeen Ali of England during day three of the second Ashes Test at Lord's. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Moeen Ali played positively, lifting Lyon for a straight six while Cook accumulated in his usual patient manner.

However, Hazlewood returned to have Moeen (39) leg before while Broad accounted for Broad (21) to end the home team's first innings at 312.

England finished 254 runs behind their opponents but at least they had a small foothold in the game following two days of complete Australian dominance.

David Warner of Australia bats during day three of the second Ashes Test against England at Lord's. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Australia captain Michael Clarke opted to give his bowlers a rest and openers Chris Rogers and David Warner batted calmly through to stumps.

Warner, spilled by Adam Lyth at gully before he had scored, peppered the ropes with 10 fours in his unbeaten 60 and Rogers will resume on 44 not out.

Clarke must decide when to declare on Sunday before attempting to bowl England out to level the series at 1-1.

England won the first match of the series in Cardiff by 169 runs.

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