Australia stay on top as England lose Cook

MANCHESTER: Australia captured the prize wicket of England captain Alastair Cook as they maintained their grip on the third Test at Old Trafford on Saturday's third day.

It seemed the left-handed opener would bat through the session when, on 62, Cook glanced fast bowler Mitchell Starc only to be caught superbly by diving wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who clung on to the right-handed chance.

At lunch Ashes-holders England were 119 for four -- a deficit of 408 runs -- and still needing a further 209 runs to reach a total of 328 that would see them avoid the follow-on in a match Australia, 2-0 down with three to play, had to win to stand any chance of regaining the urn.

Kevin Pietersen was 33 not out and the in-form Ian Bell, who'd made hundreds in the first two Tests of this series, four not out.

But Bell, on four, survived an appeal for a catch by Haddin off Starc with the 'Snicko' device, not part of the controversial Decision Review System, indicating he'd got a thin edge.

England resumed Saturday on 52 for two after Australia had made 527 for seven declared on the back of Australia captain Michael Clarke's commanding 187.

Shortly before Friday's close, Australia paceman Peter Siddle removed opener Joe Root and nightwatchman Tim Bresnan.

That left Cook, dropped on 15, 36 not out and Jonathan Trott two not out.

However, Trott was out for five when he edged a good length ball from fast bowler Ryan Harris low to Clarke at second slip.

Trott's exit brought in fellow South Africa-born batsman Pietersen,
arguably England's most talented shotmaker.

Pietersen, however, was fortunate not to nick his first ball, an excellent delivery from Harris, and then got off the mark only by just getting the bat down in time to keep out a fine yorker from the same bowler.

Meanwhile Cook completed a 138-ball fifty including seven fours.

Pietersen was then gifted a five when Chris Rogers, too close in backing up, couldn't prevent the ball going to the boundary after David Warner missed with a shy at the stumps trying for a run out.

Pietersen, after a nervy start, began to find his touch with two
well-pulled fours in successive balls from left-armer Starc. (AFP)