Pietersen and Bell defy Australia

MANCHESTER: Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell kept Australia at bay with bold fifties but England still had plenty of work to do in the third Test at Old Trafford on Saturday.

At tea on the third day, Ashes-holders England were 211 for four -- a deficit of 316 runs -- and still needing a further 117 runs to reach a total of 328 that would see them avoid the follow-on

But they had at least denied Australia who, at 2-0 down with three to play, had to win this match to stand any chance of regaining the Ashes, a wicket in the session.

Pietersen was 78 not out and Bell, who'd already made two hundreds this series, 51 not out with the fifth-wicket duo's partnership so far worth 101.

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

It was Clarke's highest Test score against England and the highest in an overseas Test by any Australian since nightwatchman Jason Gillespie's extraordinary 201 not out against Bangladesh seven years ago.

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

England captain Alastair Cook was 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 batsman.

Later, left-hander Cook completed a 138-ball fifty including seven fours.

But shortly before lunch Starc had Cook caught superbly for 62 by diving wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who held a right-handed chance off a genuine glance.

At lunch, England were 119 for four with Pietersen 33 not out and Bell unbeaten on four.

Pietersen then attacked Nathan Lyon, danced down the pitch to drive the off-spinner for two superb sixes in successive balls as he completed a 71-ball fifty also including six fours.

Australia took the new ball with England 198 for four off 81 overs but, three balls later, Bell drove Starc down the ground, with his subsequent three off Siddle seeing him to a 93-ball fifty including eight fours and a six. (AFP)