Aussies struggle to avoid follow-on

Manchester, August 12:

Ashley Giles and Simon Jones took three wickets apiece to have Australia reeling on 210/7 on Friday, still needing 35 runs to avoid the follow-on in the third Test. Shane Warne was unbeaten on 45 and Jason Gillespie was not out four in reply to England’s 444. Andrew Flintoff belted 46 in an 87-run, seventh-wicket partnership with Geraint Jones (42) to boost 433-6, but his lofted catch to Justin Langer off Warne triggered a collapse. England lost its last four wickets for 11 runs. Warne (4-99) exploited some patches of rough in a late spell that netted two wickets in 11 balls. Giles, a left-arm fingerspinner, reveled in similar conditions for England, returning 3-66. Simon Jones took 3-30. Giles started the slide, breaking Australia’s opening stand of 58 by removing Justin Langer (31). Ricky Ponting (7) was out on the first ball of the evening session. Matthew Hayden (34), who had reprieves before he’d scored and on 14, was adjudged lbw to Giles. Damien Martyn (20) was bowled by Giles as Australia slumped to 115-4. Simon Katich made 17. Michael Clarke was summoned from his sickbed at Katich’s departure. He hadn’t fielded after the second over on Thursday because of a back problem, but was called when Australia’s top-order failed. He went in after Adam Gilchrist (30) was out, ending a 53-run, sixth-wicket stand with Warne. Clarke — using Hayden as a runner — lasted 18 minutes.