By Jonathan Agnew BBC cricket correspondent in Manchester

Australia face a survival battle at Old Trafford after England declare on 280-6, setting them a remote victory target of 423.

Strauss rose to the occasion with a fighting hundred

By his own very high standards, Andrew Strauss has not enjoyed the best of seasons, but he played a perfectly paced innings of 106 to set up England's declaration.

He was fortunate, on one, to edge Brett Lee straight between Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting at first and second slip. Neither fielder moved and the ball flew to the boundary for four.

Strauss was also hit on the helmet by Lee and suffered a cut ear, but was patched up by the physio and was able to continue.

He played second fiddle to Marcus Trescothick who really got the innings moving after lunch.

When he played on to Glenn McGrath for 41, Strauss took over and he dominated a partnership of 137 with Ian Bell that put England in complete control of the game

When Shane Warne was caught in the deep 10 runs short of a maiden Test century, England were able, finally, to clean up the Australian tail.

Warne's demise brought an end to an excellent, obdurate partnership of 86 with Jason Gillespie that lasted for more than an hour and a half.

England had been frustrated as the batsmen nibbled away at their lead, but Simon Jones, who took all three wickets to finish with career best figures of 6-53, then brought Australia's innings to a swift conclusion.

Jones gave a final flourish to England's innings

Geraint Jones had a miserable time with the gloves on the third day, dropping a catch and missing a stumping opportunity, but today we saw what spirit and confidence the man has.

He struck 27 from only 12 balls in the charge towards the declaration, lofting McGrath for two sixes in an over.

His position behind the stumps is sure to be debated over the coming week whatever the result here, but he is a fighter and his innings was a timely reminder of what he has to offer with the bat.

With 98 overs available to bowl at Australia, England have every chance of taking a 2-1 lead in the series.

They will be disappointed not to have taken a wicket before the close of the fourth day as fading light meant that Michael Vaughan could not bowl his fast bowlers.

Australia will resume with all 10 wickets in hand, but they will have to fight extremely hard if they are to save the match.