Matt Prior has urged England's bowlers to dig deep and produce a huge effort as they push for victory in the second Test against Australia at Lord's.

The wicketkeeper top-scored with 61 as England reached 311-6 at stumps on day three to open up a 521-run lead.

With England set to declare early on Sunday, Prior said: "We're asking for one more big push from all the bowlers.

"We've seen over the last three days the minute the cloud cover comes over, the ball starts swinging."

Prior revealed England would have pressed for a declaration in the final hour to give Australia's openers a testing half an hour to contend before the close of play.

However, the intervention of rain ended any hopes of England bowling again on day three.

"It would have been a great opportunity to come out and have half an hour to bowl at them this evening and pick a wicket up," Prior told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Unfortunately, due to the weather, that was not to happen.

"But we will come back tomorrow knowing we are in a great position and push really hard to win this Test match."

606: DEBATE This Aussie batting isn't going to get to 250-300 at Lords with cloud cover against the four-man pace attack TheBear44

Prior's superb cameo - coming off just 48 deliveries - and Paul Collingwood's 54 injected fresh impetus into England's stalling innings after a laboured afternoon session when Kevin Pietersen and Ravi Bopara were pinned back by Australia's bowlers.

"Ravi and KP went through a real tough spell, I though the Aussies bowled really well in that period," added Prior.

"They stuck in and ground it out and left the door open for Colly and I to have a nice period."

With two days remaining, England are perfectly placed to record their first Test victory against Australia at Lord's since 1934.

Although weather forecasts predict rain showers on Sunday, Prior believes the overcast conditions and a wearing pitch will favour England's bowling attack.

"The overheads might come into it - and don't forget (Graeme) Swanny," he added.

"It's just started to spin a little bit and we've seen what he can do with the ball. We're in a great position."

Nathan Hauritz, who contributed 24 in a spirited 44-run ninth-wicket stand with Peter Siddle in the morning session, was the pick of Australia's bowlers, taking 3-80.

And the off-spinner called on Australia's top order to frustrate England's quintet of bowlers as they search for the opening victory of the series.

"We have the opportunity to bat for a very long time and the wicket is still very good," said the 27-year-old.

"It's going to be a good battle - we've got a lot of experience in the batting order to get the job done.

"We scored over 600 in Cardiff on a very good wicket and we always back ourselves to win the game.

"The wicket still looks very good - there was a bit of turn and bounce for me. But the key is the new ball - we have to get through that period and take it from there."

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