Australia begin the third day in a dominant position, on 279-7, which gives them a lead of 314 runs in the game.

Some light drizzle delayed the start of play, though the weather is expected to brighten up later in the morning, before more showers this afternoon.

With three days left in the game, England cannot rely on showery weather to produce a draw. They must knock the tail over very quickly, something Steve Harmison managed with ease in the first innings, to have some hope of winning the match.

Even as it stands, 314 is more than any side has made to win a Test match at Lord's. In England's favour, this side did chase down 282 here against New Zealand last year, but Australia possess far greater fire-power.

The risk is that the top-order England players will be caught on the back foot as in the first innings as Glenn McGrath nips the ball back down the Lord's slope. The new ball spells will once again prove crucial and England's top three have to see off McGrath and Brett Lee to protect the middle order.

With Kevin Pietersen capable of Botham-like heroics against the old ball, a good start to the innings would give England an outside chance.

22 Jul, 2005