Australia are five wickets way from reclaiming The Ashes after a dominant third day in Perth, but England’s hopes of clinging on will be boosted by the news that Stuart Broad’s foot injury is not as bad as first feared.
After being hit on the top of the foot by a Mitchell Johnson Yorker in England’s first innings collapse, Broad had been unable to bowl. However, after scans found bruising but no fracture, he will be able to bat if, and almost inevitably when, required.
Australia’s batsmen impressed once more, declaring before lunch in the fourth day to set England a target of 504 to win, and reduced England to 251-5 by close of play.
"It's part and parcel as a bowler to get injuries so it's frustrating to get hit batting,” said Broad.
“All I want to know is the treatment so I can get it fixed.
"I was desperate to get out there and bowl, so I had to try it out in the nets.
"Normally, with a bruise, you'll get a bit of blood to it and get going - and the pain decreases. This actually increased quite a bit.
"Even if there's a small crack there and my symptoms aren't painful, I see no reason why I can't continue to play.”
Broad will need to exhibit the same skills that saw England recue an unlikely draw in the final test in New Zealand early this year, with Australia only requiring five wickets to retain the Ashes.
Ben Stokes and Ian Bell offered resistance, before the latter departed for 60. Alastair Cook's plight deepened, his second innings ended with the first ball, bowled by Ryan Harris. Watson trapped Carberry LBW, before Root was caught behind off Johnson. Kevin Pietersen played promisingly, but Nathan Lyon lured him into a poorly executed pull, which was caught well by Harris on the boundary.