England move closer to defeat

England's unlikely hopes of saving the fourth Test and preserving their Ashes lead were undermined by the loss of a wicket off the third ball of the day.

Resuming the third morning on a perilous 82 for five, still trailing by a daunting 262 runs, England needed a solid start to instil belief they could withstand Australia's relentless progress towards a convincing victory.

They began promisingly with nightwatchman James Anderson slashing the second ball of the day from Ben Hilfenhaus for four through the gully area.

But he fell to the very next delivery, pushing outside off-stump and giving captain Ricky Pointing a comfortable catch at second slip to leave England reeling on 86 for six.