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England have outside chance to win third Test

BIRMINGHAM - England gave themselves an outside chance of winning the third Ashes Test after capturing the prize wicket of Australia captain Ricky Ponting on the fourth day here at Edgbaston yesterday.

BIRMINGHAM - England gave themselves an outside chance of winning the third Ashes Test after capturing the prize wicket of Australia captain Ricky Ponting on the fourth day here at Edgbaston yesterday.

Australia at stumps were 88 for two in their second innings, needing a further 25 runs in today's final day to make England, 1-0 up in the five-Test series, bat again.

Graham Onions, who took four first innings wickets, struck in his third over when an excellent full length delivery had Australia opener Simon Katich edging to wicket-keeper Matthew Prior.

Graeme Swann then produced a classic off-break which beat Ponting's forward defensive push and bowled the batting great for five. Australia were now 52 for two after England had taken two wickets for five runs in 11 balls.

Andrew Flintoff had earlier put England on top after Saturday's total wash-out had reduced the chances of a win for either side.

His 74, on the ground where he made two valuable fifties in England's nail-biting two-run Ashes win four years ago, was the centrepiece of the home side's 376, which gave them a first innings lead of 113.

At the close, Shane Watson was 34 not out and Michael Hussey 18 not out. - Sapa/AFP

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