England lead passes 400

Andrew Strauss' side continued to dominate Australia after passing up the opportunity to enforce the follow-on and although their progress was checked in the afternoon, they progressed to 199 for four, an overall advantage of 409 runs.

Third-wicket duo Ravi Bopara and Kevin Pietersen ground out a 73-stand in 28 overs, battling against poor form and poor fitness respectively, before they departed in quick succession.

Bopara, dropped once and given the benefit of the doubt on another disputed catch, eventually turned straight to short leg for 27 to become Nathan Hauritz's third success.

And Pietersen (44) was caught behind off Peter Siddle for the second time in the contest, off an inside edge, jabbing at a ball which lifted.

England lost both openers after lunch as off-spinner Hauritz shook off the effects of dislocating a finger in his bowling hand on day one to dismiss captain Strauss and Alastair Cook in consecutive overs.

Cook (32) was pinned leg before, falling over, by a delivery which just gripped on the surface while Strauss (32) was undone by a big turner which flew off the edge to slip.

Earlier, Graham Onions claimed two for nine in three overs as Australia, who resumed overnight on 156 for eight, were dismissed for 215 inside one hour on the third morning.