The third day of the Fourth Ashes test at Chester-le-Street began with Australia on 222-5 with Chris Rogers (with a hundred) and Brad Haddin batting though not for long, as Haddin was trapped in front in the first over of the morning to Graeme Swann for 13. Then another bonus before the new ball as Rogers gloved the ball from Swann where Matt Prior took a sharp catch and was given out on review for 110 to a standing ovation, 233-7 and Anderson and Broad with the new ball. Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle seemed happy swish away at anything they could which brought them into the lead before Siddle poked Anderson to Cook at first slip for 5, 245-8 and this was soon 258-9 as Anderson pinned Nathan Lyon in front for 4. Harris then swung 3 consecutive fours off Broad before being given out LBW on review for 28, where all the players were halfway back to the pavilion by the time confirmation it was out came through.
So 270 all out gave Australia a first innings lead of 32 and it was time for Cook and co to see what they could do. Cook and Root halved the deficit before Root was castled by Harris for two, the strain of opening beginning to show for him. After lunch England wasted no time going into the lead, before Cook fished outside off and was caught by Haddin, giving Harris his 2nd wicket of the day. It was then 2 wickets in three balls for Harris, as Trott gloved behind for 23, England 49-3 and in trouble again. Ian Bell came to the rescue and along with Pietersen stopped the slide with some impressive strokeplay mixed with dubious shots.
The pair took on the Australian attack fairly freely, and got away with it as edges flew wide of fielders, wild heaves dropped safe and in between there was some good shots as the 100 came up it the 27th over with both batsmen motoring on steadily as England flowed to tea 123-3.
Consecutive drives through the covers for four brought up Bell's 50, but Pietersen would not join him, as he chipped a leading edge off Lyon to Rogers at cover for 44, the breakthrough the Australians needed, as it seemed England would get away. Jonny Bairstow came in and looked to attacked, hitting consecutive boundaries off Lyon and then Harris as Australia began to tire, giving Bell the opportunity to move into the 90s reasonably untroubled. Bairstow's knock ended on 28 edging Lyon to Harris. That didn't stop Bell flicking the ball to leg and going to his 3rd hundred of the series, a crucial knock as the England lead passed 200 as they finished 234-5, Bell unbeaten on 105.
