England lead by 85 runs in 3rd Ashes test

England leads by 85 runs at lunch after Australia fought back on the second day of the third Ashes test.

England is 221-7 in its first-innings reply to Australia’s 136 all out.

Resuming on 133-3, England stumbled early Thursday. Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson took two wickets in his opening over as Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes were unable to avoid gloving short-pitched deliveries behind.

Joe Root hit a speedy 63 the top score of the match so far before being caught in the slips by Adam Voges off Mitchell Starc. Spinner Nathan Lyon has 3-14 and Johnson 2-39.

Unlike the first day, the rain stayed away with occasional sun and some movement.

The five-match series is tied at 1-1.