LONDON, July 18: Ben Stokes and Alastair Cook led England's bid to claw their way back into the second Ashes test on Saturday, although Australia still led by 385 runs at lunch on the third day at Lord's.
Stokes was approaching his century when he played on to allrounder Mitchell Marsh and was bowled for 87, ending a 145-run partnership with Cook, 15 minutes before lunch. England reached the interval on 181-5, scoring 96 in the morning session in response to Australia's huge 566-8 declared.
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Cook was composed on 56 not out although he needed medical treatment just before lunch when a short Mitchell Johnson delivery struck him a painful blow on the elbow.
One wicket fell in the morning session after the disastrous start to England's response. England, 1-0 up in the five-match series, was reduced to 30-4 in less than 10 overs as Australia's pace attack ripped through the top order. Johnson, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood combined after Australia's declaration on Friday to appear unplayable.
On Saturday the pace attack held few demons and Stokes hit 13 fours and a six before chopping the ball on to his stumps to Marsh's medium fast seamers.
Resuming on 85-4, Australia asked for an LBW appeal to be reviewed against Stokes when he had scored 60. Replays showed the ball just pitching outside leg stump.
Cook, who scored 56 in 167 balls, and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler survived until lunch.
