Australia turn the screw

Applauded from the field after his entertaining 57 had pulled England back into the game at the start of the day, hours later Pietersen's costly drop of Michael Clarke, who made 91, allowed the tourists to establish a potentially match-winning advantage.

By the time stumps were drawn, Australia had progressed into a 314-run lead on 279 for 7 - an imposing lead given the prospect of Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath bowling in tandem on a wearing pitch in the final innings.

England have only successfully chased more than 300 runs to win a Test three times.