Zac Crawley was unbeaten on 132 after England launched into Australia's bowling post-lunch and rocketed to 239-2 on day two of the fourth Ashes test at Old Trafford on Thursday.
Crawley led a partnership of 121 from 152 balls with Moeen Ali, then 109 from 86 with Joe Root, who was on 44 at tea. Crawley scored 106 on his own in the middle session.
England has to win here to keep the series alive, and warned Australia beforehand that it would try to force a quick result because Saturday's play may be lost to forecasted rain. If England doesn't win, Australia will retain the Ashes.
