This is the 13th part in a series recounting the 2005 Ashes, as it occurred a decade ago.

Morning

Following the rain-shortened third day, Warne wastes little time getting to the 80s. Gillespie, who is known more as a blocking batsman, adopts that technique, playing patiently. Warne eventually gets to 90 before finding Giles at the fence, meaning another close call to a century but no cigar. Lee only manages one run before edging a Simon Jones delivery to Trescothick. Gillespie gets a notable six off Jones, taking Australia past 300, before falling lbw.

Australia finish their first innings 302 all out.

Trescothick & Strauss employ their almost-trademark slow start to England’s second innings, although lunch is taken after seven overs, with the hosts 25 without loss.

Afternoon

Trescothick takes charge of the opening partnership after the break, quickly getting to the 40s. However, McGrath gets his man, his first wicket since the Lord’s Test. Lee gets Vaughan not long after, following the captain slowly getting to 13. but when England are given a choice to stop play for a rain delay, they choose to bat on. It’s a risky decision, given the potential that Australia can seize the momentum in this Test. Strauss then takes charge of his partnership with Ian Bell, Lee & Warne struggling to get the opener out, as he reaches his half-century. England get to tea at 115/2, as they prepare for a scheduled three-hour post-tea session.

Evening

Bell continues to play the more patient role in the third wicket partnership, while Gillespie and Warne continue to bowl without rewards for their efforts. McGrath doesn’t fare much better, while Bell gets to the 40s and has the honor of bringing up England’s 200. Strauss continues his more aggressive approach, which leads to his sixth Test century, and first against Australia. After no centuries from either side in either of the first two Tests, England get individual 100s in both innings in Manchester. But that’s where the hosts’ fortune begins to run out; McGrath removes Strauss and Pietersen in the same over. Bell gets his 50, while Flintoff adds more run support, but McGrath bowls the all-rounder for 4, before getting Bell. Geraint Jones gets three boundaries off the fast bowler before Vaughan declares, giving Australia 35 minutes at bat in Day 4.

England declare their second innings at 280/6. Australia need 423 runs to win.

Hayden and Langer try to provide runs, knowing that the major battle will be if Australia can reach a target almost exactly what England faced at Lord’s. Fading light prompts Vaughan to bowl several overs of spin, and while he’s able to limit the runs, the captain is unable to find a wicket. Langer hits multiple boundaries to get to double digits, as Australia get to 24 without loss. For the first time in the series, a Test will go all five days.

After Day 4, Australia are 24/0 in the second innings. They need 399 to win; England need 10 wickets.