Superstar Australian all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner produced a devastating spell to put the tourists on top of the women’s Ashes at Trent Bridge.
The Aussies need only five wickets when the Test resumes on Monday night (AEST) to claim victory, with England needing a miracle and 152 runs for an unlikely win.
Off-spin bowler Gardner turned the innings on day four when she took three wickets in the space of three overs, dismissing Tammy Beaumont – who had scored a double century in the first innings – for 28, before also claiming Heather Knight (9) and Natalie Sciver-Brunt for a duck to leave the hosts reeling.
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Earlier in the day Australia presser its advantage thanks to 85 from opener Beth Mooney, supported by a half century to Alyssa Healy down the order.
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The Aussies were bowled out just after tea, with gun England spinner Sophie Ecclestone taking her second five-wicket haul of the match.
England was in control at 0-55 before Gardner removed Beaumont, triggering a collapse.
The hosts then lost 4-18 before Sophia Dunkley and Danielle Wyatt steadied the ship.
Dunkley was removed late in the day for 16, leaving England 5-116 and needing a tail wag to pull off victory.
Women’s Ashes Day 4 highlights
It looks almost certain this will be the first women’s Test match to produce a result since 2015. England has not won a Test at home since 2005.
The Aussies are sweating on the fitness of young gun lef-spinner Alana King who was hit on the elbow while batting and failed to take the field for the fourth innings.
Day five coverage begins at 7.30pm AEST on Nine.
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