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England dominated day two at Old Trafford and now look to be in the driving seat to level the series at 2-2, as long as the weather doesn’t scupper their plans.

An outstanding century from Zack Crawley was the highlight on Thursday, as the hosts’ batting display made Australia’s 317 look below par on a good pitch.

England will now look to pile on quick runs as quickly as possible on day three, with the forecast suggesting that Saturday will be a washout in Manchester.

England in the Old Trafford box seat

The decision to not play a recognised spinner might come back to haunt Australia, with the decision to drop Todd Murphy looking like a negative team selection.

Moeen Ali only took one wicket in the Australian first innings but his ability to tie up an end, as England rotated their pace attack, was crucial. The Warwickshire ace conceded 65 runs from his 17 overs.

In stark contrast, the tourists’ part-time spin option - Travis Head - conceded 48 off just six overs, with an economy rate of eight runs an over.

There has been very little in the pitch to help the Aussie seamers and they have toiled for long spells in front of a crowd desperate for more England success.

To add to Australia’s problems, Mitchell Starc - the only Aussie bowler to take more than one wicket so far - injured his shoulder towards the end of the day and that might impact on the number of overs he can bowl.

The weather will be the big concern for Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, with heavy rain forecast for the whole of Saturday.

Reports suggest that Sunday could also be impacted by thundery showers, so England will be tracking the Met Office updates on a regular basis.

Stokes the best person to punish rivals

If there is one man England would want at the crease to smash quick runs and expand the lead, then it would be Ben Stokes.

The England skipper had already smashed 309 runs in the series prior to this Test and came into this match after impressive knocks at both Lord’s and Headingley.

Stokes fired a century in his last Test appearance at Old Trafford - 103 against South Africa last summer - and this pitch is well suited to another batting masterclass from the all-rounder.

England will feel they can get a 200-run lead going into the second innings, putting them in a strong position to take the series into a decider in the fifth and final Test at the Oval.

Pitch still favours the batters

Barring a low-bounce delivery to dismiss Joe Root, the Australian bowlers haven’t been able to get anything out of the Old Trafford pitch.

Although there will be more cloud cover on Friday, England’s batters will be comfortable going out to the middle to try and increase their lead.

If Stokes or Harry Brook are to get out in the morning session, it will probably be caught in the outfield trying to smash the ball over the top.

Australia captain will have some tough fielding decisions to make on day three, working out whether to focus on keeping the runs down or try to tempt England into shots and try to force wickets.

Tips

England to win the Test

Over 5.5 fours in Ben Stokes' first innings 

England method of fifth dismissal - catch (exc Wicket Keeper)