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England facing battle to avoid innings defeat

England reach tea on day three of the fifth Ashes Test on 123-3, still 209 runs behind Australia.

England are struggling to avoid an innings defeat to Australia in the fifth and final Ashes Test after reaching tea on day three on 123-3.

Resuming on 31-1, Alastair Cook and Ian Bell were aware that they needed a big session, but Bell survived just eight overs before he fell for 13 runs after being caught off the bowling of Mitchell Marsh.

Joe Root was the next man in, but he watched on as Cook struck three boundaries in an over to move towards his 44th half-century, which eventually came off 119 balls.

However, three balls later, Root departed for 11 after he failed to deal with a bouncer from Mitchell Johnson, which saw him top-edge the ball straight to Mitchell Starc to leave England on 99-3.

Jonny Bairstow joined Cook at the crease and contributed four boundaries to reach the end of the session on 20, with Cook on 54, but England still trail their rivals by 209 runs.

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Peter Siddle of Australia celebrates after taking the wicket of Adam Lyth of England during day three of the 5th Investec Ashes Test match between England and Australia at The Kia Oval on August 22, 2015
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