Bairstow 99, Wood’s triple strike continues England dominance as Test hangs on incoming Manchester downpour

Only rain can save Australia from a resounding Ashes loss to England after the hosts’ domination of the fourth Test only grew stronger on Day 3 at Old Trafford.

With England blasting their way to 592 all out in the fastest-scoring completed Ashes innings in history courtesy of a spectacular unbeaten 99 from Jonny Bairstow, then picking up four wickets in XX overs before the close – three to Mark Wood – the visitors’ chances of retaining the urn in Manchester will rest on the city’s weather over the next two days.

Heavy rain is expected across much of Days 4 and 5, which…