England extended their lead over Australia to 157 runs by lunch on the third day of the fifth Ashes Test on Saturday as they chase a series-levelling victory at the Oval. Joe Denly was unbeaten on 37 and Ben Stokes had yet to get off the mark as the home side seek to put themselves in a match-winning position. Off-spinner Nathan Lyon struck twice in the session, removing Rory Burns for 20 runs and captain Joe Root. World Cup winners England are desperate to tie the series at 2-2 even though Australia have already retained the Ashes urn. The tourists are equally hungry to wrap up their first series win in England since 2001 after edging ahead by winning last week’s fourth Test at Old Trafford. Jofra Archer put England in pole position on Friday, taking six wickets to bowl Australia out for 225, giving the home side a first-innings lead of 69. Steve Smith top-scored with 80 to take his tally for the series to 751 runs in just six innings.
