Australia, riding a slender lead, were ahead by 142 runs with six wickets remaining at stumps on the second day of the third Ashes Test.
Travis Head and Mitchell Marsh, who scored a century in the first innings, were at the crease as the visitors reached 116 for four in their second innings.
Two innocuous dismissals by Moeen Ali — Steve Smith whipped the spinner wristily straight to short mid-wicket after Marnus Labuschagne slog-swept to Harry Brook in the deep — helped England claw back. Usman Khawaja then became Chris Woakes’ victim for 43.
David Warner was dismissed in the third over when he fell to Stuart Broad for the 17th time in his career. But it was Mark Wood’s express pace that troubled the Australian batters the most.
With Ollie Robinson and, presumably, skipper Ben Stokes having fitness issues, England could struggle with their bowlers. Another worry for England is that pitches at Headingley tend to get better and better.
Earlier, England limited the damage as Stokes and even Wood went on the attack to eventually concede a 26-run advantage to Australia on Friday.
The hosts were all out for 237 in reply to Australia’s 263 with captain Pat Cummins taking 6/91 in 18 overs.
England went to lunch still 121 runs behind. That deficit was quickly reduced as Stokes advanced in the afternoon session from 27 not out to top-score with 80, which included five sixes and six fours. He was caught by Smith off Todd Murphy and was the last man out.
Written with AP/PTI inputs
