Australia have declared their second innings at 7(dec)-172, setting England a victory target of 332 in the third Test at Old Trafford.

Day five is expected to be rain-interrupted, with Australia hoping there’s enough time to take 10 wickets and win the match.

Australia must win to keep the Ashes alive, with a draw good enough for England to retain the series for a third-straight time, the first time they would have done that since the 1950s.

After declaring at 7-527 in the first innings, Australia have dominated the Test from day one.

Only a small crowd is in at Old Trafford, with numbers set to swell with news spreading that play is due to start just half an hour behind schedule at 11.30am local time (8.30AEST).

The highest fourth innings chase at Old Trafford is 294, achieved by England against New Zealand in 2008.

Alastair Cook and Joe Root will open the batting for England.

Australia will be relying on fast bowlers Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle and Mitchell Starc to strike early and put pressure on their opponents.

Spinner Nathan Lyon will need to play a big role as the day goes on if Australia are to be a hope.