"One big final push": Pat Cummins issues rallying call as Australia hone in on Ashes glory

NICK HOWSON AT OLD TRAFFORD: The tourists need eight wickets on day five to win the fourth Test and ensure they retain the urn

Australia are eager not to allow a second chance to retain the Ashes slip through their grasp after putting themselves in the box seat in the series for a second time at Old Trafford.

Eight wickets on the final day in Manchester will see the tourists take a 2-1 lead in the series with one Test remaining.

England need an unlikely 383 or to bat out day five to stay in the series but their task was made all the more difficult after Pat Cummins took wickets in successive balls to leave them 18 for 2 at the close.

Having missed the opportunity to secure the urn at Headingley as England chased down 359 thanks to Ben Stokes' unbeaten 135, Cummins is urging his side to take their second chance with both hands.

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"They're coming out alright at the moment!" he told Sky Sports. "The batting didn't go to plan. None of us expected the innings Smithy went out with, he was incredible. 

"We'd have been happy to get though the night but Smithy was unbelievable. I'm feeling okay. One big final push tomorrow then a few days rest before The Oval."

Steve Smith followed up his first innings double century with 82 - his lowest individual score of an outstanding series - as Australia declared on 186 for 6 on day four.

"For us it is pretty clear what we need to do tomorrow," Smith explained. "It is just about relaxing, going out and enjoying it and hopefully outing our skills good enough to bowl England out tomorrow."