England enjoy strong morning before rain curtails third day of Women's Ashes Test

A minimum of 109 overs are due to be bowled on Sunday, which – if conditions allow – could open the door for either side to sneak a result

Canberra (day three of four): Australia 337-9 & 12-2, England 297 - Australia lead by 52 runs

England and Australia were left frustrated by the weather in Canberra after rain ended the third day of the Women's Ashes Test shortly before the lunch interval.

The long-term forecast leading into the game had predicted that the elements might impact the likelihood of a result in the one-off Test match, and it was proven correct as dark skies surrounded Manuka Oval soon after Meg Lanning's team began their second innings.

The curtailment, which came with Australia 52 runs ahead but two wickets down, will renew calls for the introduction of five-day Tests and the addition of more red-ball cricket to the international schedule.

There was no better advert for an additional day's play than the discussion among pundits through the morning session about the possibility of an early, creative declaration from England, who were eventually bowled out 40 runs shy of Australia's first-innings score, in order to boost their chances of manufacturing a result from a position of considerable inferiority.

With Sunday's forecast also looking imperfect, a draw is looking increasingly likely, though a minimum of 109 overs are due to be bowled, which – if conditions allow – could open the door for either side to sneak a result.

^{Heather Knight leaves the field unbeaten on 168 at the end of England's innings (Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)}

The last time a women's Test produced a result was in 2015, though at least the pitch cannot be blamed on this occasion, having offered encouragement for bowlers on both sides throughout, while also allowing for a world-class hundred from Heather Knight and four Australian half centuries.

Katherine Brunt continued her fine game in what play was possible on Saturday, claiming the wicket of Alyssa Healy to continue her hold over the home wicketkeeper, who completed a pair in the process.

Brunt then had Rachael Haynes well caught by Tammy Beaumont at short leg, before the players left the field as the rain came down just one ball later.

Earlier, Knight had carried on from where she left off on Friday, adding 41 runs to her overnight score to finish unbeaten on 168 – the second-highest Test score for an England batter against Australia, behind Rachael Heyhoe Flint.

Her vigil only ended when she ran out of partners, with Sophie Ecclestone falling for an invaluable 34, having faced 117 deliveries in a 100-run partnership for the ninth wicket.

Kate Cross hung around for more than six overs thereafter as the final stand added 28 runs, before Ellyse Perry claimed Cross as her third wicket, top-edging a pull shot to Darcie Brown at fine leg.