BUMBLE IN TEST: Shane Warne would be seething about Australia going without a crackpot at Old Trafford… and Stuart Broad predicted Jonny Bairstow’s runs!

England are in a dominant position against Australia at the end of day three of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

A big swing from Jonny Bairstow followed by clever bowling from Mark Wood put Ben Stokes’ side in control of the game and only rain saved Australia from defeat.

Victory would mean an exciting final test at the Oval, but England first need to juggle things and take the last six wickets in the last two days.

On Friday, the hosts had one of the best days of the series as they dominated action and reminded their opponents what Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum are all about.

Here, mail port Columnist David “Bumble” Lloyd looked back at an exciting day three of the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

A big strike from Jonny Bairstow means England are closer to equalizing the Ashes series

Late Aussie star Shane Warne would simmer on an Aussie team without spinners

Australia captain Pat Cummins (pictured) seemed unimaginative throughout the test

SHANE WOULD seethe

I’ve never seen such an unimaginative Australian team – although I have some sympathy for captain Pat Cummins as the injured Nathan Lyon played a crucial part in their plans.

But let me tell you something: if we weren’t performing as top weirdos at the venue where we saw the ball of the century, the great Shane Warne would have gone apoplectic!

NO GRASING UP STARC THIS TIME

What about Harry Brook’s firing? He was caught on the border by Mitchell Starc with his foot in the shadow of the border sponges.

Boos echoed across the floor as viewers thought he was touching the boundary. But Brook was clearly out. No dramas.

Obviously, Starc’s hands weren’t touching the grass!

Mitchell Starc caught Harry Brook on the border – although he was close, there was no debate about the decision this time

WHY IT’S GRAYSHADE

The new hotel at Old Trafford, which is grey, has caused quite a stir as the Point is red and the existing hotel is red, but I can exclusively reveal why.

If you look from the air you will see that the old pavilion between the Point and the existing hotel is grey. You want it to remain symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing, which is wonderful if you’re paragliding there from the Trafford Center…

BE HERE NOW NOEL…

So the music fight continues to Manchester. In third place was The Smiths – God knows they must be miserable now that they’ve put The Fall behind them.

The winners were the Gallagher brothers, although Oasis won’t play here as it’s red and called Old Trafford. Ridiculous!

Jonny Bairstow’s spectacular catch, which sent off Mitchell Marsh, paved the way for the England wicketkeeper to get into the first runs of the innings

MY SMOKING GUN

There’s a new sustainability terrace with solar lighting, a bat house (for the things that fly, not the ones you hit cricket balls with) and living walls.

An unnamed member of the media was eating 20 Benson & Hedges out there as I walked by! I think he took it literally.

STUNNING BAIRSTOW

Jonny Bairstow made a stunning catch to send off Mitchell Marsh in Australia’s first inning and then Stuart Broad said a great catch usually gets runs for Jonny.

And so it happened. What a stunning shot as Bairstow showed his true worth to this side. He’s such a confidence player.