PERTH: England will hang on to the Ashes for at least one more night after reaching stumps at 251-5, leaving Australia a day to take five wickets and regain the urn.

Ben Stokes (72 not out ) and vice-captain Matt Prior (7 not out ), the last of the recognized batsmen, survived the last half hour on Day 4 to ensure the third test went into a fifth day.

Australia had all the momentum in the first two sessions after resuming on 235-3, clobbering 134 runs in 17 overs before declaring with a lead of 503, and then bowling England skipper Alastair Cook first ball.

After two big wins already, Australia is favored to earn a series-clinching third straight victory.