England took a giant step toward retaining the Ashes by avoiding the follow-on against Australia in the third test on Sunday thanks to some belligerent strokeplay by Stuart Broad early on day four.

Resuming on 294-7, Broad (32) and Matt Prior (30) took just 45 balls to get the 34 runs required to pass the follow-on mark. England was eventually bowled out for 368, leaving the team 159 runs behind.

Broad hit five fours before edging spinner Nathan Lyon to wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, who also took the catch to dismiss Graeme Swann (11) in Peter Siddle’s first over. Prior was the last man out, giving Siddle a fourth wicket.

Australia is 2-0 down and needs a victory to keep the five-match series alive. Rain is forecast for Sunday afternoon and much of Monday.