MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Rory Burns and Joe Root shared an unbeaten 100-run stand to lead England's recovery to 125-2 against Australia at tea on a rain-hit third day of the fourth Ashes test on Friday.

Burns was on 62, his fourth half-century in 11 test matches and his third in this series.

Root was 47 not out.

After the start of play was delayed by 2 1/2 hours because of rain, England resumed on 23-1 and added 102 runs.

The only wicket to fall in a session lasting nearly three hours was nightwatchman Craig Overton, who edged paceman Josh Hazlewood to Steve Smith at second slip for 5.

England's first target is 298 to avoid potentially being asked to follow-on, with Australia having declared on 497-8 after a majestic innings of 211 from Smith.

A draw looks to be the best result possible for the English and it would keep them alive in the series.

The teams are at 1-1 with one more test to play, at the Oval next week. Australia will retain the urn if the series is drawn.

___

More AP sports: https://apnews.com/apf-sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports