Leeds, Jul 8 (AP) England's bid for early Australia wickets in a gripping third Ashes test that the hosts must win was delayed by rain at Headingley on Saturday morning.

Australia was due to resume the third day on 116-4 in its second innings, with Travis Head (18 not out) and Mitch Marsh (17 not out) the overnight batters, but the start was delayed by thunder, lightning and heavy rain.

Also Read | Cricket Australia Denies Alleged Report of Alex Carey Walking Out of Leeds Hairdresser Without Paying.

No ball was bowled in the morning session with an early lunch set at 12:30 p.m. (1130 GMT) local time.

It may be a frustrating day ahead for both sides as more showers are forecast.

Also Read | Kylian Mbappe Discusses Youth Empowerment With Cameroonian PM Joseph Dion Ngute.

Australia leads the five-match series 2-0 and England must win this test to stay alive.

Head and Marsh had extended Australia's fragile lead over England to 142 runs at stumps Friday.

England was all out for 237 in its first innings to get within 26 runs of Australia's first total. Australia captain Pat Cummins banked 6-91 for his first Ashes five-wicket haul in England. Cummins is trying to help his side clinch the Ashes for the first time in England since 2001. (AP)

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)