BIRMINGHAM.

Aug 7: Former captain Graham Gooch hit beck lor England with a defiant 44 not out

Saturday as hts team chased Australia's first Innings lead of 132 in the fifth Test at Edgbaston, reports AP.

England moved to 89 for one at the close of the third day with the loss of new captain Michael Atherton, who was caught by Australia's captain. Alan Border, of Shane Warne for 28.

Earlier. Australia had totalled 408 in reply to England's 276 thanks to a century partnership by lan Healy and Merv Hughes.

Wicket-keeper Healy, who scored a century In the opening Test at Old Trafford, was out for 80. Hughes, a fast bowler who also scored 71 against Glamorgan last Sunday, scored 38 in a seventh wicket stand of 107.

Martin Bicknell took two wickets the lunch break and one afterwards but the English bowlers generally were bettered around the Edgaston ground.

In his first over Bicknell produced a ball that shaved the edge of Steve Waugh's bat and wicketkeeper Alec Stewart took a low catch.

Umpire John Hampshire took a few seconds to consider the dismissal before raising his finger and Waugh, who added only two runs to his overnight score, was out for 59.

Healy hit 11 fours and Hughes smashed a six and two more boundaries to defy the

English bowlers as runs flowed at the rate of one a minute.

In the final over of the session. Healy flashed at a widish delivery from Bicknell and Stewart moved to his right to hold the catch and end the partnership.

Hughes betted slowly after the interval and had moved on to 38 when Bicknell struck again by striking his stumps.

Paul Rclffcl added 20 before he was bowled by off-spinner Peter Such and Shane Warne was last man out for 10. caught by Stewart off Emburey.

It was Waugh's fifth wicket

match for a year, losing eight out of nine against Pakistan. India (three times), Shri Lanka and Australia (three times).

partnership of 153 with hts twin brother, Mark, on Friday that rescued Australia from a shaky 80 for four. Mark Waugh scored 137.

Australia already is 3-0 ahead In the six-match series with only one more to come and has retained the Ashes. England have not won a Test match for a year, losing eight out of nine against Pakistan. India (three times), Shri Lanka and Australia (three times).