Malan scores century as England close in on victory

England ended day three in command of their final Ashes tour match and needing seven more wickets to complete victory over a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville

CA XI were reduced to 121/3 at stumps, trailing by 144 runs after England were bowled out for 515 earlier in the day.

Dawid Malan scored his first century for England in the morning before being dismissed for 109 as England recovered from a wobble before lunch to take a 265-run lead after the first innings.

The Three Lions claimed three wickets in the final session of the day and will look to secure victory on day four.

Morning

England resumed on 337/3 but lost captain Joe Root for 83 early in the day.

Malan, however, was able to convert his overnight half-century into his first hundred for England from 192 balls to seal his spot in the side for the first Test.

The Middlesex batsman was eventually run out for 109 as a flurry of wickets fell, with Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali also departing before lunch.

Afternoon

Craig Overton was dismissed fedning the first ball of the afternoon session to short leg before Stuart Broad was caught for 10 after a top edge.

A last wicket stand of 58 between Chris Woakes (36) and Mason Crane (25 not out) boosted England's score to 515 all out - a lead of 265 runs - on the stroke of tea.

Evening

England made a laboured start with the ball as CA XI openers Jake Carder and Ryan Gibson built an 80-run first wicket stand.

Moeen Ali broke the partnership when Carder was caught at first slip by Root, then the all-rounder clean bowled Gibson.

England's other spinner, Mason Crane, then dismissed Will Pucovski as the hosts lost three wickets for just seven runs.

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An important day for Dawid Malan as he turned a start into a century. 

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