Australia claimed the wickets of Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott during the opening session on day three of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford this afternoon.

The hosts returned on 53-2, but lost their third wicket of the innings just 11 runs later when Trott, on five, edged Ryan Harris's delivery into the hands of skipper Michael Clarke at second slip.

England captain Cook then recorded a half-century as he and Kevin Pietersen looked to steady the innings.

However, while on 62 runs, Cook feathered Mitchell Starc's bouncer down the leg-side and Brad Haddin reacted quickly to claim the ball in his right glove, reducing England to 110-4.

That brought Ian Bell to the crease and along with Pietersen, he negotiated the home team through to 119-4 when lunch was called.

It means that England, who lead the series 2-0, trail the tourists by 408 runs.