Ben Stokes has praised the England bowlers for taking more responsibility in the absence of James Anderson after leading his side to the brink of victory in The Ashes.

Anderson was ruled out of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge due to a side injury, but Stuart Broad led the way on the first morning as Australia collapsed to 60 not out.

However, it was Stokes who stole the show on Friday as he returned figures of 5-35 to restrict the tourists to 241-7 and ensure that England lead by an innings and 90 runs ahead of day three.

"We're in an unbelievable position," the all-rounder told reporters. "The crucial thing is that we go out tomorrow and make sure we don't have to get the pads on.

"We're a bowler down with Jimmy so there was more responsibility put on all of our shoulders.

"Obviously Broady put his hand up and bowled fantastically well in the first innings and we had to back him up. We couldn't all rely on him in this innings but everyone has put their hand up and done well."

England are looking to wrap up their fourth successive home Ashes triumph with victory on Saturday.