England lose late wickets in pursuit of 268 to win

England's hopes of victory in the one-off Ashes Test were dented by the loss of five late wickets on day four.

England were 116-5 at stumps, with 152 still required in what would be the highest run chase in women's Test history.

An inspired bowling performance earlier saw Australia all out for 257 - Sophie Ecclestone starring with 5-63 to give her a 10-wicket match haul.

Victory in the Test match is worth four points, which would be shared should it end in an unlikely draw.

Openers Emma Lamb and first-innings double centurion Tammy Beaumont took the attack to Australia before they were dismissed in consecutive overs - Beaumont caught at slip off spinner Gardner and Lamb lbw to Tahlia McGrath.

Nat Sciver-Brunt was caught going for an ambitious slog sweep before captain Heather Knight was pinned lbw by a delivery that kept low from Gardner.

Sophia Dunkley and Test debutant Danni Wyatt combined for a 37-run partnership but the former was caught behind off Kim Garth for 16 with three overs remaining in the day, swinging the game firmly in Australia's favour.

Earlier, Australia resumed on 82-0 after England's poor start with the ball late on day three, but made amends through Ecclestone's brilliance combined with an inspired turnaround by the pace attack.

A fired-up Lauren Filer took two wickets before lunch, including Ellyse Perry for the second time in the match, before Australia's middle order lost three wickets for three runs after lunch.

Captain Alyssa Healy thwarted England's attack with a battling half-century but Ecclestone struck with the last two wickets.

England still have batting to come and will commit to their aggressive approach but are faced with Australia's three spinners on a worn pitch which is starting to turn and offer uneven bounce.

More to follow.