(CNN) -- A fine spell of bowling from Tim Bresnan put England on the verge of victory in the fourth Ashes Test on Tuesday as Australia's batsmen capitulated for the second time in Melbourne.
The tourists racked up a first-innings lead of 415 after being bowled out for 513 on day three, then Bresnan took three top-order wickets in the space of 18 balls after tea as Australia limped to stumps on 169-6.
The hosts, who leveled the five-match series at 1-1 with a thumping win in the previous match in Perth, effectively have only three wickets left after Ryan Harris suffered a foot injury while bowling and is unlikely to be able to bat on Wednesday.
A win will see holders England retain the Ashes, and then Andrew Strauss' team can seek to clinch a first series victory in Australia since 1987 in the final Test in Sydney starting on January 3. CNN
