MANCHESTER (AFP) - Australia, after winning the toss, were 507 for seven against England at tea on the second day of the third Ashes Test at Old Trafford on Friday.

Brad Haddin was 57 not out and Mitchell Strac 54 not out, their unbroken eighth wicket stand so far worth 77 runs.

Earlier Australia captain Michael Clarke made 187, his highest Test innings against England, in a match the tourists had to win to stand any chance of regaining the Ashes.

Graeme Swann, the leading wicket-taker this series, had figures at tea of five wickets for 149 runs in 41 overs - the 17th time in 55 Tests the England off-spinner has taken five or more wickets in an innings.

Ashes-holders England lead the five-match series 2-0.