Former Hampshire batsman George Bailey stunned England with a world record-equalling over against James Anderson – as Australia closed in on the Ashes.

Bailey thumped England’s bowler for 28 (4-6-2-4-6-6), equalling the five-year-old record set when Brian Lara took South Africa’s Robin Peterson apart at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

It took Australia to 369-6 in their second innings at the Waca, prompting a declaration from Michael Clarke that set England a daunting victory target of 504 before they closed the penultimate day of the third Test on 251-5.

Bailey, who played for Hampshire for the first six weeks of last season, finished unbeaten on a 30-ball 39 following a blitzkrieg that delighted his teammates.

“We’ve had quite a few bad experiences against Jimmy Anderson so it’s always nice to see the shoe on the other foot,” said Shane Watson, another former Hampshire batsman, who was run out for a rapid 103.

“We’ve been at their mercy at times, so it certainly provided a bit of enjoyment for us.”

Hampshire batsman Michael Carberry, pictured right, made 31 in reply, taking his aggregate for the series to 188 at 31.3.

Only Ian Bell (190 at 38) has scored more for England following his classy 60 yesterday.

But England needed a remarkable turn of events to avoid losing the Ashes going into the final day’s play last night.

“We’re hugely disappointed,” said Bell.

“Coming out here, we had some real excitement. There was a massive challenge ahead, and that’s what you play the game for.

“But I don’t think we’ve shown anybody the kind of cricket we can potentially play.

“Hats off to Australia – they’ve batted better than us, caught better than us and bowled better than us.”

Bell shared a 99-run partnership with Ben Stokes, who was unbeaten on 72 at the end of the penultimate day.

“We showed some fight with the bat when we went out there,” added Bell.

“It would have been easy to get knocked over and walk off.

“But the guys are desperate to scrap it out.”

Stokes, only 22, gives England hope – in the long term, at least.

“The potential for the future looks massive with Ben,” said Bell.

“His character with the ball as well – running in like he did all day and yesterday – is a good sign for us.

“He’s a really good find.

“I think he’s got a fantastic future ahead of him – the way he’s shown he can play quick bowling, the way he hits down the ground, and just that attitude with the ball.”

Stokes and Bell joined forces at 121-4, after Pietersen had been caught at long on trying to reach his 50 with a six.

“He always takes on the game ... that’s the way he plays,” said Watson, who played with Pietersen for Hampshire.

“This series hasn’t fallen his way exactly ... he lives and dies by the sword at certain times.

“At the moment, it hasn’t really come off for him.

“It’s just not his time exactly at the moment, and it’s coming our way.”