Ash Gardner has taken an innings-high four wickets to see England fall short in their first innings reply in the Ashes test.

Gardner took four wickets in England's 10-463, ending 10 runs behind Australia's 10-473.

After dismissing Heather Knight (57 from 91) caught behind on day two, Gardner collected an additional three wickets throughout play on day three to finish with figures of 4-99 from 25.2 overs.

She began by breaking the 137-run third wicket partnership between double centurion Tammy Beaumont and Natalie Sciver-Brunt (78 from 111), Alyssa Healy again in the action as Sciver-Brunt was caught behind after attempting to cut a short Gardner delivery.

Gardner then had her third shortly afterwards, clean bowling Sophia Dunkley (9 from 51) who unsuccessfully employed the slog sweep to a full, turning ball that beat the right-hander through the gate.

Dunkley's wicket left England poised at 4-318, however England maintained composure with lively debutante Danielle Wyatt (44 from 49) pairing with Beaumont in a 62-run fifth wicket stand to see England near 400.

However following Wyatt's departure, England lost 5-73 with Beaumont (208 from 331), the first England woman to score a Test double century, unable to carry her bat after being bowled by Garner to end the innings.

Gardner was well-supported by allrounder Tahlia McGrath, who cleaned up the England tail, taking 3-24 from 12 overs.

Australia began their second innings with a slender 10 run advantage, with openers Beth Mooney (33* from 59) and debutante Phoebe Litchfield (41* from 55) navigating the final 19 overs of play to see Australia lead by 92 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.

Day four of play resumes Sunday evening, Australian time.