The Ashes 2023: Australia hit England between Edgbaston showers

First LV = Insurance Ashes Test, Edgbaston (day three of five) England 393-8 Dec (Root 118*; Lyon 4-149) & 28-2 (Duckett 19, Boland 1-1) Australia 386 (Khawaja 141, Carey 66 ; Broad 3-68, Robinson 3-55)England lead by 35 points Scorecard

Only 22 bullets were possible after 2.15pm BST in Edgbaston, but by this time Australia was rife under a slate skies and floodlights to claim two wickets for two runs.

Ben Duckett pushed Pat Cummins to the ravine, where Cameron Green took a mark catch, and a trailing Zak Crawley edged out Scott Boland behind.

Joe Root also came under scrutiny off Cummins before the second and final downpour of the day saw England escape 28-2, 35 ahead.

This all came after England had the best of a dry morning, crossing Australia's lower order to claim a lead by seven points in the first inning.

After Usman Khawaja was overtaken by another ingenious plan from Ben Stokes and played by Ollie Robinson for 141, Australia lost their last four wickets for 14 runs to be returned for 386.< /p>

Robinson and Stuart Broad bounced off the tail, each ending in three wickets.< /p>

Overall 47.3 overs were lost to rain, with more forecast for day five Tuesday. Wet weather, worn tone and clash of styles add fuel to what could be a thrilling conclusion to a thrilling series opener.

Soggy Sunday still full of action

Less than 33 game overs were possible on a soggy Sunday in Birmingham, but there was still time for a thrilling and dramatic test of cricket.< /p>

England were superb in the morning session, taking advantage of Australia's lack of intention to perfectly execute carefully laid plans and delight the rioting Hollies Stand.

But Australian passivity disappeared in the small window between the showers which arrived as expected after lunch.

With the ball nibbling more than at any time during the match, Australia made the benign box full of danger. England were lucky to only come out with two.

Monday should be dry, but rain is forecast for Tuesday will influence any potential statement from England - if they fight long enough for that luxury.

There is the suspicion that the pitch will deteriorate and turn, in theory helping Moee...