Rain halts England's charge in opening Test of Ashes series against Australia at Edgbaston

Torrential rain brought a draw into the equation in the first Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston. The pace of play over the first two days seemed to take the draw out of the picture, but heavy rain on Sunday afternoon has put things in the balance. Ad As is their wont under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, England will look to push on with the bat on Monday in order to give themselves enough time to set up a win.

CricketKhawaja ton keeps England at bay in opening Ashes Test at EdgbastonYESTERDAY AT 17:54 Australia will hope the conditions are favourable for bowling on day four — as was the case in the 30-minute spell before the rain on Sunday — in order to check England's charge. Day three got underway with England chasing wickets, and they got them in good time. James Anderson finally got reward for his probing line and length by removing Alex Carey for 66.

Australia captain Pat Cummins joined Usman Khawaja at the crease and he dominated a partnership of 32 before the latter’s long vigil was brought to an end by Ollie Robinson. Khawaja’s wicket was as much down to the inventive field of Stokes, who had six catchers in front of the bat and enticed the Australia opener to attempt to pierce the field, only for him to play over the top of a yorker. Australia’s tail is not as strong as England’s and the seamers mopped them up to leave the home side with a lead of seven after the first innings.