Australia moved to 124-3 for a lead of 34 on day three of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Saturday.
Resuming on 267 overnight, having limited the Australians’ first innings to 284 all out, England ended on 374.
Opening batsman Rory Burns took Friday’s maiden Test century as far as 133 – from a marathon 312 deliveries – before finally perishing to spinner Nathan Lyon. Lyon threatened throughout Burns’ stay and eventually struck in combination with a sharp catch from wicketkeeper Tim Paine.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow, specialist batsman Jos Buttler and all-rounder Moeen Ali shared a mere 13 runs during a particularly fruitful period for Australia. Lower-order duo Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad, though, dug deep to share a 65-run alliance for the ninth wicket.
Their collective effort mirrored that of centurion Steven Smith and tail-enders Peter Siddle and Lyon during Australia’s first innings.
The Aussies’ reply weathered early concerns, as openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft fell in relatively quick succession. Warner’s departure ensured a 450th Test wicket for Broad, while the right-handed Usman Khawaja was later undone by some sharp bounce from seamer Ben Stokes.
Stokes’ steep bounce was evident again when Smith was subjected to a blow to the grille. The former Australian captain recovered from the momentary alarm and will resume alongside the left-handed Travis Head on Sunday. Smith has 46 not out to Head’s unbeaten 21.
England remain without fast bowler James Anderson, who has bowled just four overs in this match and is nursing a calf injury. Anderson hasn’t been ruled out of the series, but won’t likely be selected for the second Test. The uncapped Jofra Archer is in contention to replace Anderson in the XI.
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