TDTOP reports that Australia delivers a devastating blow to England in a 21-minute spell before rain interrupts the third day of the first Ashes Test.
Due to persistent showers at Edgbaston, only 22 balls were bowled after 14:15 BST. However, in that short time, Australia displayed dominance under overcast skies and floodlights, claiming two wickets for a mere two runs.
Pat Cummins induced a poke from Ben Duckett, resulting in a catch taken by Cameron Green at gully, while Scott Boland found the edge of Zak Crawley’s bat, caught behind.
Joe Root also faced a review off Cummins before the second heavy downpour of the day allowed England to reach 28-2, with a lead of 35 runs.
This came after England had a strong morning session, bowling out the Australian lower order and securing a first-innings lead of seven runs. Ollie Robinson dismissed Usman Khawaja for 141 with an ingenious plan set by Ben Stokes, and Stuart Broad and Robinson cleaned up the tail, taking three wickets each as Australia were dismissed for 386.
A total of 47.3 overs were lost to rain, and there are predictions of more rain on the final day of play on Tuesday. The combination of wet weather, a deteriorating pitch, and contrasting playing styles adds excitement to what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the captivating opening match of the series.
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Read a recap of the best action from day three.
Soggy Sunday, yet eventful: Despite the limited play on a rainy Sunday in Birmingham, there were captivating and dramatic moments in Test cricket.
England displayed brilliance in the morning session, capitalizing on Australia’s lack of aggression and executing their game plans to perfection, much to the delight of the enthusiastic Hollies Stand.
However, the Australian team shed their passiveness in the brief window between the showers that arrived as predicted after lunch.
With the ball showing more movement than at any other point in the match, Australia made the otherwise docile pitch appear treacherous. England was fortunate to lose only two wickets.
Monday’s weather is expected to be dry, but the forecasted rain on Tuesday might influence England’s decision to declare their innings if they bat long enough to have that luxury.
There is a suspicion that the pitch could deteriorate and offer assistance to spinners, benefiting Moeen Ali in theory. However, Moeen has a troubling cut on his spinning finger that affected his bowling on Sunday morning.