Xtra Time Web Desk: Rain played spoilsport for most part of Day 3 of the first Ashes test at the Edgbaston on Sunday. England at stumps on Day 3 are 28/2 after Australia were bowled out for 386. Usman Khawaja scored a resilient 141 runs for the visitors.
Australia started Day 3 with Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja resuming their overnight partnership as the duo added 118 runs for the 6th wicket. Carey departed in the fifth over of the day to a wonderful delivery from James Anderson after being dropped earlier off his bowling. The wicket-keeper did his job though coming in at number 7 as he contributed with a well-made 66.
Pat Cummins came to the crease and stroked his way to an entertaining 38 but it was Khawaja who stood tall for the Aussies with a gritty 141 to get his side close to the English total. The tail could not add much as Australia were bundled out for 386, just 7 runs short of England’s first-innings score.
England openers came out to bat with a positive mindset and scored runs at ease from the start of the second session. Rain forced a break in the momentum of the English batters. Australian captain drew first blood as he removed Ben Duckett with the help of an outstanding catch in the gully region by Cameron Green. Scott Boland got going quickly and dismissed Zak Crawley in the very next over.
Joe Root and Ollie Pope survived a few tricky deliveries before the rain came back to halt play and England go into Day 4 with a lead of 35 runs.