Ashes 2023: Australia bowled out but England falter as tourists strike back in rain hit third day at Edgbaston

Both Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett are out as rain hit the rest of day three at Edgbaston
Patrick Hollis
By Patrick Hollis
Published 18th Jun 2023, 19:27 BST
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Australia’s bowlers fought back on Day Three of the First LV= Insurance Men’s Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Scott Boland and Pat Cummins removed Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley as England closed a rain hit day on 28-2- a lead of 35. 

Earlier in the day, England bowled out Australia for 386. The day got off to a bad start for Jonny Bairstow who dropped a relatively regulation catch off the bowling of James Anderson. When this chance wasn't taken, many England fans would have been fearing another long day in the field.

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However the wickets did eventually come. The most important of these was Usman Khawaja was eventually bowled by Ollie Robinson for 141.

England went into their second innings with a small lead of just 7, and it felt as though they would need to bat long. The rain would however put a stop to this and between breaks, both openers departed. 

Duckett was caught in the gully by Cummins before Crawley edged behind. Ollie Pope and Joe Root will be at the crease in the morning hoping to push England on. 

With three days gone from this match, the situation is on a knife-edge. The game is effectively a one innings contest now, and it is a case of who can bat better.  

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Australia's Usman Khawaja (2L), Australia's Steve Smith (C), Australia's wicket keeper Alex Carey (2R) and Australia's David Warner (R) appeal for an edge without success against England's Joe Root on day three of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in BirminghamAustralia's Usman Khawaja (2L), Australia's Steve Smith (C), Australia's wicket keeper Alex Carey (2R) and Australia's David Warner (R) appeal for an edge without success against England's Joe Root on day three of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham
Australia's Usman Khawaja (2L), Australia's Steve Smith (C), Australia's wicket keeper Alex Carey (2R) and Australia's David Warner (R) appeal for an edge without success against England's Joe Root on day three of the first Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham

The forecast looks to be unsettled again tomorrow, and this could mean that the weather puts an end to any chance of a result. However, it would leave two teams going absolutely all out to strike first in this series.

Related topics:2023EnglandAustralia

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