Edgebaston, Birmingham, UK (GenevaLunch) – England fought their way past the Australian total thanks to the attacking batting of Andrew Flintoff,  Matt Prior and Stuart Broad. The Test has been curtailed by rain, which cost most of the first day and all of the third but England will be hoping that the ball swings today and helps the bowlers to dispose of the final Australian resistance.

Australia started the Test well, ending the first day on 126-1. At this stage the bookies were offering odds of 16-1 against an England win. On day two Graham Onions took wickets with the first two balls of the day, James Anderson ended  with five for 80 as the Australians were all out for 263.

England overcame the early loss of Alistair Cook to post 376 all out. Andrew Strauss starting with 69, Ian Bell a fortunate 53 before the umpires at last gave him out lbw. The lower middle order then pushed up the run rate as Prior hit 41, Flintoff 74 and Broad 55. Stuart Broad would make a fine all-rounder if only he could learn to bowl.

When the Aussies came out to bat they looked in control until Simon Katich edged a ball from Graham Onions to Prior. Graham Swann then bowled Ricky Ponting and the day ended with Australia still trailing by 25 runs.

Details: The Guardian

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