Coral’s Ashes 3rd Test update LIVE! England v Australia

Australia – 136 and 265
Chris Rogers – 52 off 89 (1st innings)
David Warner – 77 off 62 (2nd)
Peter Nevill – 59 off 147 (2nd)
Mitchell Starc – 58 off 108 (2nd)

BOOM – @Ian_Bell & @finnysteve on amazing performances! Legends! 2-1 is a might fine score line after 3 Tests for us! #BUZZING #Ashes2015

— Kevin Pietersen (@KP24) July 31, 2015

Loving the cricket! Quality stuff from my main man @MoeenAli & all the lads.. Keep pushing @englandcricket #BarmyArmy #Ashes

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) July 31, 2015

(15:53) ENGLAND WIN! And that’s it folks for the third Test, England 2-1 up with two matches to go after an 8-wicket victory at Edgbaston. It seems these two teams don’t like close fights anymore with the first three all being thrashings.

BOOOOOOM! Brilliant win England. Brilliant batting by @Ian_Bell. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 31, 2015

Kylie, Shane Warne, Harold From Neighbours, Kangaroos, Vegemite, Dame Edna Everage: your boys just took one heluva beating! #ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 31, 2015

Well done England! I just did a rather childish Kevin McAllister fistpump and “yesss!” Sorry. NYC seems unperturbed by this seismic result.

— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) July 31, 2015

(15:48) 7 runs needed now as Root (29) hits a fine four! 114-2.

Massive roars as ENG knock off the runs and Johnson plays the pantomime villain. 7 to win, superb #ashes cricket. pic.twitter.com/Q7pfuTB2me

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 31, 2015

Top stat…

The last time England won the 3rd Test in an Ashes series was at Leeds in 1981. 17 3rd Tests since then: Aus won 8, drawn 9.

— Andrew Samson (@AWSStats) July 31, 2015

England’s fans are allowed to cheers victory by the way now, even though it’s not completely over yet.

Stand up if you're 2-1 up #Ashes2015

— Alec Stewart (@StewieCricket) July 31, 2015

(15:37) NOT OUT! Just no luck for Australia anymore as Root is adjudged to have not edged from Johnson, after the visitors reviewed a decision. 106-2, 15 runs to go.

ENG 2/106 "A montage of desperation there." Remains NOT OUT and @englandcricket need just 15 to win. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/LS2Hwl6424

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 31, 2015

Botham Tweets his meat again…

No better way to celebrate England going 2/1 up @dickinsonmorris !! pic.twitter.com/38riPHnyDg

— Ian Botham (@BeefyBotham) July 31, 2015

(15:28) TON UP! 101-2, 20 more to win. C’mon England!

(15:24) SIX! Root now getting bored and wants to finish this quickly. He smashes a six to bring England closer to the finish line.

(15:16) HALF CENTURY! Bell gets his 45th Test 50 to help England to 88-2. The veteran batsman is certainly making up for his match-losing drop catch off Steve Smith, who was on 50 and went on to smash 215, in the last Test. England can see the finish straight now as they need just 33 to win.

Brilliant 50 by @Ian_Bell. Would love to see him win this match in front of his home crowd. Class act on and off the pitch. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 31, 2015

(14:52) Bell (41) and Root (11) going more steady now as England need just 50 to win. 71-2.

Bit of banter from Lord’s…

http://t.co/NHz0jfW8ua's page not found page is looking quite apt… Sorry, couldn't resist! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ik8qqvD6nN

— Lord's Ground (@HomeOfCricket) July 31, 2015

(14:20) WICKET! Lyth goes for just 12, and might perhaps lose his place for the next Test after a terrible Ashes so far. Josh Hazlewood gets him out LBW. 51-2.

Lyth's dismissal brings Root to the crease and he picks up four first ball. LIVE: http://t.co/4mc8FjkOAT #Ashes pic.twitter.com/nh1GT9xLyK

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 31, 2015

(14:11) Man on a mission Bell takes his total to 32 now from just 21 balls. England are 51-1 and need 70 to win.

Excellent approach from Bell. A bowling side wants a batting one to be tentative chasing a low score

— Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) July 31, 2015

(14:03) DROPPED! Michael Clarke would’ve told his players to take all their chances, but has somehow put down a catch from Bell in the slips!

DROP! Clarke puts down a gimme as Bell attempts to steer it to third man: http://t.co/mkyDfKVj4g #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/BrjzpSmVFP

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 31, 2015

(14:00) On the stroke of 2pm, Ian Bell is really playing like he wants this match over as soon as possible, as he’s now hitting fours galore to reach 20 runs off just 9 deliveries. England now 35-1 and need 86 to win.

Ding Dong Belly is our King #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 31, 2015

(13:50) WICKET! Not a great by England as captain Cook (7) is clean bowled by Starc. 11-1.

Surely not………

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 31, 2015

1 down….9 to go. #Ashes2015

— Marcus North (@Marcus_North) July 31, 2015

(13:41) Afternoon session begins.

(13:05) LUNCH. England go into the break on 4-0.

(12:53) England’s second innings begins, Adam Lyth and Alastair Cook to open again. Can Lyth save his place in the team by guiding the hosts to victory?

If Australia win it would be the second lowest score they'll have defended. Lowest is the 85 at the Oval in 1882 which led to the #Ashes

— Test Match Special (@bbctms) July 31, 2015

(12:45) ALL OUT! At least! Ali grabs his first wicket of the innings as Starc (58) is caught out. 121 runs to win! Great score of 265 by the Aussies, though, in the circumstances.

Mitchell Starc is caught off the bowling of Moeen Ali and Australia are all out for 265. A lead of 120 runs in the 3rd #InvestecAshes Test

— Investec Cricket (@InvestecCricket) July 31, 2015

(12:28) After being precariously near to an innings defeat yesterday, Australia have somehow made a match of this third Test now. 258-9, lead by 113 (Starc 55, Lyon 9).

Australia 107 ahead. England were all out for 103 at Lord’s. Twitch returning. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 31, 2015

(12:18) WICKET! Josh Hazelwood out for 11, bowled by Stokes a caught superbly by Root. One more to go for England! 245-9, lead by 100.

Root's classic catch brings Lyon to the crease and he survives a big shout for lbw first ball! #Ashes pic.twitter.com/IBVPmp2bso

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 31, 2015

(11:43) WICKET! Finally a breakthrough today for England, and Finn (6-75) is the man once more to get out Nevill. Brilliant catch by Jos Buttler. 217-8.

WATCH: Buttler pouches one down leg side and hotspot shows Neville feathered an edge on review. #MyAshesSummer https://t.co/DJ5PFEZYBb

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 31, 2015

WICKET! Nevill is caught behind off Finn's bowling. Australia lead by 72 with two wickets remaining.

— Coral (@Coral) July 31, 2015

(11:24) 200 UP! Australia batsmen continue to frustrate England, as they go 55 runs ahead hitting fours galore in the process. Nevill 53, Starc 23.

Hmmmmm. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 31, 2015

(11:09) HALF CENTURY! Nevill gets to his first Test 50, with a few edges along the way. 187-7, lead by 42.

FIFTY! A maiden Test half century for Nevill from 126 balls. Great start! LIVE: http://t.co/4mc8FjkOAT #Ashes pic.twitter.com/wKfUaVwyAK

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 31, 2015

(11:00) PLAY BEGINS. Stuart Broad bowls to Peter Nevill (37). Starc is on 7 as Australia start the day on 168-7.

(10:30) Very bad news for England, as Anderson has been ruled out of the fourth Ashes Test at Trent Bridge. Let’s hope it doesn’t derail England’s confidence today…

England are in control but all is not over in this Test. Hopeful stats from our friends over @CricketAus. https://t.co/xLzlyvJWDT

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 31, 2015

BREAKING: England's James Anderson ruled out of fourth Ashes Test. #SSNHQ

— Sky Sports News HQ (@SkySportsNewsHQ) July 31, 2015

(10:00) Good morning cricket fans, England are on the brink of victory in this third Ashes Test as their visitors are seven wickets down and only 23 runs ahead in their second innings. The only unfortunate news from yesterday for the hosts is that star bowler James Anderson injured his side and had to come off.

Here's your daily pitch update on day three at Edgbaston, as England hunt three wickets and will then chase a total. pic.twitter.com/yS4VxZZH7B

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 31, 2015

Join us for live updates again here tomorrow, how long can Australia hold onto? And will England win with ease or miraculously fold?

Star performers on day two:

England – 281
Joe Root – 63 runs off 75
Moeen Ali – 59 off 78

Steven Finn – 5-45

Australia – 136 and 168-7
David Warner – 77 off 62

Josh Hazlewood – 3-74
Nathan Lyon – 3-36

Australia end the day on 168-7, 23 runs ahead. Nevill (37 off 117) slowly attempting to frustrate England, as he and Starc (7 off 29) are the batsmen.

Apologies for lack of update in the evening session, had technical issues.

(17:27) NOT OUT! England use up their last review, as hawk-eye shows Stokes’ delivery hitting Nevill outside the stumps. 121-6, trail by 24.

AUS 6/119 Decision stands with the ball being shown to hit Nevill outside the line of off stump. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/7rOvHevnLq

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 30, 2015

The question(s) is/are: Can England win by an innings for the first time in a home Ashes Test since 1985? Or can they win this in just two days? Good times to be an England cricket fan.

Game. Over. #ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2015

(17:13) KEY WICKET!!! Warner finally goes for 77, as Anderson takes his second of the innings and eighth of the match. Caught by Lyth in the field after a huge shot in the air. 111-6, trail by 34.

This bizarre match is rushing towards a two day win for England. They need 4 wickets

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 30, 2015

WICKET 6/111 "Game, set and match." – @MichaelVaughan. Warner is OUT! #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/7QEG26au1Z

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 30, 2015

Good stat…

The last time an Ashes Test finished in 2 days was in 1921 at Nottingham (Aus won by 10 wkts).

— Andrew Samson (@AWSStats) July 30, 2015

(16:56) TON UP. Not really news worthy, but we thought we’d give the Aussies at least something. Well done for reaching 100.

Wickets tumbling, but Warner had made his way to 76* with Australia 5-101 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/OMb3n5OkpL

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 30, 2015

(16:53) Another big appeal from Cook and co, as they think there’s a possibility Nevill has nicked it off Finn, but the skipper decides not to use up his last review.

England go up but Cook correctly decides against the review on Warner: http://t.co/mkyDfKVj4g #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/QI7eEZB333

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

Warner (70) and Nevill (1) now tasked with somehow saving the Aussies. 95-5, trail by 50.

Before Coral likely suspend the betting, pile your money on England winning this Test at 1/16 in the in-play betting.

(16:41) WICKET! Finn takes his fourth of the innings and sixth of the match, as he bowls out Marsh (6) with a fantastic yorker. 92-5, still trail by 53.

So it's not just England who don't like quick bowling! Top work from the Watford Whirlwind @finnysteve #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2015

(16:34) NOT OUT. Huge appeal from England as they believe Finn traps Marsh out LBW. Umpire says no, so Cook reviews it, but replays show that it’s just clipping the top of the bails.

"Tens stuff here." – @mj_slats. It remains OUT NOT as no bat and the LBW shown as umpire's call. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/w7g0PxRExB

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 30, 2015

Ahh oh well, no hat-trick for Finn, as new batsman Mitchell Marsh leaves the bowler’s off-side delivery, but a terrific over. Aussies precariously on 77-4, trail by 68.

IT'S STEVEN FINN'S WORLD AND WE'RE ALL JUST LIVING IN IT.

— Official Moin Ashraf (@OfficialMoinA23) July 30, 2015

(16:12) WICKET! Another! Finn on a hat-trick as he gets Adam Voges out in similar style. 76-4.

WATCH: Finn on a hat-trick as Voges edges a full ball to Bell at second slip. #MyAshesSummer https://t.co/KA22nPUrZ8

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

Two wickets in a row for Steven Finn! He's on for a hat trick…

— Investec Cricket (@InvestecCricket) July 30, 2015

(16:10) WICKET! Finn strikes again to get Clarke (3) out in successive innings’ too! This time the captain is caught well in the slips by Lyth.

WICKET: @lythy09 pouches a brilliant catch to get Clarke for 3 off @finnysteve. What a reintroduction to Test cricket #class

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2015

(16:04) Evening session begins.

(15:45) TEA. Australia go into the final break on 73-2, 72 behind England.

Australia still trail by 72 with eight wickets remaining: http://t.co/mkyDfKVj4g #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/YDbo9FY5RG

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

(15:43) Groin watch! Clarke gets one in the googlies, but takes it well.

(15:39) HALF CENTURY! Warner continues his good start to Australia’s second innings as he reaches his 17th Test 50. Incidentally, it’s the joint-fastest Ashes 50 (35 balls). 67-2.

FIFTY! Great start from Warner. His half century comes from just 35 balls with Australia 2-67 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/sinBBInicm

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 30, 2015

Captain Michael Clarke next in. His recent form makes good reading for England fans…

The Australians need a massive innings from their skipper: http://t.co/mkyDfKVj4g #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/lC8C8507Gv

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

(15:30) KEY WICKET!!! The spin doesn’t work either, but giant Finn gets in-form Smith (8) caught out for the second successive innings! Looks like England have found the answer to Smith, who got just 7 last innings. 62-2.

WATCH: Huge wicket for England as Finn dismisses Smith for the second time in the Test match. #MyAshesSummer https://t.co/tZXAY3IvEs

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

(15:25) Australia seem to have figured out the fast bowlers for the moment, so Alastair Cook brings in spinner Ali to the attack.

(15:19) 50 UP! The Baggy Greens move onto 50-1, trail by 95, with Warner (36 off just 27) leading the fightback. Smith on 8.

AUS 1/50 "It's a bad start for Steven Finn." – @mcjnicholas as the 50 comes up for Australia. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/UQD2mFzSP3

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 30, 2015

England are now 4/9 for victory in our in-play betting, Aussies at 9/5. World number one Test batsman Steve Smith is 12/5 to get 75 or more this innings to help his side.

Broad is now on 299 Test wickets, and amazing feat at the age of 29, more than four years younger than Johnson, who has 300. The Aussie has played in fewer matches, however.

(14:49) KEY WICKET!!! Rogers finally goes for a low score as he is given out LBW from a brilliant Broad ball. He has still gone 45 innings without a duck, though. Australia are effectively -128-1.

Big wicket, looks like @StuartBroad8 has figured out the in-form Rogers. Nine to go lads, let's finish them off in two days! #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2015

WICKET! Broad makes the first breakthrough as he traps Rogers LBW: http://t.co/mkyDfKVj4g #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/gB6Q3hUJxP

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

(14:46) Decent start from the Aussie openers, though, as they manage to find a few boundaries. 16-0 (Rogers 6, Warner 10).

AUS 0/14 "You can see from that change of colour from yesterday the pitch is flattening out." – @ShaneWarne. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/k9JAEy80ui

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 30, 2015

(14:38) Big shout from Anderson and England, in the hope that Rogers edged, but the umpire says no way, which the replays confirm. Good early pressure, though.

(14:35) Australia’s second innings begins. Rogers and Warner attempt to surpass England’s lead of 145. Anderson, who took 6 wickets in the first innings, opens the bowling.

It couldn't finish today….. Could it… !!!?? #Ashes

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 30, 2015

For totally selfish reasons I hope the Aussies hold out today! I'm at Edgbaston tomorrow and would like to see at least a couple of hours!

— Ashley Giles (@Gilo) July 30, 2015

Rogers is due a failure…

— Fred Boycott (@FredBoycott) July 30, 2015

Hazlewood and Lyon were best with the ball for the Aussies, taking three wickets apiece, but it was Johnson that got the two crucial early dismissals of Bairstow and Stokes at the start of the day.

Coming up… Australia's 2nd inns after England are bowled out for 281, a lead of 145. http://t.co/mkyDfKVj4g #Ashes pic.twitter.com/U4fgtnGxBP

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

(14:25) ALL OUT. Nope, Anderson is caught behind off Starc, as England end their first innings on 281 and a lead of 145.

WICKET: Birthday boy Anderson edges Starc to Nevill. ENG finish on 281, lead of 145. What a Test match we have here #InvestecAshes

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2015

Let’s get a lead of at least 150! Birthday boy James Anderson, 33, in now.

Oh Mo! @MoeenAli's gone for 59. Birthday boy and Burnley Lara @jimmy9 in now to try to extend this lead #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2015

(14:20) WICKET! England’s innings about to end, as remaining batsman Ali (59) is caught out off Hazlewood too. 278-9, lead of 142.

OUT! 278-9. Moeen Ali departs for 59 caught by Warner at deep point. The lead is 142, every run vital #Ashes

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 30, 2015

(14:14) WICKET! Hazlewood gets his second wicket of the match, as Broad (31) is caught after smacking it up in the air. Solid innings from Broad, though. 277-8.

GONE! Hazlewood gets the breakthrough and Broad is out for an important 31. Aussies needed that! England 8-277, a lead of 141 #Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 30, 2015

(14:06) HALF CENTURY! Important innings so far from Ali as he reaches 50. 264-7, lead by 128.

England kicking on after the break as they move onto 246-7 (Ali 35, Broad 23), with a more promising lead of 110.

Moeen Ali v Mitchell Johnson since lunch: 4…4..4.4.4.4

— Simon Wilde (@swildecricket) July 30, 2015

.@MoeenAli & @StuartBroad8 have come out hitting fours after lunch, cracking a 50 partnership off 78 balls #crucial pic.twitter.com/cGvqvDoK9k

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2015

(13:40) Afternoon session begins. Johnson bowling to Broad.

(13:01) LUNCH. The hosts will be happy to go into lunch on day two still in bat and 85 runs ahead on 221-7. Ali and Broad will certainly be planning their shots over their sandwiches.

.@MoeenAli cracked a couple of 4s before lunch, taking ENG's lead to 85 at 221-7. Breathless Investec Ashes cricket. pic.twitter.com/w7LxGLeRKg

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2015

Johnson joins an elite Australian group before Eng reach lunch on 221-7, a lead of 85. #Ashes. http://t.co/X7y0LUyviI pic.twitter.com/vKmTiGBhWO

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

If you fancy England to win this third Test, then take odds of 1/2 while you can in Coral’s in-play betting. Aussies are less fancied at 33/20, while a draw is 22/1.

(12:33) 200 UP! England pass 200 (201-7) to lead by 65 now (Ali 11, Stuart Broad 4). Not bad on this pitch but they’ll be hoping for more.

(12:22) WICKET! Buttler the next to go after being adjudged out LBW from Nathan Lyon’s delivery, however replays suggest had he asked for a review it would’ve been overturned. 190-7.

Jos Buttler needs more ego. No-brainer to review it anyhow as he was last recognised batsman … disastrous.

— Huw Turbervill (@huwzat) July 30, 2015

If Buttler reviewed… LIVE: http://t.co/4mc8FjkOAT #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ZzytnQxROZ

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 30, 2015

Still two talented batsmen in the middle for England, as Buttler and Moeen Ali attempt to give the hosts a solid lead.

(11:57) WICKET! Root finally out on 63, after being caught behind by Adam Voges of former Yorkshire teammate Mitchell Starc’s delivery. 182-6, lead by 46 now.

WICKET! Root (63) chases a full, wide ball and snicks to Voges at slip. Eng 182-6. http://t.co/B4Em8kOLfS #Ashes pic.twitter.com/0xizJqzNZc

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2015

OUT! 182-6. Root (63) nicks a wide Starc half-volley to Voges at slip. Thought a ton was nailed on there… England lead by 46 runs #Ashes

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 30, 2015

(11:44) England seemingly in no hurry to increase their lead with just under four days to go. Root (54) and Buttler (3) looking steady as the hosts are now 33 runs ahead. 169-5.

(11:24) HALF CENTURY! Root cool as ever, as he passes 50 runs. He is now 5/4 with Coral to go on and hit a hundred.

51* from 50 deliveries, one-day stuff @joeroot05, keep going! #roooooooooooooooooooooot #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2015

Root and Buttler will be hoping to avoid being skittled out too, but Johnson is looking in top form.

Mitchell Johnson- more bouncers than Oceana nightclub on a Saturday. #Ashes

— Coral (@Coral) July 30, 2015

#InvestecAshes Fact: Mitchell Johnson becomes only the 5th Australian to reach 300 Test wickets.

— Investec Cricket (@InvestecCricket) July 30, 2015

(11:06) WICKET! Another wicket and another brilliant bouncer by Johnson to get Ben Stokes out for nothing. 142-5, Jos Buttler is the new batsman.

Think we spoke too soon… @jbairstow21 and @benstokes38 must be in decent form to get a glove on those, they were beauties #ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2015

(11:06) WICKET! Mitchell Johnson reaches another milestone this match after taking his career 300th test wicket. Bairstow is the man to go, after he edges a terrific bouncer to Peter Nevill.

Congrats, @MitchJohnson398! #Mitch300 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/hw01j9qjFz

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 30, 2015

(11:02) Bairstow takes England to a one run lead after hitting Hazlewood for four.

(11:00) PLAY BEGINS. Josh Hazlewood bowls to Bairstow.

Here come your batsmen @joeroot05 (30*) and @jbairstow21 (1*). This first hour can set the tone in this Inv… https://t.co/c8AZxNYE6q

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2015

England are now the heavy odds-on favourites at 1/4 with Coral to take a 2-1 series lead, while the Aussies are way out at 4/1. A draw, meanwhile, is 12/1.

Patience the key this morning for Australia's bowlers & make the batsmen play !!!!!

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 30, 2015

Yorkshire duo Joe Root (30) and Jonny Bairstow (1) are in the middle for the hosts, who start the day on 133-3.

Here's the day 2 Edgbaston pitch. Can ENG bat all day & take a commanding lead in the 3rd Investec #Ashes Test? pic.twitter.com/7QEb2HPoAn

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2015

(10:00) Good morning Ashes cricket fans, and what a fine first day it was for England yesterday as they are now just 3 runs behind Australia’s first innings total with 7 wickets remaining.

Day One

Thank you viewers for joining us on this live Ashes blog, catch the cricket here tomorrow too, where we’ll keep you up to date with all the main action.

Top performers on day one:

England
James Anderson – 6-47
Ian Bell – 53 runs

Australia
Chris Rogers – 52

(18:44) PLAY ENDS. Unfortunately there will be no more action today due to rain, but England will certainly be happy with their effort.

Day One has been abandoned with @englandcricket 3/133 and just 3 runs behind @CricketAus! #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/lyHChx8raS

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

(18:33) Rain stops play. 19 more overs scheduled for today, but depends on the weather. England are looking great on 133-3, trail by 3 with 7 wickets remaining.

Oh come on @Athersmike, as if a bit of rain is going to bother a pair of Yorkies when batting! @FredBoycott #homeconditions #ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

Luckily for England, though, one of the most in-form batsmen in the game comes into the crease, as Jonny Bairstow joins Yorkshire teammate Root (30) in the middle.

Come on Jonny, let's have something like what we saw in the ODI and what Yorkshire have seen all summer! #runsforfun #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

Jonny Bairstow marches in full of domestic confidence, but this is very different situation indeed. Big test for the Yorkshireman #Ashes

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 29, 2015

(18:25) WICKET! From genius to muppet, Bell (53) goes for a six but instead smacks one right in the air off Lyon (2-3), which Warner catches well. 132-3, 4 behind.

Oh Belly! Taken the gloss of a really good day that, but still he's taken England to the brink of an innings lead. #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

(18:20) HALF CENTURY! Bell reaches 50, his second in his last 13 innings. Perhaps his shift up to number three was a stroke of genius after all.

Fifty for @Ian_Bell! Top knock Belly! Keep going! #Class pic.twitter.com/iPbqLrRtkQ

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

BELLY-BOOM! Brilliant 50 @Ian_Bell. Looks a natural No3. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

Bell cover-drives his way to a quick 50. Cracking innings in these conditions. Ding Dong Belly is our King! #classispermanent #ashes2016

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

(18:16) Root the one finding the fours now, as he moves onto 29 from 28 balls. England now 125-2 and trail the Baggy Green by 11.

(18:02) The Bell of old has turned up to his home ground Edgbaston, as the veteran batter is playing some magnificent shots now to move onto 47. England 109-2, and only 27 runs behind Australia’s total.

No Warwickshire player has ever scored a Test century at Edgbaston. Come on @Ian_Bell – you’re batting superbly. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

(17:59) TON UP! England reach three figures (101-2) after another Bell boundary. Bell 39, Root 13. To put things into perspective, the Aussies had lost 7 wickets at this stage.

ENG 2/101 "The 100 comes up for England in fine style." – @mcjnicholas as Bell drives through point. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/Cr1YQaGQOO

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

(17:51) HIT FOR SIX! Rampant Root moves onto 13 not out and Johnson looks perplexed.

(17:47) Joe Root is off and running quicker than a hiccup. One too many Aussie deliveries to leg stump. Predictable.

(17:36) WICKET! Captain Cook is caught superbly by Voges at short leg when smashing what looked a certain boundary off Nathan Lyon’s delivery, and after putting together a 50 partnership with Bell. England 76-2 now.

Lyon drags one short, Cook smashes it away but the ball hits Voges at short leg in the stomach and it sticks. https://t.co/1Q2vKGvBaT

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 29, 2015

(17:27) A cheer to rival every Aussie wicket that fell earlier, the England crowd sarcastically applaud Johnson in the field, after letting an earlier ball slip through his fingers for four.

Jeers by the boundary rope as Mitchell Johnson mis-fields one: http://t.co/LCcpmVwmLl #MyAshesSummer pic.twitter.com/zXqSGHTdbO

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 29, 2015

(17:23) 50 UP! Hosts reach 53-1 after Cook hits for four. Just 83 runs behind Australia’s first innings total now, solid start particularly after recent top order collapses.

What? England have got to 50 without losing three wickets? This is a very good day! #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

Cook flicks a straight ball through midwicket for 4 to bring up fifty ENG 53-1 in the Investec #Ashes pic.twitter.com/PVLs0SUDA3

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

(17:06) England move to 34-1 (Cook 18, Bell 6). The Aussies had lost three wickets by this stage. If the hosts end up with three times their score (which would be 408) they’ll be very happy…

Bell next in and another needing a big innings.

Huge test for @Ian_Bell. He needs a big score. England needs him to get a big score. Great player, great guy, hope he does. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

(16:39) WICKET! Bad news for another Yorkshire player, though, as Lyth goes early again for just 10. Hazlewood gets the wicket (caught by first slip), with England now 19-1.

Lyth succumbs to Hazlewood after wafting at a wide one and is caught by Voges at first slip. #MyAshesSummer https://t.co/JCCvQeMCf5

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 29, 2015

Adam Lyth batting totals in the #Ashes so far: 6 37 0 7 10 Opener. pic.twitter.com/mBLjKfjOKY

— Coral (@Coral) July 29, 2015

In more positive England news, cast away batsman Gary Ballance hits 50 for county club Yorkshire as he aims for an instant international recall.

50 for Gary Ballance! Super innings. Yorkshire 175 for 3 chasing 266

— Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) July 29, 2015

(16:45) England reach 14-0 (Lyth 6, Cook 8), just over a 10th of Australia’s 136 total!

(16:34) Evening session begins.

(16:32) Players walk out onto the pitch again, play about to restart!

The hover craft is off the pitch and play is set to resume after the tea break and rain delay. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/zPxDGYJoKV

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

Fancy a bet during this break? England are now the 1/3 odds-on favourites for victory in Coral’s in-play betting, with Australia priced at 16/5. If this rain keeps up, there are tempting odds of 10/1 for a draw.

Other markets available include Cook to score a 50 at 11/8, while Lyth is a 13/4 shout.

(16:14) Rain sadly stops play again, so the players go in for tea. England 7-0 (Lyth 1, Cook 6).

Again, rain! England 7-0 in the 3rd Investec #Ashes Test

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

That will be a slightly earlier tea with more rain disrupting play. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/y86bG8KEi3

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

Aussies bite back with banter and b*******…

Oooh that was a close one! ENG 0/3 Lyth 1*, Cook 2*. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/0CfuvPnZOe

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

Ahhhhh, shall we say two wickets in the first 8 overs !!! Hahahaha

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 29, 2015

(15:58) England’s first innings begins. Starc opens the bowling against Adam Lyth, who needs runs.

Aust bowled out in 37 overs, 48 overs left, lights are on & a seaming pitch. Don't forget my last tweet, also Starc a wicket in 1st over

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 29, 2015

Let’s all enjoy the moment while we can and gloat before our hopes get destroyed, might as well.

Australia's approach to this afternoon's play… #Ashes pic.twitter.com/8YixW0ZoTP

— Coral (@Coral) July 29, 2015

Australia captain Michael Clarke, at around 10:30am: "I think we'll have a bat" pic.twitter.com/zZ36eeOf72

— TheSPORTbible (@TSBible) July 29, 2015

Always upsetting to see Australians doing badly at sport. #TheAshes

— Richard Osman (@richardosman) July 29, 2015

Great stats here…

7 – Australia have failed to reach 150 in their opening innings of a Test for only the 7th time this century. Struggle.

— OptaJim (@OptaJim) July 29, 2015

….and in 36.4 overs. England lasted 37 at Lord's

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 29, 2015

Anderson ends with 6 wickets at a loss of just 47 to mark a return to form.

Anderson finishes off Australia as an inside edge from Lyon knocks over his middle stump. #MyAshesSummer https://t.co/XgaOeb8OyM

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 29, 2015

Australia 136 all out. Jimmy 6-fer. Perfect. #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

(15:49) ALL OUT!!! Many exclamation marks needed this time to signal the end of a woeful batting performance from the Aussies! England really give Australia a good skittling as they strike them all out for a first innings total of just 136. Let’s hope that the hosts can avoid a similar fate…

BOOM! Australia all out 136. Sensational bowling by @jimmy9 – 6-47. Congrats Alastair Cook on losing the toss. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

(15:46) Ian Bell seemingly pulls out of a catch as Lyon edges over him. Let’s hope Lyon doesn’t go onto hit 215 now…

(15:33) WICKET. No need for an exclamation mark this time, as predictably another batsman goes. Broad gets his second as Starc edges it to Jos Buttler. 119-9.

Nicking off leaving: how unlucky is that!Nothing is going right for Australia, couldn't have happened to a nicer bunch #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

Tweet of the day, after four wickets have been caught behind…

@FredBoycott is it edgbaston or edgebatsman

— Praveen rohira (@lakhirohira) July 29, 2015

(15:23) WICKET! Not even surprising now, but this time the key man this innings Rogers goes for 52. Trapped LBW by Broad for his first dismissal, despite a failed review. 110-8, smashing it.

WICKET 8/110 "A magnificent innings." – @mj_slats. Rogers reviews but unsuccessful, he has to go LBW for 52. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/Y4skGgBGQj

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

No odds on that I’m afraid Shane as that would be ridiculous, but England are now the odds-on favourites at 8/15 in the in-play betting. Aussies now out at 2/1.

What's the odds on Australia batting again tonight & having a lead ???

— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) July 29, 2015

(15:16) TON UP. Eventually the Aussies reach three figures… for 7 wickets we’ll just remind you.

(15:14) Broad restarts the play by bowing to Mitchell Starc.

"Here we go again." – @BumbleCricket as the players are back out and the play continues. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/ohOjwkJlkk

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

(15:00) Play set to restart at 15:15.

(14:56) Rain comes down again to literally rain on England’s parade, great session still as Aussies are on 99-7.

(14:49) HALF CENTURY! The most reluctantly-celebrated 50 you’ll ever see, as Rogers reaches the mark to help his team to 98-7. Amazingly, though, it is Rogers’ ninth score of 50 or over in his last 11 innings, with one of them being stranded on 49 after having to retire hurt due to dizziness.

An update on Buck's recent Test form: 55, 55, 57, 69, 95, 56, 95, 10, 173, 49* and now 50*… #Ashes pic.twitter.com/28dh2HVYjP

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 29, 2015

AUS 7/98 "Hat's of Chris Rogers, absolute carnage around him." – @ShaneWarne as Rogers makes his 50. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/vt2N3bmVpN

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

(14:43) FIVE-WICKET HAUL! After passing 2000 Test runs, Johnson goes for just 3, as he is caught by Ben Stokes to give Anderson another five-for. Bowling at its best here. 94-7. Will the visitors pass 100?

94/7

— Jonathan Agnew (@Aggerscricket) July 29, 2015

Laters Mitch! Jimmy has five, he's proper good at this bowling thing #onastring #ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

(14:40) Johnson reaches a milestone, the one positive stat to come from the Aussies’ day so far, as he passes 2000 career Test runs. He won’t be celebrating, though.

Mitchell Johnson becomes the third Aussie to score 2000+ runs AND take 200+ wickets in Test cricket along with Warne and Benaud #Ashes

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 29, 2015

Anderson hoping to emulate his feat the last time the two teams played at Edgebaston in the Ashes, as he took a first innings five-wicket haul (5-80). His current figures are an amazing 4-18.

"When the ball nips and swings just a little Jimmy Anderson is the best bowler of his gener…" http://t.co/OPvIMctnJe

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 29, 2015

Mitchell Johnson is the new batsman, partnering Rogers, who is still in on 41.

I’d love Finn to bounce Johnson. It would be mad but brilliant. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

Chris Rogers shoulders are getting heavier by the second! 4 wkts for nothing after lunch! #Ashes

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 29, 2015

(14:32) WICKET! Well left Nevill! The wicketkeeper was unable to help his side out as Anderson takes a fourth after clean bowling him for just 2. 86-6.

Brad Haddin would've pumped that over long-off for six! #Ashes

— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) July 29, 2015

Wicketkeeper Peter Nevill is the next batsman in to try and stop the rot…

Australia 82-5, which is precisely the sort of situation that brings out the best in Brad Haddin …

— Simon Wilde (@swildecricket) July 29, 2015

(14:21) WICKET!!! Another wicket, another edge! This time Mitchell Marsh goes for zero, nothing, zilch. Anderson (3-17) the bowler again, and the Aussies are in trouble at 82-5.

Another wicket for Jimmy Anderson. Often compared to Ian Botham but remains behind Beefy on one key stat… pic.twitter.com/vk22OfiSYf

— Coral (@Coral) July 29, 2015

(14:13) WICKET! Voges is the next to go as a he’s caught behind off Anderson for 16. Brilliant from the hosts! 77-4.

AUS 4/77 "Indecisive from the batsmen." – @MichaelVaughan as Voges left it too late to leave and is caught behind. #Ashes #WWOS

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

My joy at England’s bowling success is slightly tempered by the thought of what Johnson etc may do on this track…. #Ashes

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

(14:05) Afternoon session begins. Finally, play has resumed. Finn bowls to Voges.

(14:00) Update, play due to re-start at 14:05.

(13:48) Unfortunately rain has delayed the start of play after lunch, we’ll keep you posted, though.

(13:05) LUNCH. Australia 72-3. England will be slightly disappointed that a 30 minute rain delay halted early momentum, but overall they should certainly be pleased with their start.

Lunch in the 3rd Investec #Ashes Test & Australia are 72-3 @finnysteve with 2-25! #WelcomebackFinny pic.twitter.com/Qu9fbZr8fK

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

England’s odds with Coral shorten once more to 13/10 to win this Test in the in-play betting. Australia are still the slight favourites at 6/5, though.

(12:51) Aussie batsmen don’t look completely comfortable out there, but Rogers (24) and Adam Voges (5) help them push on to 53-3.

(12:35) PLAY RESTARTS. Broad bowling to Rogers.

While there is a break, we’ll remind you of Clarke’s last 16 Test innings scores… 7, 0*, 32*, 7, 4, 38, 14*, 47, 18, 7, 128 (clearly an anomaly), 5, 47, 3, 2, 0.

(12:05) Well that’s annoying. We were wishing for rain before play started following a bad toss to lose for England. And now that we don’t want it?! Anyone know an anti-rain dance? We’ll let you know when the covers are off. Australia on 38-3.

AUS 3/38 "The rain is pretty heavy." – Healy as the covers come out and the players leave the field. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/JYTHbV7if8

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

As are the Barmy Army, let’s not speak too soon now lads!

So refreshing to see the shoe on the other foot isn't it @CricketAus ? pic.twitter.com/Z9cxTErd03

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

Former England wicketkeeper Matt Prior is certainly confident…

Put the squeeze on now England! 5 for lunch is the new target…#Ashes2015

— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) July 29, 2015

(11:57) WICKET! What a delivery from that man Finn again, this time he clean bowls Clarke with a yorker. 34-3.

BOOOM! Clarke OUT. Magnificent by @finnysteve. ps Any other outcasts deemed ‘unselectable’ 18 months ago we can bring back to the team?

— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) July 29, 2015

Clarke the next batsman. The visiting skipper has no 50 in his last nine innings, and just one century in his previous 15 (again no 50s).

(11:41) KEY WICKET! Steven Finn strikes in his first over to get out main man Smith (7), who was caught in the slips. Due to his height, Finn adds another dimension to England’s bowling attack, and clearly it threw off Smith. Australia now 18-2.

Again, good to see you back in Test cricket @finnysteve! #classispermenant #Ashes2015

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 29, 2015

Cook and co’s odds have now shortened to 21/10 for victory with Coral (from 3/1) in the in-play betting. Aussies still odds-on at 10/11, though.

England certainly look up for this, Steve Smith the new man. The hosts will be hoping to get him out early, and take their chances after Ian Bell dropped him on 50 at Lord’s after the man dubbed the ‘new Sir Don Bradman’ went on to smash 215.

(11:12) OUT! Anderson, who took no wickets at Lord’s, gets one early here as he traps Warner out LBW. 7-1.

Warner is gone and England will get an early look at Steve Smith. http://t.co/4mc8FjkOAT #Ashes pic.twitter.com/IK72S1oFMW

— cricket.com.au (@CricketAus) July 29, 2015

Get in @jimmy9

— Max Rushden (@maxrushden) July 29, 2015

(11:01) NOT OUT! Brilliant throw by Stuart Broad straight onto the stumps, but David Warner just manages to get his bat in at full stretch.

Early drama as Warner dives to regain his ground off the second ball of the match. Live on Sky Sports #Ashes now! pic.twitter.com/K1qSjf49fP

— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 29, 2015

(11:00) PLAY BEGINS! James Anderson bowls to Chris Rogers on time, despite the threat of rain.

After Australia’s favourable win of the toss, the weather unfortunately is looking good too…

Weather forecast for the 3rd Investec #Ashes Test Wed: 16° ⛅️ Thu: 16° ⛅️ Fri: 17° ⛅️ Sat: 18° ⛅️ Sun: 19° ☁️

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

A slightly dejected Alastair Cook announces that there are two changes to his team with, as expected, Jonny Bairstow coming in for Yorkshire teammate Gary Ballance, while Mark Wood also misses out due to injury so Steven Finn takes his place. The Aussies keep the same side, and why wouldn’t they?

.@CricketAus have an unchanged line-up however Bairstow and Finn comes in for @englandcricket. #Ashes #WWOS pic.twitter.com/GyVwQZIvDw

— Wide World of Sports (@WWOS9) July 29, 2015

(10:31) Australia win the toss after Michael Clarke correctly calls tails. They have decided to bat first.

Michael Clarke won the toss vs Alastair Cook; Australia will bat first in 3rd Investec Ashes Test. Big morning ahead. pic.twitter.com/gM2aTjig0D

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

Some support from former Leeds United goalkeeper Nigel Martyn for the England team and Yorkshire players in particular…

Good luck to @jbairstow21 @joeroot05 @lythy09 and the whole @englandcricket team !! Go well guys

— Nigel Martyn (@nmartyn25) July 29, 2015

Bat first pitch. Good slow surface. Bit of grass, dry, may get slightly uneven later pic.twitter.com/w9Vf7Zlmpk

— simon hughes (@theanalyst) July 29, 2015

Edgbaston is, of course, the ground where the two sides played out that thriller in 2005, where England narrowly won by just two runs. Will we see such suspense 10 years on again?

England huddle before a big morning, with captain Alastair Cook rallying the troops #comeonengland #ashes pic.twitter.com/7M1cmtg7es

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 29, 2015

Before the start of play, Coral have Australia down as the odds-on favourites for victory at 5/6 in this Test, with England longer shouts at 3/1. A draw, meanwhile, is priced at 5/2.

Just for a recap, the visitors thrashed their hosts by 405 runs at Lord’s to level the series to 1-1 with three matches (including this one) to go.

(10:00) Good morning cricket fans! Catch the Ashes action with Coral for all the main events that happen during this third Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston. On top of that, we will be sharing topical Tweets from current and former pros, as well as celebs, from around the globe!