Live Commentary: The Ashes - Third Test, Day Two - as it happened

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The Ashes - Third Test, Day Two - as it happened
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England moved to the brink of victory in the third Ashes Test after Steven Finn stole the show on day three at Edgbaston.

The hosts were bowled out for 281 early in the afternoon session as Joe Root (63) and Moeen Ali (59) both recorded half-centuries to earn them a lead of 145, before the bowlers took centre stage once again.

David Warner offered impressive resistance with a fluent 77 but the England seamers would not be denied as Finn recorded figures of 5-45 to reduce Australia to 168-7, while Stuart Broad and James Anderson took a wicket each before the latter was forced off the field with a side problem.

Peter Nevill (37*) and Mitchell Starc (7*) spared their side the embarrassment of losing inside two days, but the tourists will begin day three effectively 23-7 as England search for the win which will earn them a 2-1 lead.

Read below to find out how the drama unfolded.

7.06pmAustralia haven't had an answer for England over the first two days of this Test match, and it's the hosts who are heading for a 2-1 Ashes lead. Join me tomorrow morning from 10.30am to see if it proves to be a straightforward day three for Cook and his players. Goodbye everyone.

7.04pmAnother fantastic day for England comes to an end. Finn is the hero today with figures of 5-45. Australia currently lead by just 23, which means that they are effectively 23-7. It looked like England might wrap up the match tonight, but they'll return tomorrow with the aim of securing the win in the morning session of day three. Nevill 37* Starc 7*

AUS 168-7CLOSE OF PLAY: Interesting move from Cook as he takes the ball away from Finn and selects Root to bowl the final over of the day. There's a huge appeal for lbw when England believe Root hits the foot before the bat. The replay suggests they were right, but the umpire shakes his head and they don't have any reviews. Hawkeye shows the ball would have missed leg-stump.

AUS 166-7Broad is left frustrated when he comes agonisingly close to Starc's outside edge and off-stump. A big swing follows from the tail-ender, but he misses with the loose drive. He'll keep the strike thanks to a leading edge to cover off the final ball. We have time for one more over. Australia lead by 21.

AUS 165-7Starc has got a high score of 99 in Test cricket and his technique is pretty good for a number 10. He is confident enough to come forward and push Finn down the ground for a couple of runs, before an inside edge allows him to pick up another run. Nevill does well to add one more with a nudge into the off-side and Starc steals the strike off the sixth ball.

AUS 160-7Broad begins a new spell with a beauty to beat Nevill's edge. I've lost count of how many times that's happened to Nevill in this session. There's certainly some movement for Broad as England continue to work very hard on the ball. Chance! Nevill gets his glove on one that drifts down the leg-side, but Buttler can't hold on diving at full stretch. It's a great effort.

AUS 160-7There's a sound when Nevill flirts with one down the leg-side, but it looks like the ball may have flicked the pad on the way through to Buttler. A thick inside edge hands the strike to Starc, which is good news for England but Australia's number nine keeps out the rest of the over.

AUS 159-7Starc gets off the mark with a single early in the over, before Nevill gets a fine edge on a leg-side delivery to send the ball to the boundary. It's just not coming out well on a consistent basis for Ali today. Nevill adds another to keep the strike.

AUS 153-7Finn has always been a wicket-taker and he really deserves this second chance in the side after going back to county cricket to regain some confidence, but it's difficult to remember him ever bowling in such good rhythm. Nevill can do no more than watch a ball nip past his outside edge in another maiden. He's unplayable there.

6.35pmIs it a tight side, or are England playing their cards close to the chest? A nervous few days will follow this Test.

AUS 153-7Ali quickly breezes through a maiden over as Starc avoids finding the two fielders close to him on either side of the wicket. I'm sure Finn would like a go at Starc soon.

AUS 153-7Starc is the new batsman, but he watches on from the non-striker's end as Finn comes agonisingly close to off-stump with Nevill leaving. It's a wicket maiden. Finn has 5-39 from his 10 overs.

AUS 153-7Finn does strike on his return to the attack. It's five for the seamer as Johnson is hurried while turning the ball off his hip. The ball sails into the air and Stokes takes the catch running backwards at point. What a match this is turning out to be for Finn.

AUS 153-7WICKET! JOHNSON (14) C STOKES B FINN

AUS 153-6I was expecting Finn to replace Ali, but he's on even earlier as he goes in search of a five-wicket haul.

AUS 153-6Johnson comes charging down the pitch, but it's not the best of shots as the ball drops a few yards short of Bell at mid-off. Ali keeps it tight to concede just three off the over. It could be time for Finn to return.

AUS 150-6There's some swing for Broad, who is into his 12th over now. He's too wide to Nevill for much of the over, but the defence is solid when he is forced to play.

6.17pmAnderson is still off the pitch. Not only will we not see him tonight, but I don't think he'll return to this field in the match. If it's a tear or a serious side strain, his involvement in the rest of the series could be in doubt. Worrying times for England.

AUS 150-6It's another decent over from Ali, but he hasn't managed to get as much out of this pitch as Lyon did in the England innings. Nevill looks comfortable against the spinner now. Australia pick up five from the over.

AUS 145-6Lovely line and length from Broad as he beats Nevill, who looks desperate to reach the close of play without losing his wicket. A straighter ball is clipped off the pads for a couple. Nevill adds another to make the scores level, before Johnson plays and misses outside off-stump. Could Finn be the man to break this partnership?

AUS 142-6Lyth is interested at slip when Ali beats the edge, but Buttler doesn't react immediately and replays suggest there was no bat involved. Good bowling from Ali nonetheless. A mistake from Stokes at mid-wicket gifts Nevill three when it really should have been one at the most. Australia trail by just three runs.

AUS 138-6Broad is back into the attack. He's too straight from round the wicket as Jonson picks up a single to fine-leg. Nevill looks comfortable coming forward to a couple of full deliveries, but he twice picks out fielders. Buttler then dives down the leg-side to collect a wayward ball from his teammate.

AUS 137-6Johnson skips down the pitch to push a full-toss to mid-off midway through Ali's over. Nevill can't do the same as England's spinner mixes up his pace well. Nevill 16 (64) Johnson 11* (30)

AUS 136-6Stokes breezes through another over which contains one superb delivery that brings Nevill forward and beats the outside edge. Good bowling. Cook may turn to Broad again soon.

AUS 136-6Johnson is such a clean striker of the ball, and he shows how dangerous he can be with the bat as he charges down the pitch to hammer Ali down the ground for four. He settles for just the boundary from the over as Australia edge closer to making the hosts bat again.

AUS 132-6Lovely timing on show from Johnson as he pushes a full delivery past Broad at cover. Stokes almost gifts his rival a few more by picking the ball up and throwing powerfully at Buttler, but some good backing up saves him the embarrassment. Australia continue to chip away at the England lead. It's currently at 14.

AUS 127-6Ali's line is wrong as he starts the over by gifting Australia a couple of byes down the leg-side, before Nevill earns a run to deep square-leg. Good pace and drift from Ali as Johnson defends. A full-toss allows him to nudge a single to mid-wicket for one.

AUS 123-6Stokes switches ends to replace Anderson, who could benefit from extra time to recover as England look to wrap up this win tonight. Trent Bridge hosts the fourth Test next week. England need his swing there. Stokes starts by beating the edge, before hitting Johnson with a yorker. Aleem Dar is quick, and correct, to shake his head in response to the lbw appeal. Nevill pushes a run to cover to keep the strike. Australia trail by 22.

AUS 121-6Cook likes the idea of spin to Johnson, who is always keen to take on the slower bowlers. Ali comes back into the attack for his second over, but he doesn't get a look at Johnson as Nevill plays out a maiden.

AUS 121-6Anderson swings the ball a long way across Johnson to bring a false shot outside off-stump. There's definitely some concern a few moments later as he appears to be struggling with a side problem. He switches to round the wicket to find even more swing and he strikes Johnson on the pad with one that would have drifted down the leg-side. Oh dear. He can't continue with this problem and it's probably best for him to leave the field rather than aggravate the problem. That will be a worry for Cook and the England camp. Root is given the responsibility of finishing of the over. Three dot balls from the off-spinner.

AUS 121-6Stokes is staying over the wicket to the left-handed Johnson, and he's left with hands on head when the yorker is squeezed to fine-leg for a single. A big appeal for lbw follows. Stokes is convinced after Nevill misses a full toss. I'm not sure why. The replay proves that Nevill was struck on the top of his back pad outside off-stump. A long way outside off-stump. Cook manages a smile, despite never fancying that review. It's swinging for Stokes. Three off the over.

AUS 118-6Good bowling from Anderson once again as he refuses to give Nevill a chance to free his arms. The line is perfect and he almost takes another wicket when the ball drops short of the slips after flying off the edge. Cook can't ask for much more from his bowlers.

AUS 118-6Johnson gets off strike early in the over with a single down to third-man. Nevill leaves on length when Stokes nips one back and goes just over the stumps, and there's some excellent timing on show moments later as Australia's wicketkeeper reaches the point boundary. Six off the over. Australia still trail by 27.

AUS 112-6Johnson is likely to attack, but he watches a couple of out-swingers before being hit on the thigh by one that nips back sharply and brings a leg-bye. Great over from Anderson.

AUS 111-6Anderson strikes on his return to the attack. Warner attempts to turn a shorter ball into the leg-side, but he can only get a top edge on the ball and Lyth comes forward at cover to take an easy catch. The English celebrations continue as a fine innings comes to an end. Will this match see a third day?

AUS 111-6WICKET! WARNER (77) C LYTH B ANDERSON

AUS 111-5It's Anderson who begins a new spell and the over starts with four extras when the ball races to the rope off Warner's thigh pad.

AUS 107-5Stokes returns after the drinks break to concede just one off his third over. Anderson and Broad are both off the field at the moment, which suggests that both could be starting new spells soon.

5.05pmIt's a special day of cricket when even Mr Redknapp is getting involved on Twitter.

AUS 106-5Warner starts another Finn over by picking up a single, which England won't mind one bit. This is high-class Test match bowling from Finn, who is too good for Nevill outside off-stump once again. He relieves a bit of pressure by clipping a straight one through square-leg for four. Good shot. Time for a drinks break.

AUS 101-5Stokes goes very full outside off-stump and Warner gets a bit of bat on the ball to guide four runs past a diving Root, who is at a wide second slip. The opener continues his fine knock with a single on the leg-side. With all the carnage going on, Warner deserves a lot of credit. Warner 76* (56) Nevill 1 (16)

AUS 96-5There's a huge appeal from every Englishman in Birmingham when there appears to be a noise as the ball passes the bat, but it's an excellent decision from Aleem Dar with replays proving there was no bat involved. Finn makes it three beauties in a row as he takes the next two past the outside edge. Superb bowling.

AUS 95-5Ben Stokes is into the attack for the first time in the match, which shows you just how impressive England's bowlers have been. Edgbaston is buzzing now as Root dives to his left at gully to keep Warner on strike, but a single is then taken to fine-leg. Nevill gets off the mark with a clip off the pad and Stokes is too straight again as Warner adds another run. Australia still trail by 50.

AUS 92-5Nevill won't have experienced anything like this before. The Edgbaston crowd are roaring Finn on, and he's not far away from another wicket as he squares up the new batsman, who watches a leading edge land short of the slips. Finn walks to the boundary to a standing ovation after a wicket maiden. It's been an excellent spell.

AUS 92-5England are more than happy now. Keeping Marsh on strike proves to be vital as Finn goes full at the start of the over to sneak through the all-rounder's porous defence. What a spell this is from Finn. He now has figures of 4-34.

AUS 92-5WICKET! MARSH (6) B FINN

AUS 92-4Marsh is the latest player to look slightly uncomfortable against the short ball as he struggles to get anywhere near to a pull outside off-stump, before awkwardly pushing a single into the leg-side later in Broad's over. He'll stay on strike. England will be happy.

4.37pmThere's still plenty of time remaining today, but is Tuffers being a little bit optimistic?

AUS 91-4Finn attempts the yorker to Marsh, who gets his bat down and picks up a single when the ball sneaks through the gap on the leg-side. The field is spread for Warner, with just one slip in place as Cook gives the opener a run to deep square-leg. A huge lbw appeal arrives when Finn nips one back at Marsh and Cook is finally convinced to use a review. It's close. It's very close. However, the rule sides with Marsh on this occasion as the technology suggests that impact with the stumps was umpire's call. It's a moment of relief for the all-rounder.

AUS 87-4Marsh is slow to respond to a single from Warner, but he gets home safely as Stokes misses with a throw at the stumps. Broad is too wide to the all-rounder, which allows him to leave for the rest of the over.

AUS 86-4As Australia crumble, Warner is signing from a different hymn sheet as he comes forward to drive Finn through cover for four runs. Good running from the duo out in the middle as Warner pulls a couple into the leg-side, before picking up a single to fine-leg. Finn ends the over with a beauty to beat Marsh's edge. Great bowling once again. The deficit is 59. Australia still have so much work to do.

AUS 79-4Anderson is fielding right on the edge of the strip to give Warner company at the non-striker's end. As you can probably imagine, they're not exchanging any pleasantries. Broad is too wide early in the over, but he almost gets a nibble when Marsh just avoids flirting with one that keeps slightly lower. Marsh then miscues a pull through mid-wicket to earn two.

AUS 77-4Finn is in great rhythm, but he can't claim the hat-trick as Marsh watches a delivery go through to Buttler at 91mph. A single allows the new batsman to keep the strike. Finn gets a brilliant reception from the Edgbaston crowd. England are all over Australia once again.

AUS 76-4Finn does it again! It's two in two balls for the returning seamer as Voges plays a lazy stroke outside off-stump to give Bell an easy catch at the second slip. Fantastic bowling from Finn, who is on a hat-trick.

AUS 76-4WICKET! VOGES (0) C BELL B FINN

AUS 76-3England strike in the second over after tea. It's more disappointment for Clarke as an outside edge travels quickly to Lyth, who takes a brilliant low catch diving to his left at fourth slip.

AUS 76-3WICKET! CLARKE (3) C LYTH B FINN

AUS 75-2Clarke takes a quick single when the ball lands on the leg-side off a defensive stroke. Excellent work from Root at gully as he gets a hand to a thick outside edge from Warner. Broad hangs one outside off-stump to produce a wild swing from Clarke, who continues to make uncharacteristic mistakes. A hopeful lbw appeal follows, but it's too high on this occasion.

4.03pmThe players are back out for the final time today. England would love a couple more wickets before Australia manage to wipe off the deficit. Can Clarke return to for when his side needs him most? Broad to bowl.

4.00pmAli is likely to play a key role in the evening session. Lyon was fantastic earlier and he found turn and bounce. Ali's only over cost 11 runs, but there's something in it for the spinner if he gain some control. Cook may need him to deliver.

3.54pm

3.52pmIf you've missed anything from today check back on the updates from our live coverage, but you can read a roundup of that session, too. It's going to be a drama-filled final session.

3.45pmWarner (56*) is proving to be a nuisance for England, but England have taken two key early wickets to put Australia under some pressure. They'll be confident of making life uncomfortable for Clarke when the players return in 20 minutes. There's still 42 overs to be bowled. Play can go on until 7pm.

AUS 73-2TEA: Finn ends the session with an impressive over to test Clarke around off-stump. A block becomes a single when Clarke finds a gap on the off-side. Warner makes it five from the over with a stunning cover drive. Australia head to tea trailing by 72 runs.

AUS 67-2It's no surprise to anyone at Edgbaston as Broad returns to bowl at Clarke, who misses with a cut early in the over. The short ball from Broad has troubled Clarke in the past, but he does well to avoid one before getting off the mark with a push down the ground. 50! It's been such a confident innings so far from Warner, who equals the fastest Ashes half-century by an Australian by pushing through covers for a couple. He's on 51 from 35 balls.

AUS 63-2Root is appealing on his own when Finn gets one to lift wide of off-stump to Clarke, who fights the temptation to play. A leg-bye allows Clarke to keep the strike. I wouldn't be surprised if Cook brings back a seamer to the Aussie captain, who would find it more comfortable to start against Ali.

AUS 62-2This recall could prove to be masterstroke. Smith fails for the second time in the match and it's Finn who removes him once again. A short ball invites the pull, but it's a horrible miscue from Smith and Buttler calls early to take a simple catch after a long wait for the ball to come down. Big moment.

AUS 62-2WICKET! SMITH (8) C BUTTLER B FINN

AUS 62-1Finn is back on as he switches ends to replace Anderson. Warner picks up a single thanks to a fumble on the off-side.

AUS 61-1Good move from Cook. Ali has removed Warner three times in the series and Lyon did plenty with the ball early in the day, so the spinner gets an early bowl. The opener starts the over by collecting four with a fine flick off the pads. He adds two more to deep square-leg as Ali and a late cut brings him four. Ali struggles to find the right length, but Cook should keep him on until the tea break. Warner 47* (33) Smith 8

AUS 50-1England persist with bowling a fifth or sixth stump to Smith, and they're almost rewarded when he plays an unconvincing stroke which sends the ball to point. It could be down to a test of patience for Smith, who is beaten on the outside edge at the end of a maiden over.

AUS 50-1Cook makes his first change of the innings as Finn, who took 2-38 in the first innings, comes into the attack. Warner picks up three when Anderson fails to stop the ball at mid-off. As I mentioned earlier, Finn does go a bit straighter to Smith and the number one ranked batsman in Test cricket earns three through mid-wicket. It's not a great start from Finn as Warner punishes some width to cut four through the covers before pulling for four more. Australia trail by 95. 50 runs scored in the first 10 overs.

AUS 35-1I mentioned the in-swinger, but this time Warner chases a wider one and misses with a loose drive. A single hands the strike to Smith, who stays patient until latching onto a half-volley to drive four past mid-off.

AUS 31-1Good cricket from Broad. You get the feeling that Anderson wants to bowl at Warner, who doesn't always look comfortable against the ball that comes back sharply. Smith plays out a maiden over.

AUS 31-1Anderson squares Warner up on a couple of occasions with balls that swing away towards the slips. The inevitable in-swinger does arrive, but Warner gets an inside edge on a good ball to pick up four to fine-leg. It's another fine over. Warner 24 (19) Smith 1* (10)

AUS 27-1Broad stays round the wicket to Warner after removing the opener's fellow left-hander in the previous over. It's a great line from Broad and he's unfortunate to see an edge beat Lyth at fourth-slip on the way to the third-man boundary. A thick inside edge earns Warner a couple on the leg-side, before a cut over cover brings two more.

AUS 18-1Much like they have done throughout the series, Anderson is attempting to drag Smith even further across the crease than his natural movement takes him. Australia's number three is more than happy to leave early in his innings though. I just wonder whether England should bowl slightly straighter at Smith when he first arrives at the crease, but it's a maiden.

AUS 18-1The lbw call looked quite high, but the technology shows that the umpire's decision would have remained out had Rogers reviewed in time. Smith keeps out his first three balls before stealing the strike at the end of the over. Great wicket for Broad, who looks fired up the afternoon.

AUS 17-1Breakthrough for England! It's the in-form Rogers who departs as Broad comes round the wicket to trap the veteran opener. He considers reviewing the decision, but he waits too long and the umpire sends him back inside. Key wicket for the hosts.

AUS 17-1WICKET! ROGERS (6) LBW B BROAD

AUS 16-0Rogers gets off the mark with four, but he has no control over a sliced drive as he takes the bottom hand off the bat while watching the ball race past point. Anderson responds well to find a better line and beat the bat with one that carries through to Buttler at head height. Rogers still manages to take six off the over.

AUS 10-0Welcome to the crease, Mr Warner. Broad immediately finds some seam movement to leave the left-hander late. A nervy poke outside off-stump follows, but a thick edge sends the ball between third slip and gully for four. Warner follows that with a convincing drive to reach the cover boundary. Broad launches a quite ridiculous appeal after pitching the ball outside leg-stump and runs are given too when the ball races away to fine-leg for a couple more. It's an excellent finish as Broad produces a beauty to beat the edge.

AUS 0-0It's a good start from Anderson as he tests Rogers outside off-stump before swinging one back to hit the thigh-pad. For a player in excellent form, it's surprising to see Rogers chase a wide one and miss, but he did that quite a few times in the first innings, too. Maiden.

2.35pmAnderson, who will be full of confidence after his 6-47, will take the new ball. Too many Australians played poor shots in the first innings. They need to respond. Rogers and Warner are ready. Play!

2.32pmAustralia have a lot of players who can take the game to the England attack, but with so much time in the game they need to be sensible as they search for a total close to, or above, 400 as they look to stay in this match. You can read an update of today's action now.

2.28pmBell, Root and Ali all scored fifties on a pitch which is still offering plenty for the bowlers. It could be the partnership of 87 between Broad and Ali which has a huge say in this match. They played positively after the lunch interval to add crucial runs to the lead.

ENG 281The lead remains 145. Starc returns to take the final wicket as Anderson edges one through to Nevill, who just manages to keep the ball in the webbing of his gloves. It's set up to be a thriller at Edgbaston. Australia have a lot of work to do with the bat.

ENG 281WICKET! ANDERSON (3) C NEVILL B STARC

ENG 281-9Anderson, who is celebrating his 33rd birthday today, comes to the crease and he starts his innings by slicing a drive through point for three as Warner cleans up on the boundary. England lead by 145.

ENG 278-9Ali has chipped in with a crucial half-century, but his entertaining knock comes to an end as he slices a cut down to third-man to give Warner a catch. Hazlewood now has three wickets. Ali has delivered, despite struggling early in his knock.

ENG 278-9WICKET! ALI (59) C WARNER B HAZLEWOOD

ENG 278-8Steven Finn comes to the crease and he gets the strike when Ali picks up a single at the start of Lyon's 13th over. England's number 10 has a 50 in Test cricket, but it's all defence for now and Ali will be aware that it's time to dominate the strike.

ENG 277-8It's there for hitting as Broad attacks the half-tracker, but he can only make contact with the bottom back as he miscues a pull straight up. Marsh takes the easy catch on the leg-side to stop the partnership at 87. Broad departs for a useful 31.

ENG 277-8WICKET! BROAD (31) C MARSH B HAZLEWOOD

ENG 277-7Johnson does brilliantly at wide mid-off to stop another firmly struck drive from Ali, before Lyon cleans up on the rope when the batsman cuts powerfully. There's nothing Lyon can do to stop Broad from reaching the boundary with a fine stroke past the fielder catching at cover.

ENG 272-7Ali is feeling confident now. He doesn't get all of his latest attacking stroke, but he earns four over cover after charging down the pitch. A sweep behind square brings two, before a single hands the strike to Broad, who blocks the final ball.

ENG 265-750! Hazlewood returns to the attack after really struggling in his first spell of the day. He can't stop Ali reaching his half-century from 66 balls with a cut to deep point for one. The all-rounder was batting like a number 11 earlier on, but he's capitalised on some good fortune to ensure his side are in a very good position.

ENG 262-7Broad and Ali pick the gaps throughout well to collect four off Lyon's over. That's a good effort if they can continue to attack the seamers at the other end. Cook will be delighted with this partnership. The lead is 126.

ENG 258-7There's no mid-on in place for Ali, who capitalises by driving a fuller ball through the vacant region for four runs. The England fans can't help but keep giving Johnson stick, and the Edgbaston crowd are delighted when the pantomime villain falls over on the pitch. Ali gives them something else to cheer when pulls the ball beyond the diving Hazlewood at deep backward square-leg. A third boundary follows as Ali punishes a half-volley by driving over mid-off. It's party time for the England fans. Ali 47 Broad 23*

ENG 246-7Lyon mixes up his pace well to breeze through a maiden over to Broad, who comes very close to edging one that bounces sharply outside off-stump. Good bowling from the Aussie spinner.

ENG 246-7Ali misses out with the cut before bringing up the 50 partnership when he pulls Johnson behind square for four runs. This could prove to be a vital partnership in the context of the match. Ali continues to attack as he plays and misses twice. The disappointment is written on the face of Clarke and Johnson as Ali pushes down the ground for four more.

ENG 238-7It's no surprise to see Lyon take the ball, but he bowls a rare poor delivery, who punishes a wide half-tracker by cutting for four runs. Broad earns four more with a late cut which beats Warner by a long way at second slip. A positive over continues as the England duo take on Johnson's arm, with Ali just getting home before Lyon can whip the bails off. 10 off the over. The lead is up to 102.

ENG 228-7Broad begins the over with a push through cover for a couple of runs, before punishing Rogers with a powerful pull shot straight at the short-leg fielder. A single arrives when Broad stays back to keep out a short-pitched ball. There's a cry for a catch when Nevill dives down the leg-side, but the edge sends the ball to the fine-leg rope. Vital runs for England.

1.39pmAli (23*) and Broad (10*) are out in the middle. The lead is 87. Johnson will bowl the first over of the afternoon session. Play!

1.37pmAustralia's first task is to take these three final wickets quickly. They won't want to concede more cheap runs later in the innings as England look to build on their lead. The match could be decided when Australia bat again. England are certainly in charge at the moment, but one session could change everything.

1.34pmWelcome back everyone. The first session of the day offered up some fantastic Test cricket. There's plenty in it for the bowlers, while the signs are that spin will play a major role but there's still runs on offer for batsmen who play well. We're set up for a thriller with three days and two sessions remaining at Edgbaston.

1.03pmWe'll join the players by taking a break. Make sure you're back here in around 35 minutes as England to add some potentially crucial runs to their lead.

1.02pmJohnson stole the show early in the session with two beauties to dismiss Bairstow and Stokes, before Root and Buttler fell to Starc and the impressive Lyon, respectively. It's been a gripping session at the start of day two and there promises to be a lot more drama at Edgbaston today. England lead by 85.

ENG 221-7LUNCH: Broad certainly looks more comfortable in defence against Lyon. A dead ball is called when Broad refuses to play a shot and the ball flicks off his pad on the way to the rope. The final ball of the session is guided through third-man for a single

ENG 220-7Ali is definitely feeling the pressure against Lyon, but he's more than happy to attack a wide one from Starc as he drives over cover for four runs. This game is moving very quickly. Australia will feel they are still in the Test, especially if they wrap up this innings quickly after lunch. Lyon is a big factor. Just the boundary from Starc's over.

ENG 216-7Broad takes a big step forward to push Lyon to cover for a single, before Ali watches the spinner take one past his edge once again. He just doesn't look comfortable against the spinner but a fuller delivery allows him to pick up a single. The lead is 80.

ENG 214-7Four runs for Ali as he edges the returning Starc over the slips. There's a few gasps, but it's poor from Starc again as he continues to struggle with his line. Ali is battling his technique, too. He's not moving on the crease and he plays and misses a couple of time outside off-stump.

ENG 210-7There's plenty of turn for Lyon as he takes one away from the left-handed Ali, who then misses with a sweep shot. I'm not sure if Ali is picking anything. A lack of movement from the feet gets him in a poor position as he swings and misses outside off-stump. Lyon beats the bat again before catching the edge and seeing the ball drop short of slip. Superb over from Lyon, but the maiden is ruined when Ali takes a single off the final ball.

ENG 209-7Broad avoids playing a well-directed short ball from Johnson, before cutting a wide one to get off strike midway through the over. Johnson gets a touch too straight to Ali, who clips a single off the pad. England will be hopeful these two can make it to lunch. 15 minutes remaining in the session.

ENG 207-7Lyon is bowling really well and there's definitely a few suggestions that this pitch will help the spinner more later in the match. Ali has a big swing at one which turns and bounces outside off-stump, but it's too quick for Nevill as the ball races away for a couple of byes. Three off the over.

ENG 204-7Broad is undeterred by the fly-slip in place as he cuts over point for a couple to take England past 200. A couple of short balls are slightly too straight, before Broad pulls to rotate the strike. Ali adds another run with a quick single to cover and Broad finishes he over with a push to mid-on. Good cricket from England. The lead is 68.

ENG 199-7Lyon is close to picking up a fourth wicket as Ali edges past Clarke, who is all alone at slip for the spinner. Four runs to the third-man rope are followed by a couple more off an open-faced shot. Ali, sensing the need to increase the tempo, strikes Voges at short-leg with a powerful sweep. No chance of a repeat of Cook's dismissal. No wickets for Lyon this time, but he has 3-9 off four overs.

ENG 193-7Ali takes the single on offer to cover at the start of the over. Broad is ready for the short stuff from Johnson as he dodges a couple of balls, before watching a fuller ball beat his outside edge. The movement is far from convincing as Broad stay back to another full one, but he gets bat on ball to push two runs through the covers.

ENG 190-7I told you that the lbw call looked pretty much perfect. Everyone seemed to believe it was out, including Buttler, who didn't use up a review. However, a replay has just shown that the technology suggested the ball would have missed the stumps. A review would have saved Buttler. Stuart Broad comes out to defend the final two balls of the over.

ENG 190-7Lyon has the golden arm for Australia once again! Buttler lunges forward one ball after surviving the review and Lyon gets one to straighten from round the wicket. It just looks out and Dar raises his finger this time.

ENG 190-7WICKET! BUTTLER (9) LBW B LYON

ENG 190-6Nathan Lyon recorded figures of 2-3 from two overs yesterday and Clarke decides it's time for the spinner. He thinks he's got Buttler second ball when Voges takes a catch at short-leg. It's a shake of the head from Aleem Dar. Clarke reluctantly uses the review, but the technology proves Buttler didn't touch it.

ENG 190-6Ali, who was caught at short-leg while defending a Johnson bouncer in the second innings at Lord's, ensures the first ball of the over drops short of that fielder on this occasion. Johnson struggles to get the line right with his short balls to the left-hander. Ali is more than happy to see out a maiden.

ENG 190-6Marsh has shown good control to hold up one end for Australia in the first session and he looks set for another maiden until Buttler clips a couple of runs through mid-wicket. Johnson is preparing for another spell. It could be crucial if Ali and Buttler survive this period.

ENG 188-6Starc was gifted that wicket in the previous over and his reward is another six balls. However, a huge wide down the leg-side which Nevill does well to get a hand to could spell the end of his spell. Another extra follows when he goes too high with the bouncer. Ali is off the mark when a very thick outside edge sends the ball to the third-man boundary.

ENG 182-6Moeen Ali is the new batsman as Root heads back inside to throw a few things around the dressing room, but it's Buttler on strike at the start of a new over. Marsh is still finding swing away from Buttler, who has left the ball very well since arriving at the crease. Maiden. England lead by 46.

ENG 182-6This is a quite odd dismissal. It's probably one of the worst overs Starc will bowl this summer, but he's rewarded for bowling very wide as Root chases one and edges it through to Voges, who holds on at first slip. I'm certain Clarke was ready to take off Starc. Root will be furious with himself. It's a good knock, but he really didn't need to play there.

ENG 182-6WICKET! ROOT (63) C VOGES B STARC

ENG 182-5Starc is not going to get too many more chances. He just doesn't have any control this morning as he sends a couple of poor deliveries well wide of off-stump, before going too straight to allow Root to earn four off the hip.

11.53am

ENG 178-5Starc manages to just avoid touching the boundary rope with his leg when Root earns a couple to deep square-leg, before a similar shot brings him two more. A fumble from Warner on the off-side delights the England fans as Root steals the strike at the end of the over.

ENG 173-5It's a change of ends for Starc as Johnson's spell comes to an end. Johnson fumbles the ball at mid-off to gift Buttler a couple, before a wayward ball down the leg-side from Starc adds four byes to the total. Another one follows, but Nevill does well to collect this time. Shot! Clarke is not happy with his bowler. Starc is too straight to Buttler, who times the clip off the pads to earn four.

ENG 163-5Starc, much like Hazlewood, didn't get it quite right and Clarke responds by bringing on Mitchell Marsh. It looks like a good move, with the more disciplined all-rounder settling on a good line outside off-stump. A bit of seam movement takes the ball past Root's edge as he flirts with a dangerous delivery, before the ball crashes into his thigh after he miscues a drive off the inside edge. Marsh then beats the outside edge with another fine delivery. Excellent over.

ENG 163-5Root is on his toes to punch a single to cover, before Buttler gets off the mark with a push into the off-side. The former adds another run with a flick off the hip. Buttler shows Johnson he has no intention of taking on the short ball with an early duck. Root 54* Buttler 1

ENG 160-5Root is furious with a couple of people moving close to the sight screen as he faces up to the first ball of the over. There's been far too many of those issues since the start of play yesterday. The fielder on the third-man boundary cleans up when Root hammers a cut shot. Buttler misses the full one outside off-stump as he continues to wait for his first run after 13 deliveries.

ENG 159-5Buttler has often struggled to pick up Johnson outside off-stump in this series and the bowler is testing his technique with some full deliveries after shocking Bairstow and Stokes with those sharp bouncers. Buttler knows where his stumps are today as he leaves a couple which nip across him. Good defence. Good bowling. Maiden.

ENG 159-5Clarke decides that he can't afford another poor over from Hazlewood as Starc comes into the attack. Australia's second left-arm seamer struggles to find the right spot, too, and he's punished with a wide when he pushes the ball too far across Root, who then reaches the rope with a gorgeous cover drive. 50! It's a 13th half-century in Test cricket from Root and he reaches the milestone from 49 balls when he pulls through mid-wicket for a couple. He's been positive from the first delivery. England need him to go on from here.

ENG 152-5Root, possibly sensing that a bouncer was on the way, plays and misses as Johnson pushes the ball across the right-hander. Johnson persists with the full approach for three deliveries before pulling his length back and Root manages to guide a single to point. Buttler easily sways out of the way from a bouncer at the end of the over. Johnson has 2-26 off his seven overs.

ENG 151-5Hazlewood really needs to keep the pressure on at the other end, but two loose deliveries allow Root to reach the third-man boundary in successive deliveries. An over adjustment gives Root the chance to pick up a single and hand the strike to his third partner of the morning. Buttler leaves well outside off-stump as England take nine from the over. Starc could be on as an early replacement. Root 44* Buttler 0

ENG 142-5Jos Buttler is the new batsman, but he's ducking quickly as Johnson finishes with an unthreatening bouncer. That was exactly what Australia needed from their star man in the second over of the day.

ENG 142-5What a start to the day for Johnson. He produces two stunning deliveries in the space of three balls as a bouncer forces Ben Stokes back and finds the glove again. Nevill does the rest as Stokes heads back inside for a duck. This is superb fast bowling.

ENG 142-5WICKET! STOKES (0) C NEVILL B JOHNSON

ENG 142-4It was inevitable that Johnson would target Bairstow with the short ball, but it's hard to criticise the batsman on this occasion. Johnson produces a beauty which bounces sharply to catch the glove and give Nevill a catch behind the stumps. It's fantastic from the left-armer, who now has 300 wickets in Test cricket. Great start for the tourists.

ENG 142-4WICKET! BAIRSTOW (5) C NEVILL B BAIRSTOW

ENG 142-3Johnson finds a hint of movement to bring the ball back in, but Root's timing is perfect as he clips his first delivery of the day through mid-wicket for four.

ENG 137-3Good start from Hazlewood as he pitches one close to off-stump and takes the ball away from Bairstow's edge. That's the perfect spot on this pitch. Three dot balls are followed by a boundary as Hazlewood drifts wider to allow Bairstow to drive through the covers. Confident start to the day for the returning batsman. England lead by one.

10.59amEngland begin on 133-3, just three runs behind Australia. Hazlewood will bowl the first over. Bairstow on strike. Play!

10.57amPlay is almost ready to begin on day two at Edgbaston. Clarke leads his players out ahead of Root and Bairstow. It's a packed house once again for what could be a vital day in this Ashes series.

10.53am

10.51amThe weather forecast suggests that there shouldn't be a return the delays from yesterday. It looks much drier around Birmingham and there could only be a slight chance of a passing shower. Fingers crossed for a full day!

10.46amFinn will be delighted with his return so far and he was understandably pleased when reflecting on his day one display earlier this morning.
© Getty Images
He told Sky Sports: It is something I have worked on [swing bowling] over the last couple of years. It is something in the last month or so that happens to have clicked. I am bowling with better pace and have the movement with it."

10.43amJoe Root is currently on 30 not out and there will be more than a few punters backing him to reach three figures once again today, but Jonny Bairstow is arguably stealing more of the attention ahead of day two. He averages over 100 in the County Championship this year and certainly deserves his recall. An early score on his return to the side could be key for his confidence and for the strength of England's middle order. At his best, Bairstow will score quickly and put the pressure on the bowling attack.

10.39amCan Australia hit back today? Anything above 300 would be fantastic for England as they look to set up a potential victory.

10.35amEngland's attention is on batting now, and Australia are sure to come back firing this morning as they look to prevent slipping to a huge first-innings deficit. Despite some fine deliveries, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Johnson were all guilty of hitting the wrong areas far too often. There should still be something in it for the bowlers in the first session, but batting is sure to get easier as the day progresses.

10.32amMany have questioned the decision to bat first from Michael Clarke, but there's more runs than 136 on this pitch and England's bowlers deserve a lot of credit. Anderson was the star, while Stuart Broad provided good support and Steven Finn was fantastic on his return to the side. Alastair Cook's attack was at the peak of its powers.
© Getty Images

10.30amGood morning everyone. After the embarrassment that was their 405-run defeat at Lord's, England were back to their best as James Anderson took 6-47 to help bowl out Australia for 136. It was the perfect response to being asked to bowl on a rain-affected day and they finished the day just three runs behind the tourists, despite losing their top three.
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