Ashes 2015, 3rd Test: Anderson rips through Australia in the first innings
England used home conditions to their advantage today as they restricted Australia to 136 in first innings. The home team's bowlers exposed Australia's vulnerability, especially James Anderson who picked 6 wickets today.
Michael Clarke's decision to bat after winning the toss in the cloudy weather condition at the Edgbaston proved costly as Steven Finn struck in the third over of the match itself to give England the start they needed. Australia’s batting line-up fell like nine pins, only Chris Rogers showed some patience and kept scoring runs. Wickets kept falling on the other end after regular intervals.
Anderson was well supported by Stuart Broad and Finn as the latter two picked two wickets each.
England came out to bat, but Adam Lyth soon lost his wicket. Ian Bell showed some resistance and played a glorious innings to stable England's batting. He scored fifty off 51 balls and later got out in a hurry of Nathan Lyon's delivery.
Soon, the rain came into play and the match was stopped for the third time. It started pouring heavily and umpires decided to call stumps at Day 1.
England finished the day on 133 for 3, trailing by just 3 runs. Now their batsmen have to show that they know these conditions better and build the innings tomorrow morning.