|| Desk Report ||

England edged ahead after the completion of the third day of the Ashes series-opening Test at the Edgbaston.

At the close of the day, Australia was on 124-3, taking a 34-run lead with first-innings centurion Steven Smith on the crease with 46 runs. Travis Head is on 21.

Earlier, resuming the day on 267-4, England was able to add just 107 runs for the rest of the six wickets to be bundled out for 374 in their first innings. That gave them a sizeable 90 runs lead.

Overnight unbeaten batsman Rory Burns innings came to an end on 133. All-rounder Ben Stokes made 50.

 Chris Woakes scored unbeaten 37 and Stuart Broad contributed 29.

For Australia, Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins took three wickets each. James Pattinson and Peter Siddle took two wickets. 

Coming on to bat in the second innings Australia lost their openers Cameron Bancroft (7) and David Warner (8) pretty early with the side at 27-2.

Usman Khawaja steadied the ship for a while as Smith continued tormenting English bowlers.

Khawaja got out at 40 before Stokes got the better of him.

In the first innings, Australia scored 284 runs thanks to Steven Smith who struck a magnificent 144. 

Brief Score:

Australia 1st innings: 284/10 

(Smith 144, Siddle 44: Broad: 5/ 86)