Good morning everyone! 10 days is a little bit too long to wait for a third Ashes Test, isn't it? England started the series as underdogs before winning the first Test with an impressive display in Cardiff, but it was a nightmare for the hosts at Lord's as Australia returned to top form with an emphatic 405-run victory. The series is level at 1-1. It's time for Edgbaston to take centre stage. Five more days of exciting action coming up.

AUSTRALIA WIN THE TOSS AND BAT FIRST: It's Michael Clarke who wins the first mini-battle with Alastair Cook as the visiting skipper elects to have a bat. Cook confirms he would have done the same. Team news to follow.

AUSTRALIA: Rogers, Warner, Smith, Clarke, Voges, Marsh, Nevill, Johnson, Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon

ENGLAND: Cook, Lyth, Bell, Root, Bairstow, Stokes, Buttler, Ali, Broad, Finn, Anderson

What do you do after a 405-run win? Name an unchanged side, of course. Peter Nevill keeps his place as Australia's wicketkeeper, despite Brad Haddin being available for a return to the side. Any concerns surrounding the condition of Chris Rogers, who suffered with dizziness at Lord's, has been put to one side as he prepares to open up with David Warner.

The England changes are as expected. Gary Ballance's omission allows Ian Bell to move up to three on his home ground. Joe Root is also given a promotion as Jonny Bairstow returns at five. Mark Wood has been battling a couple of problems in the series and he is replaced by Steven Finn. It's a big chance for Finn to prove he is back to hid old self after finding form in the County Championship this season.

Both captains and many people at Edgbaston have said that the pitch looks good, and there should be something in it for the bowlers early on. However, the toss looks set to be important. Since 2005, only once has the team batting first in an Ashes Test gone one to lose the match. That record is over 17 matches. A good omen for Clarke's side.

Clarke, at the toss, said: "It has got a bit of grass on it but it looks a good track for batting. We need to come out here and play our best cricket."

"We start on zero again today and are going to have to come out and play well regardless of what happened at Lord's."

Some think it's a great decision, others believe Ian Bell should have been shown the door after the second Test. Whatever you think of the choice to give him the responsibility to bat at three, we've all seen how brilliant he can be over the years. Cook is backing his teammate to find form.

"Belly's a fantastic player with a great record - playing here in front of his home crowd, he's really excited. Hopefully he doesn't get in too early at number three but when he does, he gets runs," the skipper said out in the middle.

England have welcomed back two players whose techniques were both questioned on their last appearances in Test cricket. Bairstow appears to have changed his shape at the crease slightly, and you can't fault a player averaging 100 in county cricket this season, no matter how hard people try. Regulars on the county circuit will also tell you Finn is bowling quickly and finding the bounce off a length which caught the eye a few years back. Both players will be desperate to prove their worth over the next five days.

I don't have to tell all of you that there's been a lot of rain around Birmingham recently. It's starting to get slightly darker and we're unlikely to get through the day without a couple of stoppages. Hopefully the weather won't make much of an impact this morning, but heavy showers are expected after lunch.

STAT: For the first time in 11 years and 139 Test matches, England name a team without a player born in southern Africa. Don't worry, I'm not going to bring up Kevin Pietersen.

Here we go then. No rain just yet, so the players and umpires head out of the dressing rooms. Warner and Rogers open the batting once again. As usual, it's James Anderson who takes the new ball for England. Play!

Incredible start at Edgbaston. Anderson begins with a beauty to beat the outside edge, before a nervy nudge into the leg-side by Rogers is followed by some hesitant running. Warner looks to be in trouble as Stuart Broad hits the stumps with the throw. He saves himself with the dive. Warner picks up a couple with a thick outside edge past gully. We'll take that excitement for the next five days.

Rogers is not a happy man when someone decides to stand up to the side of the sight screen. Broad sends down a well-directed yorker with just his second ball and the opener does well to keep it out. A leg-side half-volley allows Rogers to earn four through mid-wicket. Broad won't be happy with that, but there looks to be some decent pace through to Jos Buttler.

Anderson strikes with the second ball of his second over. It's the perfect start for England. He pitches one in line and gets it to straighten enough to hit Warner's back pad. Possibly believing it was a tough high, Warner decides to review the decision but the technology sends him on his way. Anderson strikes early after failing to take a wicket at Lord's.

Steve Smith, who piled on the misery with Rogers at Lord's, comes to the crease and his innings begins with a big lbw appeal. He's shuffled a long way across the crease, though. Not out on this occasion. A push into the covers hands him his first run before Anderson beats Rogers with another ball that nips across the left-hander. Rogers is unhappy with movement close to the sight screen again. Excellent over from Anderson.

What new plans do England have for Smith? The number one Test batsman continues to move across the crease as he gets bat on a full one from Broad, before Smith voices his concern about a problem behind the bowler's arm at this end. It's a sheet, rather than a person who is causing an issue this time. It takes two members of the Warwickshire staff to tie it up before the action can continue. With a short-leg in place, Rogers gets into an awful position but he gets away with a nervy defensive stroke against the short ball. A pull follows later in the over and he picks up four, despite not finding the middle with a shot which sends the ball into the air behind squad. England will continue to use the bouncer.

Clever from Anderson. He hangs a few balls outside off-stump as Smith continues to move across, before delivering a full straight delivery which Australia's number three does well to keep out. Maiden over. England might send down a few more straight balls.

Broad is probably slightly too wide to Rogers until he catches a thick outside edge to force Stokes into some good work at point. No shorter balls on this occasion as Rogers sees out a maiden over. It's been a good start from the hosts, but they'd love another wicket in the first hour.

Smith finds a single with a prod into the leg-side early in the over. Anderson pulls his length back slightly and the ball across Rogers almost invites a false shot, but Rogers fights the urge to play. A poor shot does follow when a sliced drive drops short of Stokes at point. Anderson asking plenty of questions.

Good move from Cook to give an early bowl to Finn, whose extra pace and bounce could pose a few problems for Rogers, but it's Smith who is tested by different lengths early in the over. A rare poor decision follows as Smith plays a loose stroke outside off-stump and Finn beats the bat with one that bounces sharply. Smith responds by driving the next ball through the covers for four.

What a great moment for Finn and England! He strikes in his first over back in the side as a hint of movement away allows him to catch the edge and Cook takes a very good low catch at first slip. Great bowling.

Michael Clarke, who will be desperate to get back to his best form in this match, arrives at the non-striker's end with his side in a bit of trouble. Anderson delivers a well-directed bouncer to force Rogers to duck, before the opener shows his anger again when someone moves close to the sight screen. It's incredibly frustrating for the batsman and the over-rate is being affected, too. Anderson then beats the outside edge with a beauty, before Rogers misses out when he chases a wider one with the cut shot. England on top. They must keep attacking. Rogers 9 Clarke 0*

There's a couple of men out on the hook for Clarke, who has struggled against Broad's short ball but has Finn to deal with at the moment. Finn is finding some movement and he's close to 90mph early in his spell. Broad joins Cook for a few words as the former suggests bringing in a short-leg. The skipper resists that temptation for now. Clarke gets off the mark with a single on the off-side, but it's another fine over from Finn.

Anderson goes for the big in-swinger, but he gets his line slightly wrong and the ball races to the rope off Clarke's pad. It's a good response as he leaves the bat outside off-stump, before a single is taken to cover. Another leg-bye follows when Anderson gets too straight to Rogers. Clarke then enjoys a slice of luck when a late decision to leave results in the ball hitting the bottom of the bat and travelling to the boundary quickly for four runs. Another boundary follows, and it's more luck for Clarke, who edges the ball between gully and third slip. Should England be attacking even more?

We haven't seen too much of this so far, but Anderson and Clarke engage in a war of words, with Stokes also getting involved before umpire Aleem Dar separates the players.

There's not much Clarke can say about this one. Finn has started his return to Test cricket superbly, and he strikes again with a full delivery which looks a bit too quick for the Australian batsman as he knocks back middle-stump. The first hour could not have gone much better for England.

Adam Voges comes to the crease with the task of digging his side out of trouble. Finn is slightly too wide first up which allows the new batsman to sit back and watch. One run and a wicket from the 12th over of the match. Fin has 2-6 off three overs.

Close! Rogers has not looked comfortable this morning, but he breathes a huge sigh of relief when a sliced drive off the returning Broad sends the ball sailing over the diving Stokes at point. Four more to the opener.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: An Australian in the stand cheers as he puts up his umbrella. The tourists get out of the firing line as the great British summer strikes again with a heavy shower. Off the players go, but hopefully they'll be back soon.

It's been the perfect response to losing the toss from England, who have capitalised on the help which is there for the seamers in the first session. Anderson set the tone, but the star has been Finn, who has removed Smith and Clarke on his return to Test cricket. 18 months ago he was "unelectable", but is he the man who could steal the show over the next three matches?

Australia were simply far too good for England at Lord's, but this is what fans mean when they are demanding a battle between bat and ball. The first two sessions should be difficult for batsmen whether the toss is won by the batting side or not. There's something in it for the bowlers, but the pace of the pitch means that a batsman can trust the bounce too. It looks like an excellent pitch.

UPDATE: Play is scheduled to resume at 12.35pm. Good news for the England bowlers. Voges and Rogers must battle back before lunch.

Voges and Rogers are back out for a tricky 25 minute session before the lunch interval. Australia will just want to reach the break without losing another wicket. Broad to finish off his over.

Broad starts his run-up before Rogers becomes very angry with movement behind the bowler's arm once again. Will this affect his concentration? One nips across the opener but it looks like he pulled the bat away from danger. Rogers 14 Voges 0*

Finn, bowling at two players he's spent time with at Middlesex, begins with a very good yorker which Voges manages to dig out. Australia's number five gets off the mark with a quick single. There's a painful moment for Stokes as he takes a shot to the finger while attempting to stop a sliced drive which earns Rogers four through point. A push through cover brings the left-hander a couple more.

Voges is watchful outside off-stump as he leaves a couple and defends a couple before pushing the ball past mid-off to collect four runs. Just the boundary from the over. I wouldn't be surprised if Cook gives Anderson an over before lunch.

Finn looks in great rhythm as he takes one across Rogers, who pulls his bat away from danger once again. There's a swing moments later as he latches onto a fuller delivery to drive four through extra cover, before Finn brings one back and finds extra bounce to strike Rogers in the midriff.

Superb line and length from Broad, who forces Voges to play for most of the over without offering him any freedom at the crease. A thick edge follows as Voges opens the face slightly to earn a couple to third-man, with Stokes doing well to prevent three. Good over.

Cook decides to leave mid-on open, but Finn gets his line wrong to Rogers and the left-hander easily picks up three through the vacant region. Voges rotates the strike again later in the over when he shuffles across to earn a single behind square on the leg-side. Rogers finishes the over by pulling through mid-wicket for four. We should get another over in.

LUNCH: The slips call for a catch when Voges drives the ball straight, but Broad is nowhere near it as Australia's number five reaches the rope. Broad appeals optimistically for lbw when Voges moves a long way across, but some movement back in saves the batsman as a leg-bye arrives behind square. Broad comes round the wicket for the final two balls and Rogers ends the session with four through mid-wicket.

Australia pick up some quick runs in the 25-minute spell after that rain break, but it's England who will be the happier of the two sides as they head off for a spot of lunch. Finn was the star with two wickets after Anderson had set the tone by removing Warner. England on top. We're in for an exciting day if the rain stays away. Rogers 35* Voges 12*

We'll join the players by taking a break, but make sure you're here in around 35 minutes when our coverage will continue.

Welcome back everyone. Rain and seemingly endless interruptions behind the bowler's arm restricted the first session to just 19 overs at Edgbaston, but it was certainly an exciting start to the third Ashes Test. Anderson removed Warner, before the returning Finn clamed the wickets of Smith and Clarke. Rogers, in typical Rogers style, has battled back alongside Voges to lead Australia to 72-3. Batting should become easier later today, but England will be hopeful of causing more problems early in the second session.

Unfortunately, I return with bad news. It has started raining again and the entire square has been covered by the ground staff. Edgbaston isn't always the most fortunate ground when it comes to weather during international games. Fingers crossed the delay doesn't last long.

Here's where we are at the moment.

AUSTRALIA: 72-3 (19 overs) - England won toss

NOT OUT BATSMEN: Rogers 35 (54), Voges 12 (26)

FALL OF WICKETS: 7-1 (Warner 2), 18-2 (Smith 7), 34-3 (Clarke 10).

BOWLING: Anderson 6-2-14-1, Broad 7-1-27-0, Finn 6-0-25-2.

The good news is that the covers are being removed once again, but the forecast suggests that there could be a few more interruptions this afternoon. We should be back underway soon.

The players are expected to be back out on the field in just a few minutes. I'd be surprised if we reach the tea break without another delay. It could be difficult for batsmen. England will be keen to put the pressure back on immediately.

Here we go then. The players have emerged and they're ready to resume at Edgbaston. Finn will take the first over of the session.

Lovely start to the over from Finn as he settles on a good line and length to beat Voges on the outside edge with the third delivery of the session. An excellent over is ruined when Finn drifts onto the pads to allow the batsman to collect four to fine-leg. He's furious as he walks away. A quick update that tea will now be at 4.30pm.

Anderson is still moving the ball in the 21st over, but his line is slightly off as Rogers finds a single behind square on the leg-side.

The pressure is on Australia again as Anderson strikes in the second over of the session. He's rewarded for a good line as Voges thinks twice about playing before a late leave sends the ball through to Buttler off the face of the bat. It's not a great way to lose your wicket.

Finn begins a new over with a sharp bouncer before beating Rogers with a delivery which nips past the outside edge. It was a no-ball, so it's probably good news that he didn't catch any part of the bat. Rogers responds by driving a fuller ball through the covers for four. Rogers 40 Marsh 0*

England are all over Australia! Marsh lasts just three balls as Anderson tempts him into a drive with a wider delivery and Buttler takes a high catch to give the seamer his third wicket of the innings. Australia need to produce a response.

Peter Nevill will have a point to prove after keeping his place ahead of Brad Haddin. He gets off the mark by nudging his second delivery into the leg-side for a couple of runs. Anderson receives a great ovation at the end of another excellent over.

Beauty from Finn as he pulls his length back to force Rogers into an awkward position and beat the bat once again. The opener is more than happy to get off strike with a leg-bye. Finn makes the previous beauty look like the ugly step-sister as he angles one in before taking the ball past Nevill's outside edge. He's been superb today. One extra off the over.

There's a couple of worrying moments for Rogers as the ball lands safely after two miscued drives come off the inside edge. Anderson goes slightly fuller and Stokes receives the applause after some excellent fielding restricts Rogers to a single on the off-side.

Mr Nevill, don't leave those deliveries. Anderson leads the celebrations once again as Edgbaston comes alive just like it did in that famous match 10 years ago. Nevill is expecting the out-swinger, but he makes a huge mistake by leaving the straight one which knocks back the stumps. What a response to the Lord's embarrassment from England.

Mitchell Johnson is the new man and he manages to survive the final two deliveries of a fantastic Anderson over. England's leading wicket-taker in Test cricket now has 4-18 off nine overs.

Rogers continues to battle as the innings collapses around him. He edges closer to another half-century with four when Finn strays too wide. A couple of shorter balls test the opener, who keeps one down before ducking the next delivery. Rogers 45 Johnson 0*

A typically firm push he ground earns Johnson three through mid-off and it also takes him to 2,000 runs in Test cricket. He'll look to hit back in counter-attacking style here. Rogers adds another run with a push down the ground.

Anderson has five wickets as England continue this dream start to the third Test. It's brilliant from bowler and captain as Anderson comes round the wicket and Cook brings in another fielder at fifth slip. Johnson bites with a loose drive and Stokes takes an excellent low catch.

Cook makes a change as Broad returns to replace Finn. An lbw appeal arrives early in the over, but it's a touch too high to Rogers, who realises the need for runs now as a leading edge earns him a couple through cover. 50! A mistake on the off-side gifts Rogers two more as he reaches his half-century from 82 deliveries. It's been an excellent effort while his teammates have failed.

Mitchell Starc can score quick runs, so England will want to make sure they don't get sloppy as they look to wrap up the innings. Close! Starc can't resist playing outside off-stump and he breathes a huge sigh of relief when the ball drops just short of Lyth, who gets a hand to it at fourth slip to restrict the left-hander to a single. Just one off the over.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: A light shower quickly gets heavier and the players are heading off once again. England have been fantastic since lunch and Anderson's five-for has piled the pressure on Australia. After winning the toss and batting first, Clarke has been forced to watch England take advantage of what is becoming a perfect day for bowling.

If they can wrap up this innings quickly and if the weather improves, England should be batting later on today and they really can put the Lord's nightmare behind them. Don't judge a pitch until both side bat on it, but England are holding all of the cards at the moment. The restart is scheduled for 3.15pm.

Anderson has been the star of the day in conditions which are perfect for him to produce his magic, but Finn bowled brilliantly either side of the lunch break and Broad has supported well. There's been some poor decisions from the Australians, too. The tourists are likely to counter-attack when play resumes.

The players are ready to get the action back underway. Australia are 99-7 and Broad has the ball in his hand. Play!

Nerves of steel from Starc, whose off-stump is close to taking the punishment when he leaves at the start of the over. He takes Australia to three figures with a firm push down the ground for three runs. Rogers takes a risk by going after a wide one from Broad, but his poor timing saves him as he avoids edging one through to Buttler.

Starc finds a couple of runs early in Anderson's over, before taking the aerial route to slice a drive over point for four more. The inevitable counter-attack has begun. Anderson has also received a warning for running on the pitch. Rogers 50* Starc 10

It's the turn of Broad to get in on the act as Rogers departs for a battling 52. Broad comes round the wicket to target the left-hander's pads and he sneaks one through to hit the back leg. Rogers reviews the decision optimistically, but the technology sides with the umpire and England. Easy decision.

Hazlewood leaves his first two balls as Broad eyes up the wicket of another left-hander, and Australia's number 10 almost departs when he swings wildly outside off-stump at the end of the over.

Starc begins the over with a single before Hazlewood takes another risk by edging the ball over the slips to the frustration of the England fielders. You can't fault the tail-end batsmen for this approach as Hazlewood adds four more with a sliced drive over backward point.

There are going to be some furious Australians on the balcony. Broad delivers another delivery into that crowded corridor of uncertainty outside off-stump, and Starc is caught in two minds as he edges the ball through to Buttler after a late attempt at leaving. Just one wicket to go.

Broad attempts the big in-swinger to Nathan Lyon, but he gets his line wrong and Buttler is forced into some excellent work to prevent any extras from being added. Wicket maiden.

Hazlewood backs away from Anderson and picks up a run with a drive to Bairstow, who is sitting slightly deeper in the covers. Five slips are in place for Lyon, whose loose drive at a wider one almost brings another edge. He lives to see another over.

Hazlewood calls for a quick single with a push to point early in Broad's over. Lyon is then denied a boundary by Stokes, who does brilliantly to pull the ball away from the rope when Australia's number 11 slices a drive. Hazlewood shows plenty of his stumps to Broad, but he gets bat on ball to drive the ball down the ground for four.

Shot! It doesn't get much better than this as Lyon whips Anderson through mid-wicket for four runs. A false shot follows, but a wild swing earns him four more as an edge sends the ball over the helpless slips.

The Australia innings comes to an end and it's Anderson who finishes it off as Lyon chops the ball onto his stumps. Anderson takes 6-47 as Australia collapse to 136 all out in 36.4 overs. Broad (2-44) and Finn (2-38) chipped in impressively as Cook used just three bowlers in a fantastic start to this Test for England.

It was good bowling, but some of the Australian batsmen should be furious with the shots they played in the innings and it's up to the bowlers to produce a response. You would be surprised if the likes of Johnson, Starc and Hazlewood didn't bowl well on this surface. England will be delighted with this position, though. They'll be desperate to be in full control at the end of the day.

There could be more rain on the way, but we still have 35 minutes of cricket before the tea break arrives. Cook and Lyth are already heading out to the middle as Australia look to produce a fightback.

Starc has the new ball. Lyth, who is in desperate need of a score, on strike. Play!

Starc is slightly too wide early in the over, before adjusting his line to take one past the bat. Lyth refused to follow the ball, which ensured he didn't get in trouble. The Yorkshire opener plays out the maiden.

Cook is off the mark immediately as he gets a thick inside edge on an in-swinger from Hazlewood to earn a run to fine-leg. Wow. Lyth should buy a lottery ticket. He hits a full delivery with the toe of the bat and the ball somehow bounces over the stumps. Lyth gets out of the firing line with a single before Cook rotates the strike with another run off the pads. Hazlewood finishes the over by beating Lyth's outside edge a couple of times.

Good awareness from Cook to spot that a single is available after keeping out the straight one from Starc, who finds some very late swing to beat Lyth's edge. It's been a tough start for a batsman in desperate need of runs, but Lyth just needs to target the tea break for now. It doesn't help when you're faced with some superb deliveries, though.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Hazlewood is too straight to Cook, who shows his strength off the pads by clipping three runs through mid-wicket. Lyth is then left breathing another sigh of relief when an edge drops short of second slip. The opener is then given a break as the rain returns to interrupt play once again.

TEA: Australia have managed to bowl just 3.5 overs, but it's been a testing period for Lyth, whose technique continues to be examined outside off-stump. He's not out and that's all that matters for the hosts at this point. The rain is coming down hard now as the players head off for an early tea. Cook 6* Lyth 1*

It's an early tea, but I think it will be an extended interval, too. The square is completely covered at the moment and the rain is still coming down. Most of the supporters have retreated for a drink or two.

There's being confident, and then...

There's some good news coming from the middle as the Warwickshire ground staff remove the covers once again. It looks like they're almost ready for the evening session to begin.

Hazlewood has one more ball to deliver in the fourth over of the innings and Lyth watches it drift down the leg-side. England trail by 129. 44 overs left to bowl in the day.

The key to Cook's return to form has been the way he's left the ball. Starc sees a straight one blocked but he's offered no change when he drifts wider. You won't win a battle of patience with Cook, who picks up a run with a push to point. Lyth then plays a confident push down the ground to earn a couple as the crowd enjoy Marsh's slip.

Hazlewood settles on a much better line to Cook and brings the ball back, but the England skipper is confident enough to push past the bowler for a single. A similar delivery allows Lyth to shuffle across and earn a run on the leg-side. Just two off the over.

Lyth is refusing to come forward too much, but that's more of a reflection on the situation as he looks to play the moving ball as late as possible. A fuller deliver does invite a drive and he drops to one knee to earn a couple through the covers. Four more arrive with a flick off the hip. Starc really struggles with his line throughout the over. Mitchell Johnson could be just around the corner.

Too straight once again from Hazlewood as Cook earns a run to deep square-leg. It wouldn't be a surprise if Clarke gave a bowl to Marsh while the ball is still pretty new. He bowled well at Lord's and his control on a pitch could make the difference.

Oh dear, Adam Lyth. He survived a series of superb deliveries early in his innings, but his knock comes to an end when he chases a wider one and gets an edge through to Voges, who juggles the ball before eventually holding on at first slip.

Ian Bell has faced criticism for a couple of years now, and some would say he's fortunate to still be in this side but his home ground gives him a great reception as he walks out as England's number three. He's off the mark with a single to cover. Cook then sits back to pull Hazlewood's short ball away for four runs.

It looked like Johnson was ready to come on, but Clarke decides to let Starc have a go at Bell. The first delivery is the in-swinger and Bell gets enough bat on ball to flick a single to fine-leg. Shot! Cook's timing is perfect as he latches onto some width to punch the ball in front of the fielder at point for four. The England skipper is then left smiling after Starc responds with a beauty which swings late to beat the edge. That's unplayable. Bell 2* (3) Cook 17 (21)

Bell leaves one which doesn't move and creeps just over off-stump. Good judgement or a slice of luck? The next decision is poor as he flirts with a ball which goes past his outside edge, but he finds the middle of the bat with a drive past point for three. England trail by 104.

Jeers come from the stands as the pantomime villain Johnson comes into the attack for the first time in the match. He pushes the ball across the right-handed Bell, and it's wide enough to spark a reaction from the England fans. A quick bouncer forces Bell back, but he's fortunate to see the ball drift wide of short-leg. Cook gets enough bat on ball to keep out the full one from the left-armer, before opening the face to earn a single past point.

I mentioned Marsh a bit earlier, and he does get that early bowl as Clarke looks to see if he can find some movement. Cook is more than happy to leave early in the over as the all-rounder searches for his line. He improves as the over progresses and an in-swinger is directed perfectly, but Cook picks up four with a slice of luck off the inside edge.

Johnson is targeting the pads, but he's a touch to straight as England pick up four leg-byes off Bell's thigh pad. A shorter delivery follows and Bell is quick enough to rock back to find four more with a pull to fine-leg. England are going about this response well.

Marsh is looking in good rhythm now as he angles a couple across Cook, which almost invites a false shot from the left-handed but a fuller delivery allows the England skipper to push a couple through the covers. It looks like Lyon may be having a bowl soon. Marsh should stay on.

Johnson has looked frustrated early in his spell and he scratches his head when Bell plays an unconvincing hook, but the ball wasn't close to carrying to the fielder out in the deep. Cook continues to look comfortable as he leans on a fuller delivery to collect four through mid-wicket. Excellent batting.

Poor from Marsh as he drifts onto Bell's pads, and it's even worse out on the boundary as Johnson slides past the ball to gift four to England's number three. Bell sneaks a single when the ball goes through his legs off the inside edge. Johnson is being targeted by the England fans and he doesn't help himself with a wayward throw from the boundary. Great stuff from the Australian and the home fans. Brilliant from Cook, too, as he cuts a wider one past point for four. Bell 16* Cook 34

Bell displays his power by hammering the ball through the covers as Hazlewood returns with a really poor delivery. He attacks again moments later and a thick outside edge earns him four more. That brings up the 50 partnership, and the misery continues for Clarke and Hazlewood as Bell flicks the ball off the hip to reach the rope once again. Bell settles for 12 off the over.

Australia's seamers haven't hit the right areas on a consistent basis and Clarke responds by throwing the ball to Lyon for the first time.

Absolutely incredible. Cook can't believe it and I'm not sure Lyon can either. The spinner sends down a half-tracker early in the over and the England skipper rocks back to hammer a pull shot. It should be a boundary. However, Voges, who ducks his head at short-leg, ends up taking the catch as the ball somehow settles between his elbows. Cook can't be angry with himself. It's a bonus for Australia.

Root is the new batsman and he's off the mark when he sweeps the second ball away for a single. A replay has just shown Cook was smiling when he walked off the field. If you don't laugh at those dismissals, you'll definitely cry. Bell adds another run to keep the striker.

Bell starts the over by opening the face to guide the returning Johnson away for a single. A wayward bouncer gives Root nothing to worry about and the England fans are delighted when the umpire signals a wide. Clarke might just be a little worried about the leader of his attack. He needs a wicket for a boost.

Hazlewood should be threatening in these conditions. He's bowled some brilliant deliveries, but too often he's lost his line and Root accepts a freebie by flicking four through fine-leg. It's a pretty uneventful over as Root adds another run to deep square-leg. England trail by 50.

Six! Root takes on the bouncer from Johnson and he's rewarded for his positivity as the ball sails over the fine-leg boundary off the top edge. Johnson shouldn't be too annoyed. Root certainly didn't have control over the shot. A few words are directed at Root, who responds with a cheeky smile. Bell 30* Root 13

Bell is refusing to do anything silly outside off-stump as Hazlewood settles on a better line than the previous over. Clarke has a fielder in place at backward point, but Bell picks the gap to collect four with a late drive. Hazlewood responds by finding seam movement and extra bounce to beat the outside edge. There's still something in it for the bowlers in this final session. Bell steals the strike with a single at the end of the over.

Starc is back into the attack, but it's frustration for the seamer and the skipper as Bell greets a wide half-volley by hammering a drive to the boundary. A firm, straighter drive follows and Marsh does well at cover to stop more runs. Oh dear. Starc goes back to a half-volley to gift Bell four more to the rope at point. It doesn't matter about form. Bell is just far too good to pass up on those opportunities. He's not done, either. The local lad opens the face to use his trademark late cut to pick up four more.

Much better from Hazlewood after a drinks break. He settles on a good line and length to Root, who has the Australian fielders gasping when he leaves one that nips back close to off-stump. A mistake from Rogers off the final ball allows Root to sneak a single.

Runs for Root as he plays late to earn four through third-man. It's a better line from Starc, though. A good delivery catches the edge but the ball drops short of Clarke at second slip. Everything was carrying earlier in the day. Are they too deep, or has something changed on the pitch? Bell 47 Root 19*

Shot! It could be the stroke of the day from Root, whose technique is perfect as he lunges forward to drive through the covers for four. He adds two more to square-leg, before Johnson's failure to get a hand on the ball at mid-wicket delights the crowd and hands Root another boundary. Hazlewood produces a stunning delivery which appears to be heading down leg-side before going over off-stump. Superb bowling.

50! Bell rewards the selectors for their decision to retain him and give him the responsibility of batting at three. He reaches the rope for the 10th time in this innings by driving just in front of point and that's his half-century. On his day, he's a brilliant player. This could be the turning point in his series. It could prove to be a pivotal day for England, too. Bell 53 (54) Root 29* (30)

Lyon does it again! He returns for his second over and takes his second wicket of the innings. Bell charges down the pitch to take the aerial route, but he's not even close to making the right contact. Warner reacts quickest on the leg-side to take a great catch running back to mid-wicket.

Jonny Bairstow probably didn't think he'd be batting today after the toss was lost by Alastair Cook this morning, but he's at the crease now as Root sees out the rest of the over. He's averaging over 100 in county cricket. Can he carry that form to Test cricket?

Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie insists the club haven't worked on Bairstow's technique much since he was last in the England squad, but he's definitely standing much higher at the crease as he faces up to Starc, who is slightly too wide early in the over. A straight bat in defence should be a welcome sight to the England fans who weren't sure about his recall. He gets off the mark with a quick single on the off-side.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: The rain has returned at Edgbaston and the umpires take the players off once again. There's still 19 overs scheduled before the 7.23pm close of play time, but if the players are not back on before 7pm that will be the end of the day. England currently trail by just three runs.

All of the covers are on the square, which suggests that a return before 7pm is unlikely. Bairstow and Root won't mind if their job is over for the day. Bell's dismissal was a rare disappointing moment for the hosts, but it's been a fantastic day for the hosts.

CLOSE OF PLAY: The ground staff decide there's no need to wait until 7pm and a thrilling first day of cricket comes to an end. Anderson was the hero earlier in the day with 6-47 and the batsmen have led them to within three of Australia's total.