Ashes: Anderson destroys Australia as England finish day one on a high
England finished off the day's play at 133 for three with Joe Root (30*) and Jonny Bairstow (1*) batting at the crease.
Adam Lyth (10) failed yet again as he gifted his wicket to Josh Hazlewood by poking at a wide delivery from the bowler.
Alastair Cook (34) looked solid, but could not convert the start to a big total. He was removed by an excellent catch by Adam Voges. Ian Bell (53) perished soon after reaching his fifty, trying to use his feet induced by a tossed up delivery from Lyon.
Lyon picked up 2 wickets for 3 runs while the other one was picked up by Josh Hazlewood.
Lyon's performance gave a small amount of momentum to the Australia side which struggled for the entire day.
The Australian innings folded for just 136 runs. It took Cook and his bowlers a mere 37 overs to complete the task after the Australian skipper Michael Clarke won the toss and decided to bat first.
The third test started ten days after England was ousted in the second test at Lord’s. Speculations were rife, Clarke had expressed his doubts over the pitch, calling it ‘unusual’ for an English track but what transpired after the match began was a déjà vu of the classic 2005 Edgbaston Ashes encounter.
It was not just Anderson who frustrated the visitors; rain too played its part, preventing a whole day’s play.
Warner (2) was the first to go, trapped in front by Anderson. Steven Finn then bowled a short and fiery spell to remove the in-form Steven Smith (7) and skipper Michael Clarke (10). Anderson came back to pick four more wickets and complete his five-wicket haul, denting the Australian middle order in the process as they slumped to a precarious 94-7 from 34-3.
Australian batsman Chris Rogers occupied one side of the wicket but the others could barely hold on as the southpaw watched in dismay. Rogers scored 52 before Stuart Broad picked his wicket, trapping him in front.
The fourth wicket partnership of 43 runs between Voges and Rogers was the best from their side. Anderson (6-47) recorded his career best performance. Broad and Finn picked up 2 wickets each.
England trail by 3 runs. An additional 30 minutes will be added to day two’s play to make up for the lost time.
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