Anderson puts Australia to the sword

LONDON • Australia were dismissed for just 136 runs by England, after they decided to bat when winning the toss on the first day of the third Ashes cricket Test at Edgbaston yesterday.

Swing bowler James Anderson took six for 47 in 14.4 overs, including a spell of four for seven in 10 balls after lunch, having gone wicketless with match figures of none for 137 in Australia's crushing 405- run win in the Lord's second Test.

Fast bowler Steven Finn took two for 38 in 10 overs in his first Test in two years, after Durham quick Mark Wood was omitted because of ankle problems.

Stuart Broad, the only other bowler used, took two for 44.

Anderson's quick-fire burst started when he had Adam Voges caught behind for 16.

Mitchell Marsh (0) also nicked a swinging delivery to wicket-keeper Jos Buttler and then Peter Nevill's bad misjudgment saw him bowled for two without offering a shot. England's leading wicket-taker in Tests then bagged his 18th five-wicket haul when Mitchell Johnson (3) sliced to Ben Stokes at fifth slip.

Australia lost three wickets in a rain-interrupted morning with Finn, branded "unselectable" by former England limited-overs coach Ashley Giles 18 months ago owing to a breakdown in his bowling action, took the scalps of the prolific Steve Smith (7) and skipper Michael Clarke (10).

After Anderson had given England a flying start by trapping David Warner (2) leg before wicket, Finn found bounce and movement on the quickest pitch of the series so far.

Australia were indebted to Chris Rogers' 52. The opener was the eighth man out, lbw to Broad, and Anderson fittingly took the final wicket when Nathan Lyon played on as Australia were dismissed in just 36.4 overs.

The five-match series is level at 1-1 after England won the first Test in Cardiff by 169 runs.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, REUTERS

ASHES, 3RD TEST

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on July 30, 2015, with the headline Anderson puts Australia to the sword. Subscribe