Third Test: Day two as it happened

England bowler Steven Finn on Sky Sports: "We knew it was going to be a lot of hard work so to get the lead and put the pressure on was great.

"It has been a while since I've played Test cricket so to come here and take wickets was great. The rhythm was good. When you've played a fair bit of cricket you try to treat it like another game. It obviously isn't and it is tiring but it has been a good day.

"The game is definitely not won yet. They have players who can bat. There will still be pressure and we need to do a professional job tomorrow."

More from Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson on Sky Sports: "If we can get to 120 or 130 ahead we'll have a really good crack at them. It would give us more of a chance than 23 - it looked at one stage like we wouldn't make them bat again. The start of the series wasn't great, we didn't bowl or bat in partnerships at Cardiff and we did that again in this Test."

"Cook and Clarke both said they didn't have any doubt about winning the toss and batting first. Really?! Batting first is only the right call if you bat well."

Australia pace bowler Mitchell Johnson on Sky Sports: "It's not ideal, not something we're happy about. We're 23 runs ahead and we need a big partnership in the morning to get the ball rolling. England might be one bowler down, but we've got to stop this rot. It's definitely been doing it a little bit, we played some shots we didn't need to and the guys will be disappointed. We need the tail to wag."

"Australia are novices at playing the moving ball. I didn't say it was easy, but it is not a terror track. Clarke is lucky to be averaging 18 the way he is playing. He is under the cosh."

It was left to Peter Nevill, with the help of Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc, to haul Australia into Friday. Finn completing a five-for to remove Johnson left Australia 168-7 at the close, effectively 23-7. That is where we shall begin in the morning.

Mark: There's a touch of Beefy Botham about Steven Finn. He bowls some absolute corkers, and gets wickets. He bowls some very average stuff, too, but still has a knack of getting people out. It's unfathomable, but long may it continue.

Even Warner couldn't drag Australia into the lead, a top edge off James Anderson seeing him away. The only blot on England's day concerned Anderson soon after, the pacer leaving the field clutching his side. Big trouble?

"Finn has bowled some really good balls. This might be the making of him. It might move him forward and he gets it all back after two years in the doldrums."

Around him, though, the brilliant Steve Finn was reducing the Australia top order to dust. Stuart Broad had already pinned Chris Rogers when Finn, moving the ball off the seam at pace, got working through Steve Smith, Michael Clarke, Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh. 92-5 and in danger of having Friday off.

When they went, so too did England, 281 all out, a lead of 145. Match-winning, or Australia to gobble it up and go beyond? Whilst David Warner was smashing 77 from 62 balls, it could have been the latter.

"I was amazed at how badly Starc bowled. It was wayward and wild and down the leg side. He had no discipline or direction. Mitchell Johnson was trying like hell along with the off-spinner. But once the ball got old Johnson couldn't use his pace as effectively and England got away. Ali and Broad knocked the stuffing out of them."

Johnson bowled two brutes in the second over of the day to remove Jonny Bairstow and Ben Stokes, part of a complete England slide from 132-2 to 190-7. In danger of wasting a good first day? Enter Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad, a stand of 87 in under 20 overs. Moeen a counter-punching 59, Broad's 31 his most important Test innings for two years.

"Wonderful and interesting day of cricket for England but embarrassing for Australia. Their batting was as pathetic as it was in the first innings."

In all, 316 runs have been scored and 14 wickets have fallen. It seems a long time ago that Mitchell Johnson was bowling ripsnorters that threatened to rip through the England lower order.

Australia 168-7 (55 overs) - lead by 23

Batsmen: Nevill 37*, Starc 7*

Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Rogers 6), 62-2 (Smith 8), 76-3 (Clarke 3), 76-4 (Voges 0), 92-5 (M Marsh 6), 111-6 (Warner 77), 153-7 (Johnson 14)

Bowling figures: Anderson 8.3-5-15-1, Broad 14-3-36-1, Finn 13-3-45-5, Moeen 10-2-37-0, Stokes 8-1-23-0, Root 1.3-0-2-0.

Australia first innings 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47)

England first innings 281 (Root 63, Moeen 59, Bell 53, Lyon 3-36, Hazlewood 3-74)

Australia won toss

Full scorecard

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"It has been a terrific two days for England. You don't really want to be applauded for taking a game into day three. Australia have been found out technically on this pitch. England have produced a well-drilled performance."

Steven Finn leads England off the field. He bowled a remarkable spell, as good as I can remember from an England bowler. His figures of 5-45 - 7-83 in the match - made all the better by the fact this is his first Test for two years.

And that is that, the end of an amazing day of Ashes cricket. For a long time it looked as though England might pull off a two-day victory. Instead, they will come back tomorrow and, in all likelihood, will take a 2-1 series lead.

JoElle: ‏I have Edgbaston day 4 tickets for 75¢. And also a bridge in London you might be interested in buying.

"Oooowwwzzzaaatttt?!?!?" Root to Starc, that looks very close. No reviews for England, who see Aleem Dar shake his head. Does Dar think he hit it? It looks like it was boot first. It was sliding down the leg side anyway. One ball to go...

Steve Hind: Can Michael Clarke just move back to #5? He averages 61 there, versus 30 at #4. We can get a #4 to avg >30 easier than find a #5 to avg >60.

Starc survives and Broad, hands on knees, is probably done for the day. He'll come back tomorrow in the search of that 300th Test wicket. One set to go, to be bowled by Joe Root.

"If Mark Wood is fit then Wood plays instead of Anderson at Trent Bridge. If not, I'd look at Mark Footit from Derbyshire or Jack Brooks at Yorkshire."

Stuart Broad, probably his last over of the day. Still looking for that 300th Test wicket. Four slips, two catchers in front of the bat, floodlight looming a large, thin line of shadow through the path of Broad's run-up. Starc all at sea outside off stump, but somehow survives three deliveries.

"The Australian batting has been poor but I thought their bowling was wayward. It was back to what we saw at Cardiff, spraying it either side of the wicket and too short at times."

The shadows just come across the ground as Steve Finn strives for the wicket that might force the extra half hour. Starc is solid in defence, emulating the stoic Nevill, as the Edgbaston din is turned down once more. I reckon there's two overs left tonight. If you've got tickets for tomorrow, you'll see some cricket.

Sway Cricket Club: My Duncan Fearnley "Extra Cover" bat has been supporting my tomatoes for the last 25 years. Bad bat, great lifespan

Is that a drop by Jos Buttler? It would have been an absolute worldie. Leg side, the ball catching Peter Nevill's glove, Buttler flying to his left, can't quite hold on. That would have been Stuart Broad's 300th Test wicket.

"You rarely see Jimmy Anderson grimace much on the pitch. I would be staggered if Jimmy Anderson played at Trent Bridge."

As the shadows lengthen, we get a look inside the Australia dressing room. Darren Lehmann seemed to be heading out. "I can't work with this any more, you're on your own."

I'm going to stick my neck out and say we'll be back tomorrow. Nevill, the Aussie wall between England and Friday off, hops about and gets Finn to the leg side for a single. Starc, no mug with the bat, an average of 25, calmly watches the ball go past the off stump. England took six wickets in the first 29 overs and only one in the next 22. The Aussie top order might want to have a look at themselves.

"Nevill is showing a bit of character here. there was a lot of talk about Haddin getting his place back this week but I like the look of Nevill. He is a fighter."

Plenty of you on Twitter are pointing out that Australia are effectively 8-7, made 9-7 when Starc pushes a single off Moeen. Nevill crowded by close catchers, more popular than the man offering to get the beers in. Nevill, by the way, is the first man to have faced more than 100 balls in an innings in this match. Kids today, eh?

"This whole series has become so hard to predict. You have no idea what England or Australia side will arrive at Trent Bridge."

Finn, the dark-haired destroyer of Australian batting, roars in once more. On the Aussie balcony, Peter Siddle, Brad Haddin and Shane Watson talk about how they might get a game at Trent Bridge. Nevill, for the umpteenth time, plays and misses, but remains. He can't pinch the strike, so Starc will face up to Moeen.

Steven Finn even has his own song, borrowed from Graeme Swann, "Finn will tear you apart". Lovely scene at Edgbaston now, evening sun, just like when Steve Harmison produced that slower ball to Michael Clarke 10 years ago. There's half an hour left in the day, plus an extra half hour should England require it. My current feeling is that they won't take it, but another swift wicket could change that.

"A bit of patience and a change of bowling brings rewards. Finn is back."

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And that, in his first Test match for two years, is five wickets for Steven Finn. From unselectable to unplayable, fairytale stuff. The crowd sings again, greeting new man Mitchell Starc with "Eng-ger-land". Will we be back tomorrow?

"How does Finn do it? It is quite remarkable. He just gets people out."

Peter Danson: ‏Mad Max appears to be wearing an entire Wicketkeeper!

D.W. Bentley: ‏Stranger place than Mad Max for a pair of cricket batting gloves? Easy, on Devon Maclom's hands.

Moeen has the leg-side packed for Nevill, leg slip, short leg and a short mid-wicket. Round the wicket, target the leg stump, Nevill still unflappable in defence. Summon Steven Finn...

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"These two have played pretty well. They have shown it is possible out there, especially against an old ball that is not springing up off the turf. Johnson is playing patiently and responsibly and Nevill is impressing in his second Test."

The ECB update on Anderson doesn't tell us lots, but there are plenty giving us a worst-case scenario opinion. On Sky Sports, Sir Ian Botham is the latest to say he thinks Anderson will be out for the series if it is an intercostal problem. Broad still striving, Nevill still dead-batting. There are 12 overs left in the day.

Moeen is looking to attack the area outside Nevill's off stump. Land the ball there, if it turns, it threatens the timbers. If it doesn't, slip is in play. Nevill, though, is an oasis of Australian calm in the middle of England's happiest home. A couple of pushes through the off side, a single to leg. Five from the over.

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Former England and Essex swing bowler Mark Ilott tells BBC Essex: "It looks a bad one. If it's an intercostal it could be seven weeks [for him to recover]. Other than a stress fracture of the back there's not much worse than a side strain for a quick bowler.

"Potentially he could be out of the Ashes. When it swings there's no one better than Jimmy so I don't how you'd replace him if it's as bad as it looked, but let's hope it's not."

There you have it. England will have to bat again. Twice Stuart Broad drifts on to the pads of Peter Nevill, who brings the scores level. It's almost like we're in a different stadium to an hour ago, watching a different sport. When England were rampant, when Finn's ball was dominating Aussie bats, Edgbaston was baying. Now it's napping, awaiting a reason to wake up.

Is this the moment? Peter Nevill gropes at a not-turner from Moeen and England holler for a catch behind. Nothing doing. What was that noise? Bat on floor. A Ben Stokes mis-field gives Nevill three, taking the Aussie keeper on to a rapid 19 from 73 balls. He's doing a fine job of holding England up.

"Alastair Cook has plenty to smile about but he will be worried by Jimmy Anderson's departure. It is not worth Cook thinking about the ramifications. He needs to focus on this match.

"With the speed this match has moved forward, we have not seen much bowling with the old ball. And I don't think it does as much. It doesn't behave as mischievously."

Can Broad provide England with a little lift, pick them up after this flat 45 minutes or so? His length is good, but the line not so much. Wickets, so regular either side of tea, seem a little harder to come by. It's almost like we're watching proper Test cricket. Think about that during the drinks break.

"I think it is right that Broad has a bowl. Australia have had a bad day. Get the quicks on and finish them off."

Indeed it will be Stuart Broad. 299 Test wickets, remember...

Stuart Mitchell: Jimmy with a side strain makes it more important that we wrap this up soon, give him more recovery time before next Thursday.

Paul Fletcher: ‏Chris Rushworth get loose for the next test...

possit: ‏ Never want to lose Jimmy Anderson but does solve the Wood problem so many were worried about. Might be good for the future

Still Moeen, who will have a greater workload with Anderson off the pitch. Whereas Johnson was looking to biff, Nevill is happy to drop anchor, nurdle. Blue sky, sunshine, shadows. Rapid over, one from it. Edgbaston becalmed, as if that Anderson injury has sucked wind from sails.

"The other thing about bowlers, when you have a side strain you need to make sure they are fit. You don't want them breaking down during a game and leaving you a bowler short."

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Just looking again at when James Anderson got injured. He bowled two trimmers, felt his side, doubling over in pain. He tried again, aborted his run and headed off. Unconfirmed reports suggest an intercostal tear. If that's the case, he could be done for a while. Stokes full to Nevill, a maiden. Stuart Broad getting loose.

Rikhi: Do the 'Harborne Mile' - soaking in the sun in the bucolic beer gardens of Edgbaston and Harborne

Totum: Simon, Elliott and Paul could take it turns to massage Jimmy A's side over a 48 hour period. National service type thing

TW Royals Cricket: For anyone with Day 4 tickets I'll organise a pub crawl from Edgbaston to Birmingham City Centre in Fancy Dress #barmyarmy

Yep, Mitchell Johnson fancies a bit of Moeen here. A dance, a biff, four straight down the ground. England must beware here. Nevill's Test batting average is 31. Johnson 23, Starc 25, Hazlewood 41 and Lyon 14. Enough batting to make the chase tricky. There are 19 overs left in the day if they don't take an extra half hour.

Ben Stokes puffs out his cheeks, takes the ball and begins his journey towards Peter Nevill, who waits with almost no backlift, Paul Collingwood-style. The sun shines on the crowd, who chat and drink as they for the next reason to get excited. Still the appearance of batting being a little easier continues. Australia slowly nudging towards making England bat again.

Sorry... earlier we posted about the BBC Get Inspired page. I believe the link wasn't working. Try this!

Still Moeen, looking for the turn that Nathan Lyon enjoyed earlier on. Wheeling away, no great threat, four runs milked. Even the crowd has quietened too. A pick-me-up is required.

BÖÖM!: Jimmy Anderson off for his birthday drinks - well deserved

Nicholas Cram: Was that England's McGrath moment??? #sidegate

Ben: Hope James is ok. Trent Bridge well known for being one of his happiest hunting grounds.

Ben Stokes back on, Joe Root required only for three balls. This ball is still swinging, this way and that, almost crushing Mitchell Johnson's toes. Have things just calmed a little? Australia seemed to have pulled away from self-destruct mode.

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The teatime TMS chat with Chris Wolstenholme from Muse is now available on the TMS podcast page - where you can also find the lunchtime "Ask the Umpire" feature with John Holder.

Spin from both ends as Moeen comes on. Round the wicket to the right-handed Nevill, who calmly defends. Still on for a two-day finish? Would England take the extra half hour now they are a bowler down?

mark mccausland: Go to Brindley Place, Bennetts Hill or Broad Street #pubs

Tom King: Simon and Elliott could go and watch Birmingham City v Leicester City pre season friendly at St Andrew's on Saturday...

Dave Shelton I hear the pen nib museum is very good.

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England's joy could well be dampened if Anderson's injury turns out to be serious. For a long time we've worried how England would cope if James Anderson was forced to miss a Test match. We might be about to find out.

"They can take a while these injuries. England will be desperate that their main man is fit for the next match. He is absolutely right to stop and go off."

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James Anderson was feeling his side throughout that over and eventually pulled out of his run and walked straight off the pitch. Side injuries are very dangerous for bowlers, so that's a real concern for England. That like-for-like replacement Joe Root will bowl the rest of his over.

A mate of mine has just text me to say he's on Southport sea front and has seen a lad roll by on a skateboard whilst wearing wicketkeeping gloves. The Ashes effect? Is that the oddest example of someone wearing cricket kit? Back in the middle, James Anderson has massaged this ball's vocal chords and is making it sing Nessun Dorma. Big out-swinger, Johnson misses. In-swinger, Johnson leaves, hits him on the pad. But, there's trouble...

This cricket's good, isn't it? If you're wondering how to get into the game you should head over to BBC Sport's dedicated Get Inspired page. There you will find all you need to know about this wonderful sport.

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It was hitting the bottom of off stump, but hit the flap of Nevill's pad a long way outside the line of off stump. "Well done," says third umpire Marais Erasmus to on-field ump Chris Gaffaney. Team Umpire. Only one decision in 22 in this series has been overturned.

Let's rock n roll that. Big in-ducker from Stokes. No bat...

It's a very good ball from Stokes to Nevill, but I'm not sure about the review. I think it's hit him outside the line. Let's see...

"England have bowled beautifully. They've been very disciplined and Finn has come back and ripped the heart out of that Australian order."

Still Anderson in the sunshine, sweat on his brow, songs as he kicks to the crease. Away, away, away, in-ducker! That's hooped around a tree, but Nevill is up to it, even if it is another edge that doesn't carry to the slips. I'm trying to think of a more topsy-turvy Test series than this. Struggling.

Simon: Got train and cricket tickets for Saturday. Anyone got any suggestions of what to do in Birmingham? I hear the Bullring is nice

Elliott Mallows: Any suggestions for things for a group of guys to do in Birmingham on Saturday?!

Paul: Currently on the train to Birmingham from Scotland for tomorrow's play. Any idea what to do in Brum on a free Friday?

Ben Stokes might fancy a bit of Mitchell Johnson after the leather-sniffer he got this morning. For the moment he has to contend with Peter Nevill, who leans into a cover drive for four. In theory, there's still 35 overs left in the day - Australia have only batted for 30 so far. Edgbaston buzzes, there's an odd pocket of song, but still ready to explode at the next green helmet on the way back to the hutch.

"If Australia don't make England bat again it will be England's first home Ashes win by an innings since the Oval in 1985. They have four by an innings in Australia since then."

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Looking again, Warner got himself into a horrible tangle. He was trying to pull a ball that was on off stump and moving away from him, effectively playing with half a bat. Tucked up, ball straight up, Adam Lyth given an easy chance. Mitchell Johnson the new man, Edgbaston switches from singing the praises of Anderson to mocking the Aussie pacer.

"He has got right across to off stump and tried to turn it and got a leading edge quite a way up for a comfortable catch for Lyth. That is the shot of a man who knows the end is round the corner."

Australia 107-5 (28 overs) - trail by 38

Batsmen: Warner 77*, Nevill 5*

Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Rogers 6), 62-2 (Smith 8), 76-3 (Clarke 3), 76-4 (Voges 0), 92-5 (M Marsh 6)

Bowling figures: Anderson 6-3-15-0, Broad 9-1-31-1, Finn 9-1-39-4, Moeen 1-0-11-0, Stokes 3-0-9-0

Australia first innings 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47)

England first innings 281 (Root 63, Moeen 59, Bell 53, Lyon 3-36, Hazlewood 3-74)

Australia won toss

Full scorecard

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Peter Nevill is batting with a dodecahedron, as another edge just fails to carry to the slips. In the background, the Edgbaston crowd provide the soundtrack to the evening (and maybe your trip home too). James Anderson has been off the field for a little while, but he's now back on and about to replace Steve Finn.

Sam Anstee: Loving the excitement and prospect of a series defining win (potentially), but am I the only one feeling this test match is a bit lacking in quality? Yes, it's incredibly exciting, but under-11's cricket can also be exciting if it's close. We watch Test cricket because it's the ultimate test, these should be the best 22 players these two teams have to offer, applying themselves and doing everything it takes to win. Whilst it has been exciting, the moments of excellence have been few and far between.

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The players have taken drinks, by the way. Ben Stokes to continue after the break.

matts76: Bowling out the Aussies ? It was nu-Finn

Petersaurus Rapp: England winning inside two days?! What is this Finnsanity

Andrew Byama: Marsh mellowed! C'mon England.

"The period around an hour after tea is usually one for a stroll to the bar, or a stroll to the smaller room near the bar because of the earlier trips straight to the bar. Some punters generally start packing up the coolboxes and heading home. Not today. This has been such an extraordinary day of Test cricket that no-one dare look away, let alone leave their seat in search of other pursuits."

"It hasn't flattened out has it? The second and third day is usually pretty good here for batting but it has kept doing it all day. When Nathan Lyon came on it turned from a green seamer to a turning track in one over. It keeps all the bowlers interested."

I'm trying to remember the last time I saw an England bowler send down a better spell than this. Finn, tall as a giraffe, thin as a crisp, is charging in, whirring his arms and testing Peter Nevill at speeds in the high-80s. Seam movement away from the right-hander, who isn't quite good enough to get an edge. In the stands, some Aussies in yellow have an umbrella up and are doing a rain dance. They'll be tired if they have to do that for another three days.

Like him or not (and my gut feeling is that a lot of England fans fall into the latter category), it's worth noting how well David Warner has played this afternoon. Whilst those around him have folded faster than Superman on laundry day, Warner has stood firm, not just defending, but counter-punching. At the moment, he seems like the only line of defence between Australia and a two-day defeat.

"When you are bowling like this you want to keep going. If I was bowling like Finn there is no way you would get that ball out of my hand."

Steve Finn is bowling rozzer after rozzer. Pace, just back of a length, nipping away, leaving Nevill groping in the dark. It's unplayable stuff. Is this game crawling into a third day?

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"I think Steven Finn wants to put this wicket in his pocket and take it to the next Test."

Ooooowwwwwzzzzatttttt!?!?!? Jos Buttler is convinced, Steven Finn is convinced, Edgbaston is convinced and the whole of England is convinced. Surely Nevill is caught behind? No, says Aleem Dar. Cook asks his keeper, then decides it could have hit the back leg. He's right too. The skipper will make a good umpire when he's done.

Tom Burrows: Finnomenal.

Sean West: I can't F-INN believe this.

Steve Jones: The Aussies batting order is looking a bit Finn now.

To put you in the picture, there are 33 overs left in the day, which have to be bowled by 19:00. After that, if England think they can get the match won tonight, they can request an extra half an hour. The last two-day Test match in England was the win over West Indies at Headingley in 2000. The 15-year-old me was lucky enough to be in the crowd. Edgbaston roars Stokes to the crease, Peter Nevill works hard to keep him out.

"Finn is almost unplayable. He gets a huge cheer from the crowd. The only ovation I ever got like that at Edgbaston was when it was announced I wasn't playing before the 2005 Test."

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Wonderful scenes as Steven Finn returns to his fielding position, the whole stand rising for a standing ovation. Can you imagine how good it must feel to be greeted that way in the middle of a spell that is winning an Ashes Test? Simply brilliant. Ben Stokes on for his first bowl of the match.

Martin Nash: In 2013 I had tickets for day 4 at the Oval: washed out. In 2015 I have tickets for day 4 at Edgbaston: not gonna happen. Am I cursed to never see an Ashes test match in the flesh?

This really is extraordinary stuff. Not least because of the England turnaround from Lord's, but the turnaround of Finn from rock bottom to Aussie destroyer. Marsh was caught on the crease, leaden-footed, meaning there was a gap big enough for a bus between bat and pad. When Finn found a touch of seam movement, Marsh was a goner. Peter Nevill the new man. Good luck, champ.

"Very good bowling from Finn. It was a good length, hit the seam and just came back slightly. No need to worry about the review there. Australia are in serious trouble now. You have to wonder why Finn has not been back playing Test cricket prior to this?"

John Morris: Silly that reviews are lost on Umpire's Call - no problem with the concept of it but shouldn't cost the reviewing side a review

Sunshine in Birmingham matches the sunny demeanour of the Edgbaston crowd. There's songs, there's fancy dress (Dalmatians, Cruella de Vil, Aussie bushmen, city bankers), there's beer. Broad, galloping shadow to his left, has Marsh in a tangle with the short ball. From the safety of the other end, Marsh leans on his bat, as if to say "I had it covered". We believe you, Mitchell.

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"How about this as a place to spend your Thursday afternoon? The view from Edgbaston's 'Skyline Kiosk'."

Thanks, Marc. Have I missed much? What do you mean we might get the weekend off?

When I took over this live text commentary a few short hours ago, England were only seven down. It's been possibly one of the best sessions of cricket I've ever seen. Here's to more of the same... over to Stephan Shemilt.

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"I thought that was absolutely dead when I saw it. No wonder they went up like they did. I'm a bowler and I think that is out. It is knocking middle stump out of the ground. I don't know how the umpire didn't give it out."

Almost... umpire's call on height. England almost got a leaden-footed Mitchell Marsh lbw there. Steven Finn rolls his eyes. You can't win them all, Finny.

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I tell you what, this looks close. Finn to Mitchell Marsh. How's it not bowled him? Alastair Cook thinks. The crowd are reviewing it. So's the skipper...

Christian Chew: I've tickets for days three and four at Edgbaston to watch #ENGvAUS....fancy dress sorted and everything #gutted

Christophe Talbotski: Bit concerned at this not lasting three days, not only have tickets for Saturday but also hula girl outfits may go to waste!

James Metcalfe: Whose organising the fancy dress pub crawl in Birmingham on Saturday?

There'll be a few Birmingham-based tour guides rubbing their hands at the moment - there could be a number of touring Australians with time on their hands at the weekend. Stuart Broad is steaming in but no joy. Remember, his next wicket will be number 300. Potentially trying too hard.

Richard in Wiltshire: Yesterday you received an email noting that one of the oldest records in Test cricket (highest percentage of team total by one batsman) was under threat from Chris Rogers. Dare I suggest David Warner could be the one to break the record this innings?

Good spot Richard. The record is 67.3%, set by Australia's Charles Bannerman in the very first ever Test match in 1877 when he made 165 not out in a total of 245. After 20 overs, Warner has 75.8% of Australia's run total.

"1921 at Trent Bridge was the last Ashes Test to finish within two days."

Australia won that match by 10 wickets.

Could England win this tonight? There's another 38 overs left. A staggering thought on the second day. In the last Test, Australia had just about declared their first innings at this stage.

David Warner belts Steven Finn to the cover boundary. The field is up, meaning there are gaps for the left-hander.

Max in Andalusia: Going home on the commuter train from Seville to Dos Hermanas. Got some very strange looks when shouting "Get in there Finny my son!" Explained I was listening to the cricket, more strange looks.

"If Australia do get out of this hole they will do so quickly. Warner won't change the way he plays. Marsh is a relative novice at this level and I don't think he is capable of playing a defensive innings."

Mitchell Marsh won't hang around here - pulling a half-tracker from Stuart Broad for two. Edgbaston is like a bottle of pop at the moment. It keeps getting shaken up and explodes every five minutes. All quiet at the moment though. For now.

PACopyright: PA

Mark Cosgrove: That catch is why Lyth keeps his place ahead of the likes of Hales

Chris Plant: Listening on headphones while the wife sleeps, MUST NOT CHEER!

Georgia Davenport: FINNNNNNNN!!

"This is not a terror track by any means. The last two dismissals have not misbehaved. It is just Finn sending down from a good height, on a good length and exploiting some tentative batting."

David Warner is joined at the non-striker's end by fieldsman James Anderson. They are virtually rubbing shoulders. "Reckon you can take it into a third day, Dave?"

"Just that little bit of bounce and a new batsman being tentative. Finn goes back and acknowledges a standing ovation at fine leg. I felt for him after that first over, when he looked a bit out of sorts, but that change of ends has proved to be a funky piece of captaincy from Alastair Cook."

Five slips for the hat-trick ball. Is that all skip? Steven Finn is roared to the wicket and fails to make Mitchell Marsh play. Never mind, the Aussies are four down.

"Bell even had the impertinency to take that catch Aussie style. Finn on a hat-trick, Marsh on a pair. It is quite noisy here at Birmingham and this game is moving at a pace we cannot believe."

"It was a goodish ball, it just bounced a little bit. The face was open and the shot a bit tentative. If Finn does nothing else in this game he has already done his bit to turn it. He had Smith - the best player - in the first innings and now Clarke twice."

"I always thought the first time teams started to wittingly play this form of fast, aggressive cricket was the Australian team under Steve Waugh in the mid-90s. They encouraged the likes of Gilchrist and Hayden to go for teams.

"There were teams in the distant past, like the West Indian side with Viv Richards, who would attack but that was almost by accident because they had those kind of players."

Tell me... is this 2015 Ashes series having the same effect as the 2005 Ashes? Have you managed to get a non-cricket fan into the Ashes? It's pure sporting theatre at the moment. Despair one minute, delight the next. Another good over from Stuart Broad. Two from it.

"Is anyone going to play an old fashioned innings? The closest we have is Chris Rogers in the first innings but even that was quite quick."

Rich: Hales has done OK but he is hardly making himself a must-select. I don't understand why there is such clamouring for him.

Tim Adamson: How encouraging it is that Australia have Adam Voges - and not Mike Hussey - coming in at 5. Hussey was imperious in these situations.

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What's the evening session got in store for us? Let's find out. Stuart Broad is at the end of his mark. Michael Clarke is playing shadow shots. Let's play.

Stephen Shuttleworth: It is often the case that the second-choice wicket-keeper does not have much to do on a tour. This summer, the second-choice has played in Tests in both series:- Luke Ronchi (NZ) and Peter Nevill (Aus). This must be unusual.

New Zealand actually used three keepers, with Tom Latham taking the gloves in the Lord's Test.

Who's on top here, then? Opinion is mixed around me. My only prediction? We're going to get a nailbiting 2005-style finish.

"I'd say 30% of the batting in this Test has been good, 70% has been terrible."

"Australia have halved the deficit in 15 overs. That is why England will be worried as long as Warner is out there. If he nullifies that himself and gets 145 then England will have to chase a tricky total. But England are in the box seat."

Have a dip, Chris. You've got 10 minutes of tea left...

Australia 73-2 (15 overs) - trail by 72

Batsmen: Warner 56*, Clarke 2*

Fall of wickets: 17-1 (Rogers 6), 62-2 (Smith 8)

Bowling figures: Anderson 6-3-15-0, Broad 5-1-25-1, Finn 3-0-21-1, Moeen 1-0-11-0.

Australia first innings 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47)

England first innings 281 (Root 63, Moeen 59, Bell 53, Lyon 3-36, Hazlewood 3-74)

Australia won toss

Full scorecard

Who keeps a gong in the office?

Charlie Drayton: Call me a pessimist but Clarke to get a big hundred and Australia to mount a convincing lead.

Ben Finn: Warner's destruction of the England bowlers is what Alex Hales could do if brought in to replace Lyth.

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TMS's teatime guest is Chris Wolstenholme of the band Muse.

"There will be periods when you think the ball is doing nothing. But as a batsman you can't ever feel like you are in control. It gives the bowling side a reason to believe they can get something. That is what makes this a good wicket."

David Warner takes us to tea with a scorching four through the covers. That ball almost singed the turf it went so fast.

Michael Clarke is having to dig deep here - playing a quite exaggerated defensive prod off the back foot to Steven Finn. He then gets an inside-edge into his midriff. The stump microphone picks up a yelp of pain. Tough going for Pup.

"35 balls. He has equalled the record for the quickest 50 by either side in an Ashes Test. That is the same as Graham Yallop."

David Warner won't back down. He's reached his 17th Test fifty in just 41 matches. He takes three off Stuart Broad to bring it up.

Kevin Carter: I think I just heard Edgbaston erupt from the centre of Birmingham.

A horrible swish from Michael Clarke gets Stuart Broad giddy. The opening bowler is back on because he's got Clarke's measure. Nobody has dismissed him more.

Ralph Brooker: Credit to Captain Cook for the Smith wicket. He was prepared to buy it. He could easily have taken Finn off. What an atmosphere.

Michael Clarke - in one of the worst trots of his career - tickles a leg-bye off Steven Finn. He's averaging 18.88 in his last six Ashes Tests. His team need a captain's knock now.

"It would be an exaggeration to say that the rapid, five runs an over Australian response had silenced Edgbaston - that would be to underestimate how much you can drink by mid-afternoon when you put your mind and wallet to it. But the jubilation when Buttler hung on to Smith's top edge told its own tale. After a first over that had gone for 14, the mighty Finn has turned it round again."

"It was there to hit. I'm just trying to work out how it hit the top edge. It wasn't quick. But it was the breakthrough England were desperately after. They were just starting to look at the scorecard. This is a big innings for the Australia captain now. He hasn't been in any kind of form."

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Richard Haines: Better to have got Warner out early, Rogers an old fashioned accumulator so game doesn't race away, Warner can cause havoc.

Shane: David Warner only ever seems to play in T20 mode... dangerman.

Jarleth Eaton: ‏England letting the Aussies make up the runs too easily. This has the makings of a match saving/winning partnership.

David Warner is a proper second-innings player. He thrives at the business end of things. He tickles Moeen for four, then late cuts another boundary. Penny for Alastair Cook's thoughts.

"Alastair Cook has realised very quickly that Finn didn't get it quite right in that one over so he has gone to Moeen Ali. Ali has got Warner out a few times so this will be interesting."

An unconvincing poke from Steve Smith when he tries to cut James Anderson. He'll be glad when the England talisman is grazing in the field. The crowd continue to sing the bowler's name. All very jovial. Another play and miss from Steve Smith is greeted with more verbals from a grumpy Jimmy. Own up. Who forgot to send a birthday card?

Four more. David Warner flicking a boundary off his hips. Steven Finn's first over goes for 14.

"In the back of Alastair Cook's mind he will know that David Warner is a key figure here for Australia because he scores so quickly. The lead can get put to bed within a session if he gets going."

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The Aussies are getting stuck into Steven Finn - David Warner smashing four off the back foot through the covers.

Merlyn: Don't get why England are bowling to Steve Smith so far outside his stumps. Lbw? Bowled? Let him walk all over the place

Peter Vaz: Why has no one ever tried to target Steve Smith's leg stump? He moves so far across that he exposes his stumps!!

Steven Finn bowls a loopy yorker-type delivery which Steve Smith whips for three. If he missed though, he was a goner.

"There is definitely not as much zip or seam as their was yesterday off the pitch. I was amazed how much it spun for Nathan Lyon. Moeen Ali will come into the game at some point."

I wonder if James Anderson has to get cakes in for the dressing room because it's his birthday? A nice chocolate éclair for the close of play. There's a quiet hum inside Edgbaston now - the excitement of earlier evaporating. England might turn to Steven Finn before long? He's warming up on the boundary. Steve Smith raises a smile from the Aussies inside the ground with a straightly-driven four. Anderson responds with some verbals.

"Nip into the dressing room later for a cream cake, lads." Or maybe not.

We asked you earlier - other than James Anderson, which five England bowlers have taken six or more wickets in an Ashes innings since 2005?

The answers to today's #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport - Stuart Broad, Steven Finn, Matthew Hoggard, Simon Jones and Ben Stokes.

"If I was a really quick bowler I'd be looking to bowl a leg-stump yorker to Smith. Steer it in to him and prevent him moving. They used to try to do that to Brian Lara because he had that big back-lift and used to skip across."

When the bowler begins his run-up, Steve Smith is banging his bat into the ground outside leg stump. By the point of delivery, the bat is outside off stump. Bizarre. It must be of-putting to the bowler. Maiden over by Stuart Broad.

"I wonder how long it will be before James Anderson starts to come round the wicket to the left-hander to find that line at the stumps where he has to play every ball?"

Hands on head from the birthday boy James Anderson as David Warner helps himself to a leg-side four. Another wide one, one ball later. Is Anderson going for the strangle?

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"Great cricket ground though it is, one of the downsides of Edgbaston is the fact that the concourses don't offer many vantage points of the pitch. However, during a lap of the ground I did come across a man dressed as a nun and another in a fetching red dress, watching the match on a big screen."

David Warner knows he only needs a couple of hours to erode this England lead and he clobbers three more through the off side.

"Nobody has moved in the stands. Usually you get people moving around, getting beer, but everyone is engrossed in this right now."

Gavin Butler: Ripping up scrap paper into small pieces ready for the confetti effect to celebrate when the next wicket falls

Wobble seam from Stuart Broad almost bringing a wicket - David Warner edging through the four-strong slip cordon. Tense stuff.

"Australia are on the end of the swing in the playground at the moment. They might get chucked off it today if they are not careful."

If it's possible, Steve Smith looks more fidgety than usual. Like a man with ants down his pants. James Anderson, I suspect, is setting him up. Some extravagant away swing. Get ready for the one back into the pads.

Rich in London: You know that sinking feeling when the opposition have a real batsman in the lower order? That's what Moeen's just given to Australia. The best addition to England's squad since Root.

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So, Stuart Broad is on 299 Test wickets now. He's running in hard - arms pumping, red of face and blonde hair flapping. Edgbaston is on the edge of its seat.

But what is that fella in the background doing?

"Chris Rogers has now gone 45 innings without a duck in Test cricket - the most across a whole career. The previous best of 44 was by another Australian, Jim Burke."

"They've dilly-dallied, the boys in the middle. He asked his mate Warner what he thought and didn't get much from him as the clock was ticking, but he didn't signal quickly enough. It is a big wicket for England. They have got rid of the glue of the Australian side."

VB: You can't have a three course meal whilst you decide, Mr Rogers. Review or get off the square.

Chris Rogers is playing off the back foot to James Anderson and that gives him time to drive four through backward point. But there are some which you can't do anything about. A snorter from Anderson is acknowledged by the batsman, who mouths to Jimmy: "That was too good". Indeed.

Play has finished for the day in Mirpur, where it's the first day of the second Test between Bangladesh and South Africa. The Tigers won the toss and finished on 246-8, captain Mushfiqur Rahim top scoring with 65.

But the day belongs to Dale Steyn (3-30), whose first wicket was his 400th in Tests - a landmark he's reached quicker than any other bowler in terms of deliveries. You can read more on Steyn's achievement here.

Meanwhile, in the first T20 international in Colombo,Pakistan have won the toss and are batting first against Sri Lanka.

"Geoffrey does say if you are going to play, either defensively or on the attack, play positively. That is what David Warner did with that shot through cover."

David Warner is ticking here. He's up for the fight, has come out swinging and has the English firmly in his sights. Which will keep the bowlers interested - Stuart Broad running another past the groping outside edge.

An Englishman in the Sonoran Desert: Got up at 4am this morning in Phoenix, Arizona to watch the Moeen Ali show! The sun rising beautifully here and I'm now hoping to see some Jimmy magic.

A thick outside edge for four by David Warner gets Australia's second innings off the ground. A cover drive for four follows. Game on.

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Henry Green: ‏If Australia play as poorly as they did in the first innings then we have won by an innings and 12 runs. #Simples

Jason Moore: If they can limit Aus to a max of 300-350, England still look favourites. Pitch is still doing enough to bowl them out for less

Sally Anders: Now watch Steve Smith get 200+ to keep his test average vs. England going ...I hope I'm wrong...

This is like T20 cricket played in whites. There's something happening every ball - this time Stuart Broad runs one past David Warner's edge. Not a bad sighter.

"When the ball is swinging there is no-one better than Jimmy Anderson. But he can swing it both ways. Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc got it moving but only one way."

Scyld Berry, Daily Telegraph cricket correspondent: Par chase in these high-pressure conditions on a turner? About 180. So if England can dismiss Australia for less than 300 they should win...

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James Anderson is booming the ball around corners already. He's not got full control just yet though.

One wide delivery is chased by Chris Rogers and it's a cat's whisker away from taking the edge. Jos Buttler half-appeals. Edgbaston almost erupts. Maiden.

Here we go then. Chris Rogers and David Warner to bat. James Anderson to bowl.

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"I've just been chatting over lunch to legendary Pakistani cricket writer and broadcaster Qamar Ahmed, who is covering his 413th Test match. Ahmed has worked for all the leading English newspapers, as well as the BBC, and is still touring at the age of 77. Last year he became only the third journalist to reach the 400 Test mark after former Times cricket correspondent John Woodcock and Richie Benaud, whose total includes the 63 matches he played for Australia.

"Qamar remains rightly proud of his biggest scoop. Back in 1990, he revealed that former India captain Sunil Gavaskar had turned down an honorary life membership of the MCC because he was so insulted at twice being denied entry to Lord's by stewards at the gates."

Dan in Hampshire: I've never seen so many stupid shots in two innings of Test cricket. If England had grafted and made sure they stayed in until close of play then we'd be out of sight. As it is, we've played some daft shots and left the game in the balance.

Right. Let's get giddy this afternoon. Every time England take a wicket, I want you to send pictures of your subsequent celebrations - whether it's in the office, in the supermarket or at 30,000ft. That's if they do take wickets, of course.

"This sort or surface will always offer something for bowlers with the new ball but you can bat on it. In the second innings it will simply come down to what kind of batting we get because there have been some very poor stuff so far."

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We've got a humdinger on our hands now, everyone. Don't go anywhere. This match is moving quicker than Peter Kay can run to the chippy in his slippers.

Dan from Rotherham: At no point in this series have England abandoned this 'new-age' attacking brand of cricket, even when we're all sat at home screaming 'There's so much time left', and that's credit to them. What a Test this is - only made better by the pantomime villain the crowd are making of Mitchell Johnson. I didn't even know I disliked him until this series; but what a cricketer he is and still a few years left in the tank to overtake Dennis Lillee?

The field comes in for number 11 James Anderson, who gets off the mark with a classy three down to backward point. Only good fielding from David Warner prevents a four.

GalleryatLaurieston: Hmm, it's a long list! Hard to see beyond the useless but heavily-moustachioed 'Big' Merv Hughes!

RebeccaB70: Dean Jones... yes I'm old

Jamie March: Mrs Mangel.

"Moeen really has lit up this session after lunch. He gets a standing ovation from the crowd here at Edgbaston. He walks off in an unassuming manner but he has taken the lead to 142."

Moeen Ali thinks he's in a baseball cage - playing a flat-batted pull across the line to a Josh Hazlewood delivery. He doesn't connect. Just as well because it would have sailed into the next county. Only one thing on his mind here.

James Boswell: Should have reviewed that Broady, makes Buttler look silly for saving one for you now.

Steven Finn, who has a Test best of 56, is England's number 10 and he plays out five dot balls to begin with. Getting his eye in.

"There was no great celebration from Australia at that wicket. That is often a big sign of where a team is in the context of the game."

"That is a very important partnership for England. It could be match-winning. There is a long way to go in the game yet, though."

England 277-8 (65 overs) - lead by 141

Batsmen: Moeen 58*, Finn 0*

Fall of wickets: 19-1 (Lyth 10), 76-2 (Cook 34), 132-3 (Bell 53), 142-4 (Bairstow 5), 142-5 (Stokes 0), 182-6 (Root 63), 190-7 (Buttler 9), 277-8 (Broad 31)

Bowling figures: Starc 16-1-71-1, Hazlewood 14-0-71-2, Johnson 16-2-66-2, M Marsh 7-2-24-0, Lyon 12-2-35-3.

Australia first innings 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47)

Australia won toss

Moeen Ali has a strike-rate (runs per 100 balls) of 72 in this series - only Joe Root's is better. He's doing to Australia what Adam Gilchrist used to do to England. Stuart Broad is inspired at the other end too, standing tall and driving Josh Hazlewood through the off side for four.

"Looking round the field, the body language of the Aussie fielders since the post-lunch assault tells its own tale: a few hands in pockets, others on hips, arms folded elsewhere and a lot of standing still."

"This is killing Australia. They get a couple of early wickets and think they're in it and these two come in and play with the bowlers."

What did Moeen Ali have for his lunch? He's gobbling up everything the Aussies throw at him here - creaming Nathan Lyon for another boundary through the off side. He's got to be the best number eight in Test cricket?

"This is where you talk about facts and figures. Ali's innings is priceless. He has played it when it matters to get England into a position where they will probably win the match."

Billy Morgan: Ali must be the best number eight batsmen in international cricket right now! His runs down the order are invaluable

David Wayne: Judging on his early performances Moeen Ali should definitely be bumped up the order. We need calm heads like him in the middle.

Jack Kidby: Not quite sure who's beating Mitchell Johnson here, Moeen Ali or this English crowd?!

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Moeen Ali reaches his fourth Test half-century with a single. What a fine knock it has been too. Not without scares... but who cares?

"This is England's highest eighth-wicket partnership in a Test match at Edgbaston, beating the 70 between Andy Caddick and Alex Tudor against New Zealand in 1999."

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Mitchell Johnson is seething. He's getting pelters from the punters and his bowling figures have been dented considerably.

It's all a jovial backdrop to the main event, which has seen England stretch their lead to 126 with three wickets in hand. Healthy.

"This has been one of Broad's best innings in a long time."

Who's your favourite Australian villain? I'd have to go for Ricky Ponting. Mitchell Johnson is the modern-day Aussie cricketer which the English public appear to like ribbing. A sign of respect, in a back-handed way.

Anyway, enough of that, Mitchell Johnson is smeared through the off side with another flourish of Moeen Ali's bat. Fetch that.

MJ is given a standing ovation when he returns to field on the boundary.

"Ali and Broad are both playing with freedom, as you do when you are batting in the lower order and you are in front. Australia are giving up some easy runs at the moment."

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Mitchell Johnson is enjoying the banter with the Edgbaston crowd. I think. Strains of "Mitcheeeellll" greet Moeen Ali's straight drive for four. The next ball he delivers, Johnson rolls on his ankle and ends up kissing the dirt. The crowd love it. Another bouncer. Pulled for four. MJ's having a stinker.

Matt Allen: Simon Jones, Freddie Flintoff, Graeme Swann, Steve Harmison & Stuart Broad. As a guess #bbccricket #QSTeaser

You've got two correct out of five...

Nathan Lyon continues to get turn and bounce on this pitch. Stuart Broad, who I have criticised in the past for the manner of some of his dismissals, is playing well today. He plays out a maiden over.

The ball is hit towards the boundary and the fielder, because he can't throw, deliberately kicks the ball over the boundary to stop the batsmen running more than four. What happens?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "If they'd crossed for the fifth run before the ball crosses the boundary, they get five. If not, they get four runs."

Everybody loves a wagging tail and England's is doing just that as Moeen Ali drives a beautiful four back past Mitchell Johnson and to the boundary. MJ grabs his sweater, heads back to his fielding position and gets some stick from the crowd.

Don't poke a lion, lads.

If a substitute fielder comes on, can the batsman request the sub not field in a specialist position, such as the slips, if he's replacing a weaker fielder?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "No. The only place a substitute can't field is wicketkeeper. And he can't captain the side."

"This is the first time England have ever had an eighth-wicket 50-run partnership in an Ashes Test at Edgbaston."

Excellent from Moeen Ali. A good leave, a little nibble (we'll let that slide) and then he guides four backward of square leg. Mitchell Johnson looks like somebody's just told him the ending to a film he's about to watch. Not happy.

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"Stuart Broad can take the game away very quickly. Players like him are dangerous, when their eye is in and they can see every ball as an opportunity to whack it."

That's 10 from Nathan Lyon's over. England taking the attack to Australia. A quick 40 here and the Aussies are well and truly on the back foot.

A batsman comes on wearing a smart watch, and is given out. The captain sends a message to the watch advising him to review the decision - is this allowed?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "Nothing the umpire can do, as long as it's within the 15 seconds the ICC allows for the DRS."

Another four through third man brings England's lead up to 100. Stuart Broad playing a blinder here.

England are positive after lunch - Stuart Broad driving four off the back foot and through the off side.

Mitchell Johnson doesn't get out of bed in a morning to bowl slower balls. That bores him. It's fast and furious all the way.

Stuart Broad gets some chin music, but plays it well - ducking under one and then playing down on the ball to another and picking up a single to third man. That puts Moeen Ali on strike who tickles four down to fine leg.

Sam Dance: What a test this is! England need at least a 150 lead or they'll become second favourites in my book. In the Beard we trust.

Simon Cumper: Fretting the Aussies are due a nerve shredding victory, thinking how Trent Bridge 2013 and Edgbaston 2005 went our way.

On a ground with an overhanging tree, the fielder retrieves the ball just in front of the boundary and as he throws the ball back in, it clips a couple of leaves. The umpires had not ascertained beforehand whether there was a local rule relating to the tree.

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "The umpires have got a problem then. Most grounds with overhanging trees have a local rule."

First ball after lunch is pitched up, Stuart Broad gets on the front foot and punches two through the off side.

Mitchell Johnson, who bowled as fast as I've ever seen anyone bowl this morning, has the ball in hand post-lunch. Let's play.

Thanks Stephan. Time to dig in for England. Get another 80 or so runs and they should be happy.

Is there any question that John Holder can't answer? I'm not sure I can remember him being stumped. Another man with all the answers is Marc Higginson.

If a batsman "walks", can the umpire deny the wicket and call the batsman back if (in his opinion) he's not out?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "If he leaves the wicket under a misapprehension, the umpire can call him back. But if he insists on going and crosses the line, he's gone."

Today's #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport - other than James Anderson, which five England bowlers have taken six or more wickets in an Ashes innings since 2005?

"Mitchell Johnson with his 2,000th run and 300th wicket in the same Test match. Kapil Dev, John Bracewell and Shaun Pollock all scored their 1,000th run and took their 100th wicket in the same game. Chris Cairns scored his 3,000th run and took his 200th wicket in the same game and Ravi Shastri got his 2,000th run and 100th wicket in the same game."

Last ball of a World Cup final. England need four to win. Mitchell Johnson bowls to Joe Root, the ball hits his pads and Johnson appeals for lbw, the umpire's finger is raised before the ball crosses the boundary for four. Root reviews the decision which is overturned on the DRS. Who wins the World Cup?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "As soon as the finger goes up, the ball is dead, so the runs don't count. Australia win."

"You look at the pitch and wonder if it can get better? There will be periods of play when the sun is out and it is not doing as much in the air but there will always be enough on the pitch for the seam to grip."

I was umpiring my son in an under-11s match. There was an appeal for a caught behind, he didn't walk - I couldn't see whether he'd definitely nicked it, but because he's my son, I knew from the way he was acting that he was out. So I gave him out. A good decision on legal or moral grounds?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "If the umpire is certain that he's nicked it, for whatever reason, he's entitled to give him out."

If you're hoping to listen to TMS from abroad today, you can. The link is here.

Please be aware however that, due to rights reasons, the commentary is unavailable in certain territories. Apologies if that affects you.

A nightwatchman comes in and the heavens open before he's taken guard, does he have to bat the next morning?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "Once he's walked onto the field of play, he's in. If you retire him, he would be retired out."

Liam Meadows: England need another 65 runs to reach a 150-run lead but can't see it happening unless Moeen Ali gets most of them.

Ben Sutton: A lead of 100+ would be very handy. Broad and Mo to rack up a big partnership after lunch would be even handier though!

Adam Heal: England to chase a target of 150ish by tomorrow evening is my prediction.

What happens if a batsman takes guard wrong-handed, the field adjusts and the batsman then switches back to his regular stance to take advantage of the field?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "When you take your stance, once the bowler starts running up to bowl, that stance remains your stance. If the bowler can stop because he's seen the batsman switch, the batsman will be warned for time-wasting. The clever people like Pietersen take the bowler by surprise when they switch over."

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Got to take the dog out this afternoon? Maybe you're going into a meeting at work?

Whatever is tearing you away from the Ashes... don't let it. Get wicket alerts on your mobile. All the info is here.

If the batsmen choose their ends at the start of a match, and the fielding captain changes the bowler to bring on a left-arm spinner. Can the batsmen then swap over before the start if one of them feels vulnerable to left-arm spin?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "You could, but it could result in time-wasting. Stop the nonsense and get on with the game."

Matt Haywood: The Aussies were always going to come back strong today, shame England took their foot off the throat last night with poor shots.

Richard Haines: Still prefer England's position, valuable runs ahead, our batting is collectively better, trust in our bowlers 2nd innings.

Can you avoid being stumped if your hand or foot is in contact with your bat, and your bat is over the line - even if you're not actually holding it?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "No. The bat has got to be in hand."

Kevin McNulty: Test Match Cricket is the ultimate form of the game eat your heart out T20 this is tense exciting edge of the seat stuff.

Adam Heal: What an intriguing game, trying to run through all the scenarios that might occur from here................

Paul Clayton: ‏What makes Test Cricket so fascinating is the swing in momentum between teams. One good session either way changes the game

"The last Australian [prior to Nathan Lyon in this Test] to take wickets in each of their first three overs in an innings is Keith Miller at Adelaide in 1955."

Derbyshire v Gloucestershire at Bristol yesterday - Gloucestershire needed six to win, the ball was caught and the umpire said Derbyshire had too many men on the leg side, so one run was taken and a no-ball was signalled. The extra delivery was hit for four and Gloucestershire won. Was that last ball a free hit? And should the umpire draw attention to the fielding side?

Ex-international umpire John Holder: "A free hit at present is only for foot-faults, but there's a proposal for all no-balls to become free hits. And you shouldn't say anything to the fielding side. Now the batsman can say to the umpire that there were too many on the leg side. But you or your colleague should spot it."

Josh Roberts: If someone told me after Lord's we'd have a 85-run first innings lead at day 2 lunch at Edgbaston I'd have bitten your hand off.

Wayne Lake: We'd have all taken a 1st innings lead of about 100 before start of play. Still optimistic!

Simon Alton: Call me a pessimist but have a horrible feeling Aussies will suddenly make batting look easy in their 2nd innings and score 300+.

Don't forget that former umpire John Holder will be taking your questions during the break on Test Match Special.

Email tms@bbc.co.uk if you've got a query that you think will fox the great man.

"With England four prime movers down in that session for the addition of under 100 runs, it has certainly been Australia's morning. A match which appeared to be accelerating out of their reach when England were just four runs behind with eight wickets in hand on Wednesday evening is now a far more tense affair - but it could also have been considerably better for them. Johnson's brilliant first over apart, the Aussie attack has only sporadically threatened. If England can eke this lead out to 150 they will feel they have taken back control."

"An amazing session of Test match cricket on an exciting pitch with something in it for everyone. Australia will be delighted. England just slowly getting into a decent position."

Stuart Broad survives, bringing us to the end of another helter-skelter session in this wonderful, fluctuating Test match. We said at the start of the day that England would be in control if they could bat until tea. They still might, but that task has been made harder by the brilliance of Mitchell Johnson, a loose shot from Joe Root and Jos Buttler's reluctance to use the DRS.

Not Gregg Wallace: Just checking, are we still printing off the scorecard?

Iken Canoe: Surreptitiously takes down 'Aussie-bashing' score card from notice board

Jon: Anyone starting to regret printing off yesterday's scorecard yet?

Here are a few of your scorecard pictures from yesterday - featuring Downton Abbey and Batman, amongst others.

Lyon with the last set, still causing uncertainty under blue sky. Broad, thrusting and kicking, has one more ball to survive...

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During the lunch break, Test Match Special will be running a Q&A with former Test umpire John Holder. You can send your questions to tms@bbc.co.uk or tweet @bbctms with the hashtag #askumpire

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Starc with the penultimate over before lunch, Moeen giving it some humpty with a drive for four over cover. If we're being honest. Starc has been all over the place this morning, but his wicket of Root is probably the most important moment of the day.

India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin on Twitter: This spell from Nathan Lyon has been fabulous to watch. Great skill execution.

Lyon continues to hide the ball from Moeen, who is going through the struggle of man who seems to be inventing batting as he goes along. He could do with a blade that's twice as wide. However, this stand has edged up to 26. Valuable runs for England. What would be a match-winning lead?

Don Paulo: Are you really suggesting that a lead of 70 is of any use at all? Can't expect them to bat as badly the next time.

Ian Shepherd: A lead of 100+ would be invaluable....not sure if we will get that. Surely the Australian's can't bat that bad again?

The thing to remember with how much turn is on offer is that England will have to bat last. Tricky, which makes a decent first-innings lead all the more important. Moeen is doing his best to grow the lead, albeit in a much more ugly manner than we usually see from him. Starc back into the attack, Moeen wafting over the slips for four, then wafting twice more to get nothing but fresh air.

"It really is turning. We are before lunch on day two and this is usually what you would want from about day four."

Lyon in the sunshine, continuing to find prodigious turn away from the left-handed Moeen. Missed sweep, play and miss, turny, bouncy, an edge not carrying to slip. It's very unusual to see a wicket turning this much in the morning session of the second day of a Test match in England. Brilliant over from Lyon.

"There is a bit in this for all the bowlers. Lyon has bowled beautifully. Johnson bowled some absolute snorters. It is all going on. You can't take your eyes off it."

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Whisper this quietly, but Mitchell Johnson isn't posing quite the same threat that he did first thing this morning. Pace down at 83mph, line wide enough for Broad to flay through the off side once more. When Johnson goes full, Broad clips at short leg Chris Rogers and has to dive back before he can be run out. There's 15 minutes to go before lunch.

Sue: Why on earth didn't Buttler review that? Broad would have!

Elgan Evan Alderman: In Buttler's defence, it isn't a schoolboy error. Schoolboys don't have DRS.

Rich: Really sensible of Ali and Buttler to keep the 2 reviews safe for Anderson & Finn

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Still Lyon, encouraged enough by the turn on show to post a second slip for this pair of left-handers. Now then, is this a stumping chance? Turn and bounce, Moeen drags his foot, the ball goes past Peter Nevill's shoulder. Tough, but I fancy Nevill will think he should have taken that.

"The way Broad plays best is when he sees it up and plays positively at it. Anything over 100 here is a good lead."

Stuart Broad won't die wondering either, even if that means tugging at the tail of Mitchell Johnson. A swiped cut brings two, a pre-meditated baseball-style hook earns a single. I'm fascinated by the ebb and flow of a low-scoring Test match. There's no good reason why Australia were 136 all out and England are 200-7. It's almost as if wickets pass through the batting teams like a disease. One out, all out.

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"The Aussie contingent in the South Stand have had plenty to shout about this morning, whilst this lone flag bearer has been giving his right arm a fierce workout. The England lot in the Hollies? Pensive and pint-sipping."

Every run is precious for England, every one takes them a tiny step further ahead, makes Australia's task all the harder. Moeen Ali is looking to play some shots at Nathan Lyon, with a boundary and then a two coming to the third man area. There's a hint of turn for Lyon, who has amazingly got through an over without taking a wicket.

England 193-7 (47 overs) - lead by 57

Batsmen: Moeen 5*, Broad 2*

Fall of wickets: 19-1 (Lyth 10), 76-2 (Cook 34), 132-3 (Bell 53), 142-4 (Bairstow 5), 142-5 (Stokes 0), 182-6 (Root 63), 190-7 (Buttler 9)

Bowling figures: Starc 14-1-63-1, Hazlewood 12-0-63-1, Johnson 11-2-32-2, M Marsh 7-2-24-0, Lyon 3-1-3-3.

Australia first innings 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47)

Australia won toss

Broad has to face up to Mitchell Johnson, a man who probably stalks his nightmares. In the crowd, a lady wears a Barmy Army shirt from 1994-95. Retro. Broad does well to avoid a couple of short balls, then pushes a couple through the off side. England have lost 4-51 this morning, but the ball hasn't done a great deal. The sun is out, it feels like a batting day. Australia will be delighted.

"I can't get my head round the fact that England are six down and have two reviews in the tank so why wouldn't you gamble and use one there?"

You're not going to believe this. If Buttler had reviewed, the decision would have been overturned. The ball-tracker shows that it would have gone over the top. I'll hold my hands up, on first glance it looked as plumb as you like. However, the ball before, the review, Buttler survived because it was going over. Perhaps he should have remembered that. Either way, it's pretty baffling how he missed it in the first place. Stuart Broad the new man.

"Technically that is really poor from Buttler. He planted that foot and tried to play to the on side and played across it. It hasn't spun that much. Just aim to hit the ball back from where it has come."

That's the 20th review of the series. It's the 19th that has not been overturned. And then...

"Let's rock n roll that". No catch, now check for lbw..

Nathan Lyon, two wickets in two overs, into the attack. Review called for. Catch at short leg? Buttler the batsman.

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Daniel Bourn: I'm not giving up on a 200 lead come on England. Come on Moeen!

Gary Wilkinson: Just hold the partnership until lunch Moeen and Jos. Forget the score

Louis Samuels: Big innings for Mo here. Time for Moeen and Buttler to really cement their status as Test match quality players.

It is short from Johnson, but the accuracy that did for Bairstow and Stokes isn't there. Moeen drops his hands and watches the world go by, three times. A maiden, but the only threat comes from the verbals that Johnson spits through his moustache.

"I look at the scorecard of 190-6 and I don't think Australia have bowled well at all. They've been all over the place. There was just that one spell from Johnson first up."

Johnson to Moeen, who was bounced out at Lord's. Two men on the hook, a short leg, a shortish mid-wicket. A plan as subtle as a sledgehammer...

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"I like the way Mitchell Marsh is going about it here. He is bowling good areas. He just had that one bad over when he got a bit impatient. He just needs to get it a tad fuller and bring those slips into play."

While Mitchell Starc is spraying it at one end, Mitch Marsh is firing it down a tube at the other, playing on Jos Buttler's patience. Outside off stump, Buttler leaving to the soundtrack of the Edgbaston hum. After 11 dots, Marsh finally gets too straight to give Buttler a couple through mid-wicket. Here comes Mitchell Johnson. You can have a bowl in this Aussie team, so long as your name is Mitchell.

Sunshine in the second city as the emboldened Mitchell Starc points his loose limbs towards the beard of Moeen Ali. Did I say emboldened? Someone might need to tell him that those three wooden things behind the batsman are where he's supposed to be aiming. One is miles down the leg side, think a mirror image of Harmison at Brisbane, followed by a bouncer so high as to be called wide. Clarke has his hat off and his hands on his hips, confused as a man trying to solve the Riemann hypothesis. Mitchell Johnson is warming up.

"A morning of Mitchells and mayhem at Edgbaston - the brute destruction of Johnson's first over, the profligacy of Starc in his place, the rapid, almost run-a-ball scoring of Joe Root before from nowhere Starc ended his adventure . It is a game where every ball promises a swing in the balance of both the contest and the series."

Mitchell Marsh to Jos Buttler as Edgbaston continues its attempt to recover from the shock of the Root wicket, as if a bereavement has been suffered. Tidy from Marsh, away-swing, but no great threat. Buttler happy to let it go by.

Thomas Knights: Joe Root out to a ball so wide he could barely reach it, shot selection from both teams been appalling so far this match

JoElle: Waits for the calls to drop Root…

VB: Lip reading Joe Root he appears to say "Bother. Goodness. What a foolish shot that was"

Looking again, Root has pretty much edged a wide half-volley. Starc was on his backside, wondering if he could bowl on the right pitch. Well, he's got a wicket from one that was almost on the next track. It got the bottom of Root's bat and stopped England's progress. Moeen Ali the new man.

"Cricket is a funny sport. You can come in and bowl a heap of rubbish and then take wicket. Root chased that one and he didn't have to do it. He was on top."

"It started well for the Australians but Mitchell Starc has let England off the hook a bit here. He needs a a bit more consistency around that area at the top of off stump. There is enough movement to make that length work. As a bowler you have to do less when there is natural variation. You have to be patient, though."

Stop it, Joseph! It's high-quality strokeplay from Root, who tucks into Starc with a turn for four through square leg. To be fair, Mitchell Starc is serving up some absolute buffet bowling - leg-stump half-volleys followed by some wide-of-the-off-stump stuff that wouldn't hit a third set. Clarke, behind shades at slip, is livid.

Kendall: Bairstow has been scoring consistently this year. One brilliant ball that would have most struggling & some 'fans' want him out?

Martin WIlliams: For the sudden naysayers re: Jonny Bairstow: his 95 v S Africa came with England struggling and vs Steyn and Morkel.

Mark Dodsworth: Bairstow avg. Over 100 this season. Who are you seriously going to replace him with? If he isn't good enough, who is?

Greyish in Birmingham, but the weather doesn't threaten in the way it did yesterday. We could be playing in total darkness, but Joe Root's batting would still illuminate proceedings. Marsh the bowler - pull for two, clip for two, force a single off the back foot. Root always looking to score, to push the lead along. Edgbaston cheers every addition.

"I don't know what is going to happen but I was thinking this morning if Australia bowl England out with a lead or 50 or 60 the pressure of batting last means Australia are in it. A lead of 100 or over could be priceless. The pitch is playing better. There is a bit in it but not so much to worry you."

Mercifully for the England batsmen, Johnson is removed, replaced by a rather inaccurate Mitchell Starc. Ball swinging down the leg side, Peter Nevill can't get across, four byes. England's lead steadily growing. The problem Australia have is that England only need one decent partnership to take the game away. Michael Clarke whistles to Starc to tell him to bowl round the wicket. Starc ignore him, serves up a leg-stump half-volley which Buttler clips for four. Clarke looks like a bulldog chewing a wasp.

Jonny Bairstow is on the England balcony, brew in hand, more comfortable than when Mitchell Johnson was sticking it up him. Replays show the expression Bairstow wore on his face after Johnson nearly took his head off. It was like he'd been doused with a bucket of ice water. Mitchell Marsh on, causing Root some problems. Inside edge misses stumps, away-swinger beats a drive.

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Ed Gray: Can we now finally consign Bairstow to the 'not Test quality' bin and stop picking him?

Adam Borowski: ‏Bairstow is the new Ramprakash. Excellent at county cricket. Found out at Test level.

James Hudson: ‏Bairstow isn't good enough. His average is fantastic but the gap between county and international is more of a canyon.

Geoffrey's right (when is he wrong?). Johnson has curiously eschewed the short ball to Jos Buttler, instead exploring the channel outside off stump. To be fair, that is how he got him at Lord's, exploiting a lack of foot movement. There's the bumper, which Buttler ducks. In the crowd, Merv Hughes peers over his moustache - the most famous lip warmer in cricket?

"I'm puzzled by Johnson. He has bowled two rip snorters and got two wickets but after that Jos Buttler, who is in poor form, has received eight balls from Johnson and not a short one yet. If I was captain I'd be running down and telling Johnson to get into his neck. Short balls unsettle batsmen."

Joe Root is vexed. He stands with his arms outstretched, like an umpire signalling a wide. The subject of his ire? A man moving around in front of the sightscreen. Sit down, sir. Ever wondered why batsmen get so stressed with movement behind the bowler's arm? When an athletic Australian is sprinting in, about to hurl a globe of leather towards your head at 90mph, you don't want any distractions.

Claire: You can tell which co-workers are sneakily listening to the cricket by the groans that just went round the office

Jonathan: In the office, 11am comes along, earphones out everywhere and the Internet crashes. Coincidence

Paul Corrigan: Colleagues with tickets for next two days currently doing a raindance in the car park.

Johnson continues to stalk prey in blue helmets. Prowling in, hair bouncing in the breeze that ruffles his shirt. Buttler, concentration etched on his face, removes his heart from his mouth as one Johnson thunderbolt misses the off stump by a cigarette paper. Every ball an event here, the crowd invested in the action. Applause for a maiden.

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"Walked into the TMS box this morning to find scorer Andrew Samson reading this weighty tome. Published in 1976, it contains advice on all aspects of batting and technique. One key message stood out in bold capital letters: DON'T AIM FOR SIX. According to Boycs, it's a common error among village cricketers around the country."

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Well played, Joe Root. As all fall around him this morning, the Yorkshire tyro moves to a 13th Test fifty in only 49 deliveries. A lovely push for four off Mitchell Starc, then a hook for a couple take him to a fifth score of 50 or more in his last nine Test knocks. The cries of "Rooooooot" ring around Edgbaston. You feel much of the final outcome of this match rests on the innings he is playing right now.

"It is the sort of game where you don't want to - daren't - miss a ball. It is in stark contrast to Lord's. There is so much going on out there. The game is in the balance."

Clever. Root expecting the bouncer, twice Johnson beats him with very full deliveries outside the off stump. The speedo is reading about 86/87mph. That's about the same speed as Steven Finn. Why is Johnson's bumper so much more lethal? It's the angle of their arms. Finn is high, banging the ball into the pitch. Johnson is low, slingy, kissing the turf and getting the ball at your throat before you know it.

Third man, two men on the hook. Expect it up your nose, Joe Root.

Simon Oakley: ‏That lasted long then.......

Liam Johnson: Maybe 100 wouldn't be a bad lead after all..

Evan Samuel: He bowls it left, he bowls it right, he bowls it right at your throat ...

Meanwhile, Joe Root is walking on air, totally oblivious to the carnage happening at the other end. Twice Hazlewood gets a little too wide, twice Root steers to third man for four, giving the Edgbaston crowd the opportunity to bite back. A single means Root will take the responsibility of fending off Mitchell Johnson.

"Is that the gap between county and Test cricket summarised in a single delivery? Jonny Bairstow has been averaging more than 100 in first-class cricket for Yorkshire this summer, but he was as unable to cope with the brutal pace and bounce of Mitchell Johnson this morning as he was down under in Melbourne and Sydney in the winter of 2014. With Stokes following to the fast bowler two deliveries later, the game has been blown wide open again."

New man Buttler did indeed dive to the floor. What an over from Mitchell Johnson. He got Bairstow with the first ball he bowled to him, then Stokes went two balls later. We could say England haven't played those bouncers too well, but they were two total snorters. Could anyone have played them? Once again, Johnson is running rampant over England's batting.

"Very similar to the dismissal of Bairstow. Both batsmen have followed their instinct to play the ball but it has got bigger and bigger on them and brushed the glove. If I was Buttler I'd just dive for the floor."

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"It is a terrific short ball. Bang on target. It is easy to bowl bouncers that go over the batsman's head but that was so well directed. What a start to the day. 300 Test wickets now for Johnson."

Tom Rhodes: ‏Question: why did the 1997 ashes series feature six tests?

Boos for the arrival of Mitchell Johnson...

"It was a wide ball and Bairstow went looking for it. There wasn't much footwork. He is free player."

Four slips wait behind the upright Bairstow as Hazlewood shapes the ball away from the right-hander. Bairstow beaten, then driving for four to take England into the lead. Early cheers from a not-yet-full Edgbaston, with warm applause greeting the end of a reasonable over.

Andy: Everyone talking about pushing past a lead of 100 - let's concentrate on the 3 we need to actually catch the Aussies first... ;)

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Here we go then. Sunshine in Birmingham, Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow emerging through flags and to the sound of Jerusalem, kicking their heels and shadow batting. England are three runs behind with seven first-innings wickets in hand. Josh Hazlewood has the ball.

England bowler Steven Finn: "I thought we had a good day after they won the toss. Jimmy bowled like a genius. To get three down and close to their score is good effort. But we have more hard work to do.

"I was a bit more emotional when I took the first wicket than I would usually be. I have worked hard to get back in to Test cricket.

"It felt like a good wicket. The swing helped us. If you bowl well there is something there but if you bowl badly you can get hit. We will take anything from 150-run advantage upwards so we can force the game from there."

"Root is the key here for England. If he gets away the lead could easily be 200 and then Australia have a real challenge on their hands. They have to keep the lead under 150 to stay in the game."

An innings win in 1985, Botham's 5-1 in 1981. Even back in 1909, England were taken to a 10-wicket win by Jack Hobbs and CB Fry and, seven years earlier, bowled the Aussies out for 36.

Will 2015 be added to list of successes? If England bat until tea today, it's hard to see them losing.

Thanks, Marc. What is it about England in Ashes Tests at Edgbaston? We know all about 2005 and yesterday there was plenty of chat about 1997, when England bowled the Aussies for 118.

There's more too.

Matt Baddeley: Root, Buttler and Stokes to make hay. Bowled out with a lead of 250 by tea. Aus 40-2 at the close

Adam Ryman: If Jonny and Rooty can get us to 175-3 we are in a very commanding position.

Liam Johnson: ‏Why is everyone being so negative and wanting just over 100 run lead? Should be looking 200+ easily really

Right then. It's time to hand over the baton to Stephan Shemilt. He'll steer you through the morning session.

Enjoy!

Australia's Chris Rogers: "The conditions suited England and they bowled well. It did more than we expected. And we didn't bat well. You need to fight better in those circumstances. Our approach wasn't right.

"I knew what England's tactics would be and I would get the odd short ball. I felt in good nick but I wanted to be out there for the side more than anything."

"As the heavy roller goes about its work to prepare the Edgbaston pitch, England batsmen are taking it in turns to walk over and inspect the surface. Joe Root, with bat in hand, muses for some minutes before strolling back towards the dressing-room. He is followed by a relaxed-looking Jos Buttler who, with a highest score of 27 in four innings so far, will be hoping to make his mark on the series today."

"Australia won't bat as poorly as they did in the first innings again. But when you are bowled out for 136 in a first innings it is a long road back. England shouldn't give the Aussie bowlers a sniff. I would take a 160-run lead. Anything over 250-280 they will take and anything above that is a bonus."

"After the damp clouds and swing-friendly murk of the first day, day two at Edgbo has dawned warm and bright. There are still clouds overhead, but of the benign white variety - there may be movement for the Aussie attack early on, but if the sun burns through as forecast from lunchtime onwards, this could be a day to fill boots and rattle the scoreboard."

Chris: I hear that tomorrow is Yorkshire Day. Will there be anyone in the TMS box celebrating this and is there any truth in the old adage that you can always tell a Yorkshireman, but you can't tell him anything he doesn't know already?

Joe Root and Jonny Bairstow like batting together. In their first-class career, they've been at the wicket together 23 times - scoring 1711 runs at an average of 74.39 with nine hundred partnerships and four stands in excess of 50.

Charlie Curran: More nervous today than I was yesterday. Let's hope for a day of boundaries and centuries

Robbie Kahar: Big day for England the first hour is gonna be crucial to see if Australia get some kind of momentum...

Simon Oakley: The wicket alerts on the BBC Cricket app yesterday were a huge distraction. Appreciate it if there were none today so I can do some work!

BBC Weather: "It is looking a bit better today. There are some showers floating down but I don't think they will hit Edgbaston. Not spectacularly warm, though. The breeze is lighter so it will feel warmer."

The ECB has named a 13-strong England Women's Academy (EWA) squad to face Australia in a two-day match on Saturday and Sunday at Loughborough, as both sides prepare for the forthcoming Women's Ashes Test at Canterbury.

Three players who played in the ODIs against Australia - Georgia Elwiss, Amy Jones and Laura Marsh - will feature in a squad captained by Tammy Beaumont.

Squad: Tammy Beaumont (capt), Freya Davies, Jodie Dibble, Sophie Ecclestone, Georgia Elwiss, Tash Farrant, Amy Jones (wk), Evelyn Jones, Danielle Hazell, Beth Langston, Laura Marsh, Fran Wilson, Danielle Wyatt.

After the weekend's game, a combined EWA/Surrey Boys XI will face Australia in a three-day match from 5-7 August.

"It feels like a good batting day. It will swing and England will have to show discipline. But if they do that, there is a score to be had. If they come out swinging they could get rolled like Australia did."

If you're in danger of missing some of the action today, plan ahead. Get yourself wicket alerts via the BBC Sport app. More details here.

Hopefully, for fans of England, your phone will be as quiet as a mouse today!

"I was out here with every ex-player and pundit and not one person said bowl first. It seamed more than anyone expected but Australia's batting was atrocious. Because Australia had so little on the board they went chasing with the ball. They now need to nullify England better than they did last night."

Stuart Mitchell: Edgbaston needs to be made a permanent fixture in all home series (especially Ashes) unbelievable how good England are there.

Jimbo: Great to see Finn back to the player we all know he can be, Bairstow to show his talents today and England are in business.

Steven Finn on Sky Sports: "It is something I have worked on [swing bowling] over the last couple of years. It is something in the last month or so that happens to have clicked. I am bowling with better pace and have the movement with it.

"To see that the pace was above 90 yesterday is pleasing but it is not something I am obsessed with."

The players are warming up for today's play as we speak, and Cricket Australia have just tweeted a little video of Adam Voges, Michael Clarke and Steve Smith practising their slip catching. They have to snaffle everything today.

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"One of the big issues from the Test match so far, especially in the Australian media, is the selection of Peter Nevill ahead of Brad Haddin as wicketkeeper. Haddin was given time off from the team for family reasons during the Lord's test but not recalled here at Edgbaston. When Chris Rogers, an erudite team member, was asked how this had gone down (in last night's news conference) he said he didn't want to talk about it. The suspicion remains that team mates feel Haddin has been hard done by."

Mike Cater: Saying Michael Clarke has not scored a hundred in two years is completely wrong. He scored a Test century against India only a few months ago in the first Test after Philip Hughes died. He scored an unbeaten 161 batting with a fractured shoulder in South Africa in March 2014. Writing him off a bit too soon.

You're right, Mike. And what a fine innings it was too. Consider my error corrected.

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Australia opener Chris Rogers, who made a dogged 52, was the only Australian batsman to show any resistance to the England rampage.

After the day's play, he hailed the performance of Steven Finn, who took 2-38 on his return to the side after two years out - a period in which he was deemed "unselectable" by the England management.

"Finn was particularly good," Rogers said of his former Middlesex team-mate. "I saw him at his lowest ebb, when he was in tears during a county game at Edgbaston and it is a long way back, so credit to him.

"I think their group as a whole bowled well. Anderson comes into his own in conditions like this."

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If you're hoping to listen to TMS from abroad today, you can. The link is here.

Please be aware however that, due to rights reasons, the commentary is unavailable in certain territories. Apologies if that affects you.

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Joe Root starts the day on 30 not out with Jonny Bairstow, his Yorkshire colleague, there alongside him. Bairstow is in the form of his life and averages more than 100 in county cricket this season. Now's the time to transfer that to the international arena.

In a statement to send a chill down the spine of any Australian, James Anderson says he can bowl better than he did at Edgbaston yesterday.

"I was happy with the way I bowled and the wickets but I feel like I can bowl better than that," he said. "There were a few poor shots so I think there is that possibility that we could bowl even better as a group."

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It's fair to say the Aussies didn't enjoy it one ounce yesterday. Greg Baum, writing in The Age, noted: "Here was an archetypal English day, all murk and muck and brollies periodically and sweaters from first ball to last.

"And here was England's day, their best of the series yet, to follow their worst day, the last at Lord's. It is becoming that sort of Ashes rubber, not so much a series as a sequence of random happenings. Day-long cloud made for non-stop swing. Rain every two hours spritzed the pitch, covers might have added a film of sweat."

More of that here.