Anderson blows away the Aussies

BIRMINGHAM, July 29

Paceman James Anderson took six wickets to skittle Australia for a paltry 136 and put England in control on the first day of the third Test at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Anderson (6 for 47) was backed up by fellow quicks Stuart Broad and Steven Finn, on his Test return after a two-year absence, as a fascinating Ashes series took another twist.

Ian Bell led England's reply of 133-3 with a half-century and by the close, forced early by rain, a rejuvenated home side had put their heavy second Test defeat at Lord's behind them.

England lost Adam Lyth and Alastair Cook but Bell, promoted up the order on his home ground, played positively for his 53 before falling to a poor shot in trying to slog spinner Nathan Lyon to end a stand of 56 with Joe Root (30 not out).

Australia, whose batsmen prospered at Lord's in squaring the series after defeat in Cardiff, failed to cope with seam and swing-friendly conditions after winning the toss. Anderson made hay with only opener Chris Rogers, passed fit after suffering dizzy spells in the last test, offering resistance. Rogers was eighth man out for 52 and not long after Australia were dismissed in 36.4 overs. Anderson, who went wicketless in London, took four wickets in 19 balls after lunch to leave Australia in tatters.

His burst began with Adam Voges caught behind for 16. Mitchell Marsh (0) also nicked to Jos Buttler and then Peter Nevill was bowled for two without offering a shot. England's leading wicket-taker in Tests bagged his 18th five-wicket haul when Mitchell Johnson (3) sliced to Ben Stokes.

Australia lost three wickets in the morning with Finn, branded "unselectable" by former England limited overs coach Ashley Giles 18 months ago due to a breakdown in his bowling action, sending back Steve Smith (7) and skipper Michael Clarke (10).

After Anderson had given England a flyer by trapping David Warner (2) lbw, Finn, recalled in place of an unfit Mark Wood, found bounce and movement.

Smith edged to Cook at first slip and he bowled Clarke with a full and straight delivery, the Australia captain continuing his run of low scores.

England had put 19 on the board before the struggling Lyth (10) flashed at a wide Josh Hazlewood delivery and was held at slip. — Reuters

Brief scores: Australia 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6/47); England 133 for 3 (Bell 53, Lyon 2/3)

Aussie greats pan decision to drop Haddin

n Australia greats Ricky Ponting and Ian Healy say axing wicketkeeper Brad Haddin for the third Ashes Test is a mistake, while Matthew Hayden called it “outrageous”. Haddin, the vice-captain, has been overlooked in favour of the younger Peter Nevill, who impressed on his international debut in the second Test at Lord's after the 37-year-old pulled out to be with his sick daughter Mia. Former captain Ponting, who played 168 Tests, said the decision did not sit well with him. “I am disappointed with the decision to leave Brad Haddin out of the Test team for Edgbaston,” he said, adding that he was “the heart and soul of the team”. “I know it would have been a hard call for him, he has been a single-minded and determined servant of Australian cricket, but he rightfully put his family first and has paid the price for it. I know he won't complain about being dropped. He is a tough character but it doesn't sit right with me.” Ponting added that he feared Test cricket was now over for Haddin and “I am a little concerned that the team may miss him more than they expect. I hope I am wrong”.

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