England thrash Australia – lead Ashes Series 2-1

Photo: Ian Bell on the go for England. (Reuters)

England thrashed Australia at Edgbaston inside three days, to take a 2-1 lead in the Ashes Series on Friday. The eight wickets win now puts them in poll position to regain the Ashes on home soil.

After bowling out the Aussies on day one for a mere 136, England failed to really distinguish themselves with the bat, putting only 281 runs on the board, for a first innings lead of 145 runs.

But Australia failed to come good with the bat in the second innings as well and only just managed to take the game into day three. Australia’s second innings total of 265 meant England need to get 121 to win the match, which they duly accomplished for the loss of two wickets.

Scores in the match: Australia 136 & 265, England 281 & 124/2.

The fourth Test begins next Thursday at Trent Bridge and England will be hoping to win to wrap up the series.
England will however enter that game without their best bowler James Anderson who suffered a side strain while bowling in the second innings.