The Australia batsmen fell like a pack of cards against England on Day 1 of the third Test at Edgbaston in Birmingham. James Anderson came up with a brilliant bowling performance, as the England bowler took six wickets for 47 runs, with the Aussies dismissed for an embarrassing 136 in their first innings.
England started the Test on the frontfoot, with the wicket of David Warner in the third over of the day as Anderson trapped the left-hander in front for just two runs. From thereon, there was no looking back for the England bowlers, who began to take full advantage of the seaming conditions. Anderson was surprised to see such help from the pitch as well.
"We thought it looked a good pitch, we were not expecting anywhere near the amount of seam movement early on. It was fortunate for us and the conditions we had throughout the day, with a bit of rain around, played into our hands," Anderson told reporters.
Anderson, after failing to deliver the goods in the second Test match at Lord's, was more than determined to deliver at Edgbaston.
"After getting no wickets the confidence takes a bit of a hit. It made me more determined to bowl better and get wickets. I knew I could bowl better than I did at Lord's."
Anderson was supported ably by Stuart Broad and Steve Finn, who also came to the party, taking two wickets each. In fact it was Finn who took two crucial wickets of Steve Smith and Michael Clarke, leaving Australia tottering on 34/3.
Chris Rogers was the only batsman, who showed some resistance as he top scored with 52 runs. Adam Voges was the second highest scorer with 16 runs.
After getting dismissed for 136 runs, Australia had to take early wickets to restore some parity on Day 1, but the bowlers only managed to take three wickets, leaving England trailing by three runs at the completion of the first day's play.
The England batsmen looked more comfortable than their counterparts, with Ian Bell scoring a breezy 53 runs of 56 balls. Bell, however, threw his wicket away late in the day. Nathan Lyon was impressive for Australia with two wickets against his name.
Joe Root and Jonny Baristow will start proceedings on Day 2 for England.
