England and Australia frustrated by rain as first Ashes Test builds towards exciting finish
England's hopes of pressing for a fifth-day victory in their Ashes opener against Australia suffered a frustrating start as the morning session was washed out at Edgbaston.
Edgbaston.<p>England and Australia were frustrated by rain as the morning session of the final day of the first Ashes Test was washed out as both teams pursue a victory.</p>
<p>The finale was confirmed as a 25,000 sell-out shortly after Stuart Broad produced an exhilarating double strike on the fourth evening, removing key men Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.</p>
<p>Australia ended on 107 for three, needing 174 more runs to chase down 281, with England buoyant after Broad's rabble-rousing efforts.</p>
<p>But overnight rain and heavy downpours on Tuesday morning meant no play was possible before an early lunch was called at.</p>
<p>The forecast is more optimistic as the day progresses, but the scheduled 98 overs are already being chipped away, leaving a potentially thrilling finish on the cards.</p>
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