England and Australia frustrated by rain as first Ashes Test builds towards exciting finish
- Planet Sport writer
- 20 June 2023
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.
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.
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.
Australia ended on 107 for three, needing 174 more runs to chase down 281, with England buoyant after Broad's rabble-rousing efforts.
But overnight rain and heavy downpours on Tuesday morning meant no play was possible before an early lunch was called at.
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.
