Day three play at Edgbaston abandoned

Rain causes play to be abandoned on the third day of the third Test between England and Australia.

BIRMINGHAM // Heavy rains wipe out play on the third day of the third Ashes Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston. The hosts were looking to build on a brilliant second days play where they reduced Australia from 126 for one to 263 all-out thanks to the destructive swing duo of Graham Onion and James Anderson. In reply England were on 116 for two before bad light was taken by the captain Andrew Strauss. He remains unbeaten on 64 with Ian Bell at the crease on 24. For his efforts, Onions had been earlier awarded an incremental contract, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said. Onions, 26, qualifies after playing in four Test matches this year in which he has taken 17 wickets, including four for 58 in Australia's first innings in the current third Ashes Test. "There is no doubt that Graham thoroughly deserves his increment contract," the ECB managing director Hugh Morris said in a statement.

"He has been a valuable contributor to the England set-up since making his debut earlier this summer." England currently lead the five match series 1-0. Australia only need to draw the series to retain the Ashes urn.

* Reuters