BIRMINGHAM // The start of the third Ashes Test between England and Australia was delayed today due to heavy rain over the past 24 hours. Following torrential rain all day on Wednesday, the sun was shining and a stiff breeze was helping to dry the outfield. A pitch inspection scheduled for 1100 GMT was put back another two hours following further downpours at Edgbaston. The Australian opening batsman Phillip Hughes has been dropped in favour of all-rounder Shane Watson.
*Reuters