2 Aug 2009

England take charge

7:04 am on 2 August 2009

Heavy rain has caused the third day's play in the third Ashes cricket Test between England and Australia at Edgbaston to be abandoned.

England dominated day two in Birmingham, knocking Australia over for 263 before moving to 116 for 2 at stumps when bad light ended play for the day.

After dismissing Australia for 263 - including two wickets off the first two balls by England quick Graham Onions - the hosts have moved to 116 for two at stumps on the second day.

The captain Ricky Ponting became the highest ever runscorer in Tests for Australia in his 38 before becoming Onions' third wicket.

Alastair Cook and Ravi Bopara have fallen for England but skipper Andrew Strauss is not out on 64 while Ian Bell is on 26.