Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett were dismissed in gloomy conditions (Picture: PA/Shutterstock)

England are 28-2 and lead Australia by 35 runs as heavy rain brought an end to day three of the first Ashes Test in Birmingham on Sunday.

England’s opening batsmen struggled as Cameron Green’s sublime catch removed Ben Duckett for 19 before Zak Crawley was dismissed three balls later.

But gloomy conditions at Edgbaston caused delays to the action with a pitch inspection at 6pm eventually bringing day three of the first Test to a close.

England batted first and registered a score of 393-8 in their first innings – declaring in 78 overs with Joe Root 118 not out – while Australia were 386 all out in 116.1 overs as Brendon McCullum’s side led by seven runs.

With England 28-2 in the second innings, they now lead Australia by 35 runs heading into day four of the first Test.

More to follow…

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England lead Australia by 35 runs…