How England went 2-1 up in the Ashes
Full scorecard (Eng now lead series 2-1)
Got a TV Licence?
Find out moreSummary
- Eng 124-2 (Bell 65*, Root 38*) - win by 8 wkts
- Australia 265 all out (Nevill 59, Starc 58)
- Man of the match Steven Finn takes 6-79
- Injured Anderson ruled out of next Test
Live Reporting
By Marc Higginson and Stephan Shemilt
All times stated are UK
Get involved
Goodnight
So, an absolutely stunning victory for England. The only downside has been James Anderson's injury.
They go 2-1 up in the series with two to play. We move on to Trent Bridge next week for round four.
Thanks for all your contributions over the last few days. You've played well! It's time for me to head off now, but stay tuned to BBC Sport's cricket pages for plenty more reaction.
And enjoy tonight. If you're an England fan, of course!
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Paul Heyes: Such a shame that all the Lyth criticizers weren't on the Aussie board of selectors in Steve Waugh's youth. They'd have got rid of him after his first nine innings averaged a mere 12.5, and he never would have darkened English grounds!
Jeremy from London: I'm sick of the messages demanding Lyth be dropped from the side. He proved last year that he is the best opener on the county scene and you do not become a bad player overnight. Now if there was someone knocking down the door then I would consider a switch but the list of potential replacements is very thin with no outstanding candidate.
How's stat?
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Paul: I would pick Chris Rushworth for the next Test. He is running through county sides and as a swing and seam, line and length bowler is a similar proposition to Anderson. Not a long-term replacement, but an interim measure and an indication that the County Championship has some merit, and an acknowledgement from ECB that the Championship can produce players.
Bob Cluley: I'm surprised no one has mentioned Harry Gurney as a replacement for Anderson. Left arm; can swing it; Trent Bridge is his home ground.
Player reaction
England bowler James Anderson, who will miss the next Test through injury, on Sky Sports: "I'm hoping to be fit for The Oval. It is not an intercostal injury. That is not the word I heard when they told me what it was. Broady, who has experience of these kind of injuries, told me not to bowl another ball. I set off but pulled up and didn't want to risk it.
"I've been fortunate with injuries so you just have to take it on the chin. The medical team were happy with me and didn't think it was too serious.
"Finny was fantastic. He has been bowling well in the nets and looked like he had never been away. Credit to him because he has worked so hard."
Get Involved
TMS journalist panel
BBC Radio Test Match Special
John Etheridge (the Sun cricket correspondent), on TMS: "It won't surprise many people if this is Michael Clarke's last series because of his injury problems."
Post update
Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special
"Peter Siddle bowls good areas, while Pat Cummins has only played one four-day game in the past year. Would they try him? They have to bowl better than they did in this Test match."
TMS journalist panel
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Melinda Farrell from Cricinfo on TMS: "Players have not been happy with the Brad Haddin situation, with the 'family first' policy not being used any more. But Nevill batted really well last night and this morning - he and Starc batted the way that most other batsmen in this Test match should have played."
Aussie problems
What do Australia do next? Bring back Shane Watson? Give Shaun Marsh a go?
I reckon Mitchell Marsh is batting a place too high too, judging by his dismissals in this match. Adam Voges is the man most likely for the chop.
Come and play for us, Belly...
Player reaction
More from Steven Finn: "I try to appreciate every moment that I wear the England cap and shirt. The crowd was incredible, so thank you to them.
"The dark times teach you to enjoy the highs a little bit more. To be here at the moment and help win a Test match for England is a great feeling.
"I feel good at the moment with the ball in my hand, but who knows what might happen in the future? I'm happy and glad to be playing for England again."
Take a bow
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Andy Genney in Scunthorpe: Not only a crushing victory over the Aussies but England ensuring the day three crowd gets full value for money. Well done all round!
Player reaction
More from man of the match Steven Finn: "When I dreamt about it before the game I didn't quite think it would go as well as it has. I was just happy to be playing.
"I felt in good rhythm. You have to trust the work you've done. An early wicket settled the nerves.
"Yesterday was probably as good as I've bowled in Test match cricket, thankfully the ball came out in nice areas."
Cheeky!
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
On Steven Finn: "Everyone will be thrilled for the kid because he has gone through hell. This could well be the making of him."
'I doubted if I'd play again'
BBC Radio Test Match Special
England bowler and man of the match Steven Finn on Test Match Special: "I've tried to enjoy every moment of this week. It has been fantastic and I'm thoroughly enjoying Test cricket again.
"There are a few nerves in the first few balls and you question yourself but after that it was focusing on getting people out. The thing I have tried to focus on in the last 18 months is understanding when you have bowled well and being fair on yourself when you have not taken wickets. As long as the ball is coming off the end of my fingertips I am happy.
"It is as nice a feeling as I have ever had taking a wicket. It is the most I have ever celebrated a wicket. I did doubt at times if I'd play again but knew I could be good enough again. To be stood here now, there is no better feeling."
Get Involved
Captain's view
More from England captain Alastair Cook: "Sport has a great way of testing you, and for Steven Finn to come back like that was fantastic. Standing there at slip for that spell, you thought they were going to get a nick every ball. It's a happy dressing-room for Finny. Class is permanent, Ian Bell is a fantastic cricketer, but we've got to keep backing the right horses and trust me, Ian Bell is one of them. Jimmy's injury gives somebody else an opportunity to stand up."
On England's win-loss-win-loss-win-loss-win sequence in their last seven Tests:
"If the sequence carries on for nine, I'll be happy!"
Post update
Michael Clarke's problem in this match? Steven Finn. The big, strapping fast bowler got the skipper out in both innings - bowling Clarke with a beauty in the first dig. Finn finished with match figures of 8-117.
Get Involved
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Dean in Australia: Play Haddin as keeper and Nevill as number 6 batsman. Sack Clarke and end the all-rounder experiment at number 5.
Captain's view
More from Michael Clarke: "The captain is due to get off the plane, that's the plan for the next Test match.
"I can't put my finger on it. It's always about my preparation. If I do the hard work, that's gives me the self-belief. England have bowled well at me and got me out early.
"My record at five is better than at four, but it's about what is best for the team. I still believe we can win the series, but we have to play our best."
England's strength in depth
Michael Clarke has just 94 runs in 18 innings in this series, while Adam Voges at number five has just 73.
England's number eight - Moeen Ali - has more than the pair of them put together.
Get Involved
Captain's view
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Australia captain Michael Clarke on Test Match Special: "It is really hard to be honest. This is the way it has gone. This is similar to Cardiff. It is as simple as we need to make more runs as a unit and execute better with the ball. I was happy with the way the tail wagged this morning and fought hard. That is a good sign and something we need to do more of.
"The spirit is good. I couldn't be happier with the preparation. It is not as simple as saying one man is to blame. We need to try our best and that is what this team is doing. I need to turn my form around because at the moment we are playing with 10 players. The number four has not turned up. I need to find a way to score runs. I will prepare hard and keep the faith it will happen in the middle.
"We don't wish injury on anyone but Jimmy Anderson missing could be a bit like 2005 when we lost Glenn McGrath. But I'm sure whoever comes in will do well for England."
Get Involved
TMS journalist panel
BBC Radio Test Match Special
John Etheridge (the Sun cricket correspondent), on TMS at lunchtime: "Trevor Bayliss has made it clear he'd like to play two spinners at some point. Moeen Ali hasn't been completely fit, I think he's still getting over that side injury, but I don't have massive concerns over him."
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Nicholas Keyden: With Jimmy out, the sensible option would be for an out and out replacement. Broad has nip and seam, Finn bounce and pace. Choosing Wood may lead to lack of variety, especially given swing bowlers' history of success at Trent Bridge. Perhaps Tim Bresnan could return to the fold? Would like to see Jack Brooks, although unsure of his readiness for Test match cricket, let alone the middle of an Ashes nail-biter.
Crocked Jimmy
Alastair Cook on James Anderson, who has been ruled out of the fourth Test at Trent Bridge next week: "Sport is cruel. We were celebrating his birthday (33) yesterday. It shows time is getting on - he's had a remarkable run of fitness. Unfortunately it's caught up with him a bit. He's devastated.
"Fingers crossed for The Oval, we might be able to get him there."
Get Involved
All hail Edgbaston
More from Ian Bell: "The crowd has been incredible. It's been a great week for us, but there's lots of hard work to go over the next couple of weeks.
"The great thing is coming home in familiar surroundings and with a lot of support. When I walked out to bat, it felt like everyone was with me, hopefully that's the start of me coming back to form.
"I've been involved in a few of these series and I know Australia will fight all the way."
Captain's view
More from England captain Alastair Cook: "We need to thank everyone who's turned up over these three days, the Edgbaston atmosphere is unique and it was as loud as I can ever remember it. The way Jimmy bowled in that first innings was fantastic, but I don't think it was a 140 all out pitch. You always wonder whether cricket has a sting in the tail, but it's good to see Ian Bell back in form."
Get Involved
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Alex Lee: This series has had more ups and downs in it than a hyperactive kid on a pogo stick. Who's knows what will happen next.
FranKO: That's a good win, that, especially after the 405 run drubbing at Lord's...
Alice Stainer: Absolutely riotous victory! Proud of the response to the ignominy of Lord's. Can we try & win the next one too?
Brief recap
Just joining us? Wondering why we're still here?
Well, England were pushed hard by Australia today. The tourists dug in and their tail managed to set England a target of 121.
Mitchell Starc got rid of Alastair Cook with a beauty and Adam Lyth was lbw to Josh Hazlewood, but Ian Bell and Joe Root finished the job off. Both men were positive in their play and the finish came with a flourish.
Player reaction
Australia captain Michael Clarke: "It's very hard to explain. Credit has to go to England, they bowled well on day one and we didn't bat anywhere near we'd have liked. I still would have batted first, you can see the wicket has deteriorated.
"It swung and seamed throughout the whole game. We probably had the best batting conditions, we just didn't execute with bat and ball."
Get Involved
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"It was an amazing win for England in Cardiff and amazing how badly they lost at Lord's and now amazing to come back here.
"Michael Clarke must go away with his team and worry that if the pitch at Trent Bridge is one that moves they will struggle again. They have struggled against the moving ball. They have been pathetic. They didn't graft and didn't work. If they play like they did here again, the Ashes are gone. They have to adapt to the situation."
Post update
A Question of Sport Teaser
Today we asked you; Apart from Mitchell Johnson, which three other left-arm bowlers have taken 300 wickets & scored 2,000 Test runs?
The answers are: Wasim Akram, Daniel Vettori and Chaminda Vaas.
Post update
BBC Radio Test Match Special
England captain Alastair Cook on Steven Finn: "Amazing comeback from Finny. This is what sport does. It is a test of you as a bloke. You have amazing times and tough times and it is how you handle that. Finny has had that.
"The character to come back after a lot of hard work is incredible. We haven't seen a changing room as happy for anyone as it was for Finny taking his wickets.
"It was heartbreaking to see one of your friends go through what he did in Australia. He should be incredibly proud tonight of the way he bowled."
Get Involved
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I will be interested to see how Australia react to this. They reacted well at Lord's. The biggest positive for them is Jimmy Anderson missing out. It could be a real twist in the series."
Get Involved
Player reaction
BBC Radio Test Match Special
England captain Alastair Cook on Test Match Special: "We didn't do ourselves justice at Lord's and we just didn't play well. We talked about starting well. In the other Tests, the side that started well dominated the game.
"I don't think it was a 140 all out wicket. The bowlers set the game up well. We wanted more than 280, but the way we bowled again was fantastic."
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Daniel Leland: I'm sad to see the game end! The way Root and Bell were batting, it would have been interesting to see how much they could get! Pleased to see Bell's form returning.
Get Involved
Post update
Not like our Geoffrey to dish out opinions, is it?
Player reaction
Ian Bell speaking to Sky Sports: "It's full of enjoyment in the dressing room after a tough week at Lord's.
"Our bowlers set the tone on day one, it was some of the best bowling I've seen as part of the England set-up.
"Geoffrey Boycott told me this morning how bad my shot in the first innings was, so I was determined to be there at the end."
Post update
Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special
"Australia didn't bowl well and they didn't bat well. They were outplayed in this Test. If Michael Clarke could have held on to that catch off Ian Bell, who knows?"
Post update
England have got to be pleased with the performances of some of their big players - Ian Bell scored half-centuries in both innings after being moved up to number three and James Anderson was at his supreme best on the first day. He will be sorely missed at Trent Bridge.
And what about Steven Finn? He was devastating - his 90mph snorters ripping the heart out of the Australian line-up.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Howard Horner: Can't think of a more surprising, more joyous Test victory. Well done boys!
Gary Russell: Faith & tenacity priceless in sport. Ian Bell, Steve Finn take a bow. Great performances under scrutiny. Class is permanent
Tim Collingwood: Well done England. Bell and Root showed great maturity and professionalism. Gave the Aussies respect but showed no fear.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"England have been excellent. It's always special playing at Edgbaston, you get the lift of the crowd. It makes it very difficult for the opposition. It always feels like this ground is very patriotic. I'm sure it will be the same at Trent Bridge."
Get Involved
Post update
So England win inside three days, in a match where there's been more drama than an Eastenders omnibus.
It seems like an age ago that Jimmy Anderson was ripping through the Aussies on the first morning.
And to think, when Australia won the toss and chose to bat, there was a collective groan in the UK. Here we go again was the general consensus. We were wrong.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"A really good performance from England. I don't think there's anyone on the ground that wouldn't have batted first, but Australia didn't do it well enough. Only getting 136 was where the game was lost."
Final scorecard
Post update
Hold that thought, Michelle. On its way...
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Rachel T: Absolutely superb comeback from England and we all ended up laughing at Mitchell Johnson. LOVE it!
Gordon Thursfield: England 2 Oz 1. Well done England. Maybe Lords was the aberration not Cardiff. On to Trent Bridge.
Michelle Garland: Can we have the final scorecard please so I can put it on my office door before I leave?!!
Post update
A victory fit for a Queen. And a corgi. And two beefeaters.
Post update
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"Who would have thought before a ball was bowled in this series and after that hiding at Lord's that they would beat Australia by eight wickets and be 2-1 up. Australia will be devastated by that defeat. This is not over yet but England have taken a giant stride to winning back the Ashes again."
Get Involved
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Gordon Thursfield: Come back Shane Watson all is forgiven. A.N.Aussie
Post update
Lots of backslaps in the England dressing room, then Alastair Cook leads the lads down the steps and to the side of the pitch for handshakes. Cook looks very, very pleased. And why not?
Post update
Joe Root and Ian Bell embrace. Both men look quite emotional. The Australians wait around for handshakes and then sheepishly make their way from the middle.
BreakingENGLAND WIN BY 8 WICKETS
Joe Root flicks the ball through square leg and England win the match, taking a 2-1 lead in the series.
Eng 120-2
Joe Root ends the over with a single. One to win. He retains the strike.
Michael Clarke pulls the field in. The horse has bolted and is in West Brom now, Pup.
Eng 119-2
Dot ball.
Got you then, didn't I? You thought that was it...
Eng 119-2
Joe Root sweeps Nathan Lyon for four.
Two to win.
Eng 115-2
A single for Ian Bell. England need six to win.
Go big, Joe Root.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"Tomorrow is fancy dress day. I bet there a few who have booked an outfit and are now looking to get a refund on it."
Post update
Post update
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Edgbaston
"The subdued atmosphere of this morning's session feels like a lifetime ago. The noise from the Hollies Stand is ear-splitting as they mercilessly taunt Mitchell Johnson."
Eng 114-2 (Bell 64, Root 29)
England need to get a move on. They only have another two overs left before tea. Meanwhile, there's all sort of shenanigans happening in the stands. There's a fella dressed as part-ostrich. I think it's an ostrich at least.
Meanwhile, there's some cricket going on. Joe Root knocks another four from the target.
Get Involved
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Tattz: Man of the match? No question - the Edgbaston crowd. Magnificent.
Eng 110-2 (need 11 to win)
It's official. Mitchell Johnson is finished in this match. After Nathan Lyon's latest set of six, which go for four, Mitchell Marsh is brought on for a bowl.
Eng 106-2
Mitchell Johnson has now dropped his glasses. Edgbaston has broken him.
Eng 106-2 (need 15 to win)
The noise is deafening. Forget 100,000 at the MCG. England have 20,000 at Edgbaston. It's putting off Mitchell Johnson who aborts his run-up. Then he bowls from behind the crease. Lost it. Gone.
Get Involved
Eng 106-2 (need 15 to win)
I didn't realise cuddly toys were so prevalent in offices up and down the country. I feel like I'm missing out.
Mitchell Johnson is getting some frightful stick now. He's bowling some 2009-style dross. Very, very wide. The crowd appeal in jest.
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"You need a long piece of rhubarb to hit that ball from Johnson."
Get Involved
Review
Eng 106-2 (need 15 to win)
Joe Root chases one down leg. The Aussies appeal for a feather behind. Umpire shakes his head. They review it.
Not out. Nowhere near it!
Alternative Plans - Pt. 2
Join the debate at #bbccricket
sarah: Your fancy dress needn't go to waste. Women's FA Cup Final at Wembley tomorrow.
Clive J Goodwin: Tomorrow sees the return of Petts Woodstock music festival. I can enjoy the day now without checking my phone every few mins.
Steve Doswell: Ashes fans in Brum with no play tomorrow come and watch Cannon Hill parkrun 9am. Better still, sign up and run - it's free.
Eng 106-2 (need 15 to win)
It rally is deafening inside Edgbaston, a party atmosphere. Nathan Lyon cuts a frustrated figure, swiping at the non-striker's stumps then faking a throw of the ball back at Ian Bell. If you were one of the umpires, would you take the extra 15 minutes? I would, especially with Bell slog-sweeping for four.
How's stat?
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Bell's 57 is the highest by a Warwickshire batsman in an Ashes Test at Edgbaston."
Eng 101-2
Tea is scheduled for 15:40 BST, but it can be delayed by four overs or 15 minutes if the umpires think England are close to victory. Twenty left to win.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Alan Fraser: Obviously, I realise that England are still going to lose from here - but for the life of me I can't see how.
Eng 101-2 (need 20 to win)
The crowd sing 'stand up if you're 2-1 up'. Feel free to send pictures of yourself standing to salute England if you want. It's time to get the party started. Mitchell Johnson is round the wicket to Ian Bell now and he bowls a horrible leg-side ball. Cue more familiar chants...
Get Involved
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Andrew Bowan: I hate to argue with oracle Geoff Boycott but his call for four-day Tests is fundamentally flawed. Yes, they are usually over in four days but you have to factor in bad weather time. If there the first day's a washout, you're kippered.
Emma: I would be heartbroken to see test matches restricted to 4 days! Think of the wonderful, edge-of-the seat 5th-day finishes over the past two decades, let alone the history before that. We would lose so much of the depth and richness of the game if we shorten tests.
Eng 100-2
And now Ian Bell is getting back in on the boundary act - driving four off the back foot through the covers. Just 21 to win now.
Eng 96-2 (need 25 to win)
Nathan Lyon, looking like he's wearing Merv Hughes's shirt, pitches up outside off stump and Joe Root plants him over cow corner. Six. Another hoick flies high into the air. But it's safe, and Root picks up a single.
Young Joe wants a pint with his tea...
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"I know which dressing room I would prefer to be in at Trent Bridge - I'd prefer to be 2-1 up - but the Australians are certainly not out of this series."
Post update
Eng 88-2 (need 33 to win)
Will this be over by tea? England aren't going to rush it.. Joe Root watching a Mitchell Johnson delivery sail harmlessly through.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
LimertillyWeatherwax: Guessing it'll all be over by 16.09.
Get Involved
Post update
Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special
"The move to three has worked for Ian Bell. I thought in the first innings his body language was different. And in the last hour I've loved the way he has gone about his business with style."
50 for Bell (off 68 balls)
Eng 88-2
Mitchell Starc is the only one of the Australian frontline bowlers to have an economy rate above four an over - and it's not hard to see why when he starts bowling some awful wide stuff outside off. He's keeping Peter Nevill busy.
When he does straighten up, Ian Bell cuts four down to third man. And that brings up his 45th Test half-century. Two half-centuries in the match. In a low-scoring clash, that's very, very useful.
Get Involved
Eng 82-2 (need 39 to win)
Joe Root is playing as though he's seen it all before. He's 24. Josh Hazlewood pitches the ball up and is driven back down the ground for four.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I'm for four-day Test matches. I'm traditional but I am open-minded about things. Three-quarters of Test matches are finishing in four days."
Eng 78-2 (need 43 to win)
Everyone's just waiting for the inevitable now. The crowd's gone quiet, the Aussies have lost their edge and Ian Bell is coasting towards a half-century. Shall we run a sweep on what time victory arrives?
Ian Bell clips two into the leg side. That target is slowly coming into view.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Benjaminjohn: I'm willing to allow myself the thought that England at least stand a chance here.
Eng 76-2
Mitchell Starc steams in for one final burst. Ian Bell just pats the ball back.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Ian Bell has got footwork, talent, front and back foot, the whole range of shots. He has touch and plays straight. I can't fault his batting. But sometimes it is between his ears that he does daft things."
Get Involved
Eng 76-2 (Bell 46, Root 11)
The luck's running all England's way now - Ian Bell is surprised by the bounce Josh Hazlewood gets and skies the ball towards backward square leg but it lands safely. Aided by him taking one hand from the bat and not following through with the shot.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think he has bowled with the right ideas, Josh Hazlewood. He has been striving all the time for wickets. Part of that is because of the poor total Australia got. But he is a Glenn McGrath type of bowler, with a tall action. He should be bowling at the corridor at off stump. He'd get a bucketful."
Get Involved
Eng 75-2 (need 46 more to win)
Michael Clarke is the solitary slip for Nathan Lyon, who doesn't seem to be bowling the crackerjack deliveries which so unnerved Moeen Ali in England's first dig. Just a single. All very sedate.
Alternative plans?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Rick Crawley: Told there's a match tomorrow at Harborne Cricket Club. Wonder if they fancy a full house.
Simon Mills: Will be consuming lunch / tea meal and beer as planned. Wig and vest bought for fancy dress probably not necessary.
Rich Mantle: Well at some point it will all be over and I won't have one eye on the cricket at my wedding tomorrow...
Eng 74-2 (Bell 44, Root 11)
Josh Hazlewood is a lovely bowler. 84mph. Lands it on a sixpence. Bit of shape. A little nibble.
He's stuck with just the one wicket in this innings for now though - Ian Bell chipping three more from the target.
Get Involved
Post update
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"This is where Clarke is neither here or there. He needs to attack and put people in positions to take wickets but it could lead to runs."
Eng 71-2 (need 50 more to win)
If Ian Bell setting off like a train resembled him in one-day mode, it's as if we're into the middle overs of an ODI now as Ian Bell and Joe Root milk singles. Nice and steady wins the Test from here.
Scorecard update
England 68-2 (15 overs) - target 121
Batsmen: Bell 39*, Root 10*
Fall of wickets: 11-1 (Cook 7), 51-2 (Lyth 12)
Bowling figures: Starc 4-1-25-1, Hazlewood 4-0-13-1, Lyon 5-1-21-0, Johnson 4-1-9-0.
Australia first innings 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47)
England first innings 281 (Root 63, Moeen 59, Bell 53, Lyon 3-36, Hazlewood 3-74)
Australia second innings 265 (Warner 77, Nevill 59, Starc 58, Finn 6-79)
Australia won toss
Eng 68-2 (Bell 39, Root 10)
That Australian slip cordon is shrinking... down to two now as Michael Clarke looks to plug gaps elsewhere. He needs to keep England batting as long as possible so it's damage limitation now. Josh Hazlewood is bowling a probing line and length, but when he strays down leg Ian Bell picks up a single.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Sam: Lyth, damned Lyth and statistics.
Eng 67-2 (need 54 more to win)
Joe Root plays a top-edge sweep shot, a few flutters in the England camp but it lands safely. Drinks.
Post update
Tom Fordyce
Chief sports writer at Edgbaston
"With every boundary the mood among the England supporters moves up another gear, the cheers louder, the more plastic pint pots sloshed together in celebration. Nerves? Not so many now, even though the scar tissue runs deep, even though stranger and nastier things have happened."
Eng 64-2 (target 121)
Ian Bell is very busy at the crease, almost as if he's in one-day mode. He's not getting paid overtime.
Mitchell Johnson digs one in and Ian Bell flicks a single off his hips. Some short stuff for Joe Root too, but he rides it well - getting above the bounce.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Charlie Drayton: As much as I'm loving seeing it, one bad series (so far) doesn't make Clarke a bad captain or player.
Kai: Strange how Clarke is untouchable whilst Cook is permanently under the lights…dropping Bell and leaving Johnson on the boundary until now would see Cook's army of part-time critics sharpening their swords.
Get Involved
Eng 63-2 (Bell 36, Root 8)
Joe Root is England's top run-scorer in this series - and he adds four more to his total when he gets tall in his crease and belts Josh Hazlewood through point. He's got 283 runs in three matches now.
Which is not as many as two Australians - Chris Rogers (385) and Steve Smith (354).
Yet it's England who are on their way to a 2-1 series lead...
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Jacob Newbury: Surely now Lyth must be dropped. He is not up to it at this level. Hales in for a debut on his home ground? No better time!
Andy Cole: Lyth only had to sit in there. Bell was getting the runs, just had to drop anchor and push the odd single. Sorry fella but we need to change openers again for Trent Bridge. Can't bank on the bowlers every time especially with Anderson.
Eng 59-2 (need 62 more to win)
Who takes a pantomime horse to the cricket? There's one trotting around the perimeter of the stands at Edgbaston. Good effort.
Mitchell Johnson is punched for a couple by Ian Bell. Then two more. He's playing a fine hand here. Seems to like it at number three.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special
"There is still a little bit of seam movement in the deck. You just need to get the length right and be patient. Australia have just looked to try and take too many wickets and gone for runs."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
David: And that will be that for Adam Lyth's Test career. Who's next in the list of openers?
Alistair Dixon: Alex Hales in for Adam Lyth. Great attacking batsman that keeps getting Lythed out!
Paul Roberts: What are the Aussies doing? Lyth will be rightly replaced now for Trent Bridge & Eng might get an opener who can make a score.
Eng 55-2
Got a ticket for tomorrow or Sunday? What do you plan to do instead?
Have you got to go to a function you thought you'd got out of? Maybe you're going to check out the sights of Birmingham? A quick internet search tells me there's a Rod Stewart tribute act on!
"Wake up Maggie..."
Post update
Eng 55-2
Stand and deliver. Joe Root's first ball is clobbered through point for four. Rooooooooooooooooooooooooooooot!
Post update
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"Lyth has 12 but that is not enough to stop people talking about his place in the side. Out comes Root. If these two can stay together for half an hour then the game will be over."
WICKET
Lyth lbw b Hazlewood 12 (Eng 51-2)
Three reds from ball-tracker means there's no red-inker for Adam Lyth. He couldn't have been much more plumb.
One more and we get worried?
Review
Eng 51-2
Josh Hazlewood back into the attack and he seams one back into Adam Lyth's pads. Out.
But the batsman's going to review it.
Get Involved
Eng 51-1 (Lyth 12, Bell 32)
You get the sense Mitchell Johnson hates getting stick from the crowd. As though he might one day turn round and offer to bowl at all 20,000 spectators. One ball at each. At the Waca. I wouldn't fancy that.
Ian Bell chases a wide one. Then pulls the bat out of the way of a rising, straight one. Maiden.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Amanda Rutter: Edgbaston is an utter joy to listen to when they're in full voice.
Chris Lennon: I never tire of that Mitchell Johnson chant!
Isobel Pyrke: The sound coming from Edgbaston, even over TMS is EXTRAORDINARY.
Post update
Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special
"That was a big miss by Michael Clarke. 30-odd for two could have sent some shivers through the England dressing room but they are well on top now. Bell is off to a flier."
Post update
Simon Mann
BBC Test Match Special
"There is an element of you or me about this. It is not quite Pietersen v Lee at The Oval in 2005 but Bell is taking Johnson on here."
Eng 51-1 (need 70 more to win)
Nathan Lyon goes up for a vocal appeal - on his own - when he hits Adam Lyth's pads.
Getting desperate now. Too high, going down leg.
Scorecard update
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ben O: Clarke's just dropped Bell's P45!
Eng 51-1 (target 121)
Mitchell Johnson stands with his hands on his head as Ian Bell plays a loose drive through gully for four. The big fast bowler reponds with a slower ball (77mph) which is at the stumps but well defended by the batsman.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think there is another player in world cricket who gets the crowd going as much as Mitchell Johnson. He just gets everyone up for the task."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
phillip bryant: Michael Clarke seems to be taking calls for Ian Bell to be dropped far too literally!
Eng 47-1
First ball from MJ? Well wide. Ian Bell would have needed a fishing rod to hit it. The crowd barrack the mean fast bowler. Like poking a lion that, surely?
Get Involved
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"The players sat in the dressing room will be loving this. There is nothing better than a flurry of runs when you are chasing a small total, just to ease the nerves."
Eng 47-1
Here comes big, bad Mitch.
Post update
Sam Sheringham
BBC Sport at Edgbaston
"The Edgbaston crowd are signing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot" at Twickenham decibels. A little hors d'oeuvre ahead of the Rugby World Cup."
Eng 47-1 (target 121)
Nathan Lyon to Adam Lyth. Four through the covers. Bobbing along nicely.
Eng 43-1
Undeterred, Ian Bell plays the same shot which almost got him out by running Nathan Lyon for four down to third man. Then he jumps back into his crease and pushes two into the off side.
It's as though Bell's gone out and said to Adam Lyth, "don't worry... I've got this".
Join the debate at #bbccricket
More Balls Blog: Ian Bell must have dinner plans, he's getting this over and done with as soon as possible!
Craig Desjardins: Bell could wrap it up from here :)
Chuck Macleod: Happily admit that I was calling for Bell to be dropped. Goodness gracious me I am so glad to be wrong.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It was a poor shot by Ian Bell. It was a straightforward kind of catch and when you have a small total you have to hold them. Michael Clarke will be devastated. How important could that prove to be?"
Dropped catch
Eng 36-1
Oh no, skip. You've just dropped the Ashes. Or something like that - Ian Bell guides a simple catch into Michael Clarke's hand at second slip but the captain grasses it.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Evan Samuel: Know Clarke will be worried about runs, but he has to go with Johnson at some point - sooner, not later
Eng 35-1
And another. An attempted yorker is off radar and Ian Bell helps it on its way to fine leg. We'll be done at 3 at this rate.
Post update
Jim Maxwell
BBC Test Match Special
"This is the issue with Starc. He is a strike bowler but he does leak boundaries."
Eng 31-1
Then Ian Bell smokes four more through the covers. Two boundaries in two balls. Momentum. Shifted.
Eng 27-1
Mitchell Starc gets another set of six, pitches the ball up and Ian Bell drives him down the ground for four. Displaying the bat manufacturer's logo all the way. Page 23 in the textbook.
Eng 23-1 (Lyth 8, Bell 8)
There's visible cracks on the Edgbaston pitch, and the footmarks are becoming more pronounced - but Adam Lyth is not letting such thoughts disturb him. He guides four through point. On the rise, I should add. Keep it on the deck.
Get Involved
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"A little bit unfortunate there for Mitchell Starc. The two boundaries Ian Bell scored could easily have been wickets."
Eng 19-1 (target 121)
Bell then angles four down to third man. That'll do, Ian.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Alex Pitt: So it begins...
Chris Reid: YES STARC. Just what was needed.
Paul B: Come on Ian Bell, see this innings out and get everyone back on your side.
Eng 15-1
I tell you what... Mr T in his tank wouldn't have got near that delivery from Mitchell Starc which got rid of Alastair Cook. Unplayable. Ian Bell gets one too - a jaffa zooting past the outside edge. Twitchy buttocks.
Eng 15-1 (target 121)
What nerves? Ian Bell strolls to the crease, clips four off his pads and then does a bit of gardening. As though he's just nipped out for his Sunday paper.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"A good delivery. Not sure quite what happened there to Alastair Cook? Starc got it exactly right and clipped the top of off."
WICKET
Cook b Starc 7 (Eng 11-1)
OK... this wasn't part of the plan. No panic yet though.
Alastair Cook is bowled by a ripper from Mitchell Starc, the ball pitching on middle and pinning back off. At 90mph. Edgbaston is silenced.
How should we take our minds of this tension which is surely about to develop?
Eng 11-0 (Cook 7, Lyth 4)
The Edgbaston crowd don't sound too nervous - as though they are entertaining themselves while England slowly throttle the Aussies. Cheers for every run too... Alastair Cook pushing three through the off side.
Post update
Phil Tufnell
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"You have to go with your big boys: Lyon and Johnson. Otherwise it could be over before you know it."
Eng 8-0
What should England do here? Bat properly or try and rattle through the target and put Australia to bed? Alastair Cook intakes sharply before facing Nathan Lyon. A firm defensive prod, then a shouldering of arms. Bit of turn for the spinner, mind.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Phil Slatter: Even if we get to 120-0, there will still be England fans doubting a win.
Get Involved
Get Involved
Eng 8-0 (target 121)
More importantly, Adam Lyth is leaving quite well outside off stump. No silly nibbles and the Aussies will be living off crumbs.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Tirzah T: STOP with the lowest score stats... you're making us a whole lot more nervous.
Marcus: Says lot when England negotiate a winning position and all we can think about is the different ways they can blow it.
Gary Wright: Let them bowl all day, give them plenty opportunity to pull a muscle.
Eng 8-0 (target 121)
A huge roar rips through Edgbaston as Adam Lyth caresses four through the covers off a not-too-amused Mitchell Starc.
Post update
A Question of Sport Teaser
Today's #QSTeaser from @QuestionofSport: Mitchell Johnson and which three other left-arm bowlers have taken 300 wickets & scored 2,000 Test runs?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Rachel T: 121 to put the nightmare of Lord's firmly in the bin. Come on lads!!
Tom Metcalf: Come on England! If each of you can score 11 then it's in the bag!
Matthew Vernon: Ok, time for some positivity to counteract the pessimists. Eng will get the runs by tea and will lose no more than 2 wickets.
Post update
So, the sky is blue and there's just the odd cloud in the sky. The weather's set fair. But there's a storm on the horizon. Will Hurricane Mitch be sweeping through Edgbaston this afternoon? Let's hope he just skirts by.
Dad's Army?
"What time does the bingo open, Brad?"
"Not sure, Shane."
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Jeremy Ford: We're gearing up for a tense session! Thought I'd email you our photo of the Voges wicket re-enactment from yesterday...
Fortress Edgbaston?
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Melinda Farrell from Cricinfo on TMS: "As an Australian, I've been here at Edgbaston for T20s, ODIs and county matches, but never a Test - and I've been blown away by this game. The club's been smart by insuring themselves against an early finish, the pitch is good it's the most hostile place I've seen for tourists - why don't they always play the first Test of every series here?! Look at the Gabba in Brisbane - Australia haven't lost a Test there since, I think, 1988."
Post update
Thanks Stephan. Anybody got anything to calm the nerves? A nip of brandy will do.
Post update
How was your lunch? Relaxing? If your nerves can take it, Marc Higginson is here to talk you through the afternoon session.
TMS journalist panel
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Stephen Brenkley (the Independent's cricket correspondent) on TMS: "Adam Lyth's under a lot of pressure at this point, mainly because of the way he's getting out. Forget about technique, he may not have the temperament for [international cricket] if he's playing balls like he did in the first innings."
Melinda Farrell from Cricinfo on TMS: "He's probably got three innings to turn it around. I thought Lyth should have been the player dropped rather than Ballance."
How's stat?!
The lowest totals England have failed to chase:
TMS journalist panel
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Melinda Farrell from Cricinfo on TMS: "We should remember that Steven Finn was so young when he came in - and we often see young fast bowlers having to go away and rebuild because of injury. It happens as well with batsmen who have success when they're young, and can come back stronger."
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Glen James: Do you think the dominant Aussie sides of 10-15 years ago would have considered 121 a "tricky little chase"? Absolutely not! There's more than enough class in this England team to score 121 runs in 8 sessions at half a run an over. Come on England!
Nick Sims: Can't help thinking Australia have revenge for Headingley '81 firmly in their sights.