Rain delays start of final day of Ashes opener to post-lunch

The start of the fifth and final day of the Ashes series opener was delayed by heavy rain at Edgbaston on Tuesday.

Players will take an early lunch at 12:30 p.m. local time. The test won’t start before 1:10 p.m. at the earliest. The covers are still on at the Birmingham ground but the rain has eased and the weather is forecast to improve in the afternoon.

Read More: Edgbaston weather forecast: Will rain play spoilsport on Day 5 of the Ashes 1st Test?

Australia needs 174 more runs and England seven more wickets to win. Chasing 281 to win, Australia is 107-3. Usman Khawaja is 34 not out and nightwatchman Scott Boland on 13 not out.

Stuart Broad struck twice late Monday as England fought its way back into the match by claiming the wickets of David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith in a span of eight overs.