Australia take slender lead in first Ashes Test

Smith again frustrates England England vs Australia Scoreboard

BIRMINGHAM, England, Aug 3, (AP): Steve Smith frustrated England once again as Australia took a slender 34-run lead in the first Ashes Test after reaching 124-3 in its second innings at stumps on day three.

Smith, who hit 144 in Australia’s first-innings 284, was 46 not out off 61 balls on Saturday. Travis Head is 21 not out in a fourth-wicket partnership of 49 so far.

The pair came to Australia’s rescue after Stuart Broad took his 450th Test wicket when David Warner was caught behind by Jonny Bairstow for 8 on review. Cameron Bancroft tamely sent the ball to Jos Buttler at short leg for an easy catch off Moeen Ali for 27-2.

England broke through again to make it 75-3 when Ben Stokes forced an edge behind by Usman Khawaja (40), with Australia still trailing.

Smith took a single off Ali at the end of the 22nd over to bring the two teams level before helping to build the

England’s Chris Woakes plays a shot during day three of the first Ashes Test cricket match between England and Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England on Aug 3. (AP)