England cruise to eight-wicket win over Australia and 2-1 lead in Ashes cricket series
Set 121 for victory at Edgbaston, the hosts wrap it up on the third day, with recalled fast bowler Steve Finn named man of the match
Ian Bell guided England to an eight-wicket victory over Australia in the third cricket test at Edgbaston on Friday to put the hosts 2-1 up in the Ashes series with two tests to play.
Bell (65 not out) and Joe Root, with an unbeaten 38, anchored the chase after England were set 121 to win on the third day at Edgbaston where a dominant performance banished memories of a heavy defeat at Lord’s.
It’s been a fantastic three days. I don’t think the pitch was 140 all out but the way Jimmy [Anderson] bowled, backed up by Steve [Finn] was fantastic
England lost Alastair Cook (7) and Adam Lyth (12) to set a few nerves on edge but Bell, dropped on 20 by Australia captain Michael Clarke, made his second 50 of the match to spark raucous celebrations after Root hit the winning runs.
The hosts took command on day one when Australia were shot out for 136, James Anderson, who will miss the next test with a side strain, taking six wickets – a feat matched by the recalled Steven Finn in the second innings, who took 6-79 and was named man of the match.
“It’s been a fantastic three days,” Cook said.
“I don’t think the pitch was 140 all out but the way Jimmy bowled, backed up by Steve was fantastic.”
