Ashes PIX: Smith again frustrates England to leave opener finely balanced

IMAGES from Day 3 of the 1st Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Saturday

IMAGE: Steve Smith of Australia is struck on the helmet by a delivery from Ben Stokes. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Steve Smith's unbeaten 46 helped Australia recover to 124-3 in their second innings before bad light stopped play with the tourists 34 runs ahead at the end of day three of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

IMAGE: Pat Cummins of Australia celebrates after taking the wicket of Ben Stokes. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

England's first innings resumed on 267-4 as Rory Burns added eight to his overnight score, falling for 133.

IMAGE: England's Chris Woakes hits a six. Photograph: Andrew Boyers/Reuters

However, England lost three wickets in 11 balls before Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes came to the rescue by adding 65 runs for the ninth wicket. England were eventually all out for 374.

IMAGE: James Anderson of England shows discomfort from a calf injury while batting. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

The injured Jimmy Anderson was kept out of the bowling attack, with Broad opening, and he soon had his 450th Test wicket as he enticed an edge from David Warner (8), with Cameron Bancroft next to go for seven to leave Australia 27-2.

IMAGE: Ben Stokes of England celebrates after taking the wicket of Usman Khawaja. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Usman Khawaja (40) batted well before Ben Stokes had him caught behind.

But Smith, who scored a brilliant century in the first innings, once again proved immovable as he and Travis Head (21 not out) stayed at the crease until the umpires took the players off as daylight diminished.

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