James Anderson ruled out of fourth Ashes Test

But Anderson s injury could hamper England s bid to go 2-1 up in the five-match Ashes series on Friday as bowling substitutes are not allowed under cricket s rules or Laws, although a replacement fielder is permitted.

Bell (65 not out) and Joe Root, with an unbeaten 38, anchored the chase after England were set to 121 to win on the third day at Edgbaston where a dominant performance banished memories of a heavy defeat at Lord’s. In the Lord’s test, Smith had scored a combined total of 273 runs. I feel my game is in great order despite having a few low scores in the opening two Tests so I’m looking forward to getting back out in the middle for England Cricket.

All-rounder Mitchell Marsh was caught behind for a duck and wicket-keeper Peter Nevill, retained despite Brad Haddin being available again after missing the second Test because of his daughter’s ill-health, bowled for two when leaving the ball. The pair came together on 51-2 with work still to be done.

Australia had resumed overnight with a lead of just 23 so to stretch as far into the distance as they did was a minor triumph.

His figures of 5-45 was an astonishing return for a bowler playing his first Test for two years.

Boycott said Australia captain Michael Clarke is “under the cosh” and “lucky to be averaging 18”.

“But it was good fun and we can sit in the changing room with a smile on our face”.

Earlier, number eight Moeen Ali’s quickfire 59 helped England to 281 all out and a first-innings lead of 145. Bairstow gave England the lead when he square drove Josh Hazlewood for four in the first over of the day.

The ball flew through what is considered one of the safest hands in the team when Bell was on 20 and England were 1-35.

Mitchell Johnson came on in the ninth over but was unable to repeat his intimidating spell in the first innings when he claimed two quick wickets.

Anderson has taken 10 tickets this series across 87.0 overs, recorded by ESPNcricinfo.

Australia’s tail added 97 runs on Friday morning (Saturady NZ Time), showing the fight that was dearly lacking from their batsmen in both innings at Edgbaston.

Former England global John Lever says that there is no reason to think that England can’t go on and win the Ashes should they wrap up victory in the third Test at Edgbaston.

“My self-belief is still there”, said Clarke”.

His performance in Birmingham remains the series’ most prolific, with his second-best stats coming at Cardiff, where he finished with 3 for 43 during Australia’s first innings.