Birmingham: Australia were left hoping for another major innings from Steven Smith as England took charge of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston on Saturday.

When bad light cut short the third day's play, Australia were 124-3 in their second innings — a lead of just 34 runs. Former captain Smith, who had made a superb 144 in the first innings of his first Test since completing a 12-month ban for his role in last year's ball tampering scandal in South Africa, was 46 not out.

Travis Head was 21 not out, with the pair's stand worth 49 runs. Ashes-holders Australia, looking to win their first series away to England in 18 years, were struggling at 27-2 after openers David Warner and Cameron Bancroft — also returning to Test duty after the ball-tampering scandal — both fell in single figures.