Graham Onions and James Anderson tore through Australia's batting line-up yesterday to put England in a strong position. There are some concerns about the weather at Edgbaston but there's plenty of cricket left yet. Ed Hawkins talks us through all the action.

14.39
Play has been abandoned for the day. Depressing news eh? Gosh, what do those poor souls who don't have cricket in their lives do on a Saturday? I suppose I'm about to find out. Before we go though, I'll dig out a forecast for tomorrow and Monday, plus we'll try to work out what this means for the Test.

14.35 RAIN
Inspection news is immiment. But I can tell you now, I think it's about to be called off for the day. Meanwhile, TB has nailed our quick about successive County Champions quiz answer. Here it is: 1988 Worcestershire, 1989 Worcestershire, 1991 Essex, 1992 Essex, 1994 Warwickshire, 1995 Warwickshire, 1999 Surrey, 2000 Surrey, 2006 Sussex, 2007 Sussex

14.20 RAIN
Ricky Ponting yesterday became Australia's leading Test runscorer. You can read some fascinating stats here. However, backers of Australia in this series are unlikely to be too impressed. He has failed three times in a row now since a ton in Cardiff and in the first-innings in this Test he played a poor shot when trying to hook Graham Onions. When you look at that dismissal compared to some of those of his team-mates, he really did chuck his wicket away.

14.00 Inspection in 30.

13.57 RAIN
Not quite bread this one, more of floury bap. But it just goes to show that Barry Richards, despite his age, is refusing to pension off his bread head. Good work, Barry.

13.46 RAIN
By the way, Sri Lanka comfortably won the second one-day international against Pakistan earlier today. Kapu struck 67 not out to get them to their 169 target with 38 balls to spare. There is some county cricket taking place today, too. It's rather the forgotten format when an Ashes series is on I find. A shame really as Durham are on course for back-to-back Championship titles. Currently they have a lead 24 points and are going well against Sussex. If they hold their position you would think that successive titles is some mean feat, wouldn't you? In fact, if Durham win again they will become the sixth county since 1989 to successfully defend the title. A prize to the person who can name the previous five.

13.29 RAIN
Apparently it is raining again at Edgbaston, which is very bad news indeed. Steve Rouse said earlier than further rain would seriuously damage hopes of play. So, time for another bread head. This time it's RP Singh, the India fast bowler. You'll note that RP's bread head is less rigid than Trevor Penney's. He has taken it into the modern era, if you will. More street.

13.00 Eng 116-2
Topically, given we are at Edgbaston, it was Warwickshire's Trevor Penney who was the original cricket bread head. His Hovis-style bonce inspired a host of fellow players to copy his 'do'. But none has quite managed to do it with the class of our Trev. You could say, his is the best since sliced ...

12.42 Eng 116-2
While we wait for play here, do check out Geoffrey Riddle's Glorious Goodwood blog. It's raining on the Downs, too but that won't stop the action. Some horses might prefer the conditions more than others. Riddle will be able to help you on that point.

12.36 Eng 116-2
Just going back to that photo of Aleem Dar and his bread head, there seems to be a proliferation of cricketers who have loaves on their heads. I have a few in mind who I will post links to throughout this wet day. You can also send me your own at hawkeyeview@hotmail.co.uk. But remember the rule: the haircut must look as though it has been moulded in the style of a loaf, or any other dough-based food stuff.

12.19 Eng 116-2
Rudi has been interviewed. This is what he had to say: "The field is getting a bit better but there are concerns around the covers. The ground is very soft. Almost as bad as day one. We'll have an inspection after lunch.
"The soppers are working to a point. They've got everything up that they could but it's still moist.
"There no wind or sun. We'd prefer to get it on but it's not fair for play at the mo.
"It's hard to say how long we need. It doesn't sound too positive. I've spoken with Steve [Rouse, groundsman] and he says we're due more rain and that could be it."

12.10 Eng 116-2 RAIN
Just seen a few shots of Rudi Koertzen and Aleem Dar doing their inspection. Not sure how thorough it was. Aleem thought the best way to check whether the ground was fit was to try to spear his umbrella into the turf. It went straight in. But of course it would. Then he flung a ball to the turf and stamped on it. Aleem also has the most wonderful hair style. To say it is bouffant doesn't quite cut it. It is if he has styled it on a loaf of bread. A bread head.

11.52 Eng 116-2 RAIN
Steve Rouse has spoken, which makes a change given the Edgbaston groundsman has a reputation for natter like an episode of that dreadful show, Loose Women. He says that if it doesn't rain between now and 1pm, they'd look to start play at 1.40pm

11.47 Eng 116-2 RAIN
Oh for the weather in Dambulla. I haven't actually checked what it's like where Sri Lanka are playing Pakistan but it's bound to be nice isn't it? Sri Lanka are chasing a paltry 169 but they have been struggling (perhaps it's too hot). Pakistan reduced them to 74-4 but Kapu and Samaraweera have staged a comeback at 105-4. The market doesn't give Pakistan much chance. They are [11.00].

11.19 Eng 116-2 RAIN
Oh dear. Birmingham is more of a miserable sight than normal this morning. It's wet and gloomy. The prospects of play before lunch are slim indeed. After that, though, we could be in business. The weather radar suggests clear spells with only the threat of light showers going forward. No matter, we'll find a way to amuse ourselves until we get some play. Here are the prices: England [5.40], Australia [11.00] and the draw [1.37].

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