Australia win thrilling first Ashes Test at Edgbaston

Australia have won the first Test of the Ashes series at Edgbaston by two wickets, after captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon held their nerve to complete a thrilling run chase on the final evening.

Chasing 281 to win, Australia were in trouble at 227 for eight, but Cummins and Lyon added an unbeaten 55 for the ninth wicket to take their side to victory on 20 June.

England's bold start

The match began in dramatic style. England won the toss and chose to bat, and Zak Crawley struck the very first ball of the series, bowled by Cummins, for four.

Joe Root then scored his 30th Test century, including a reverse scoop for six off Scott Boland, and captain Ben Stokes declared on the first evening at 393 for eight, with Root unbeaten on 118. It was a typically aggressive decision from an England side that has transformed its fortunes under Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum with its attacking approach, nicknamed "Bazball".

Khawaja the anchor

Australia replied through Usman Khawaja, who batted patiently for a century, his first Test hundred in England, and later added a second-innings half-century. Australia finished their first innings just short of England's total.

England were bowled out for 273 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 281. With rain affecting play, the match went down to the final session of the final day, with every result still possible.

A nerve-shredding finish

England's bowlers chipped away through the day, and when Australia slipped to 227 for eight, the home side looked favourites. But Cummins, who had also taken key wickets with the ball, and Lyon batted with great composure, picking off runs as the Edgbaston crowd grew ever more tense.

Cummins struck the winning runs, leaving England to reflect on missed chances, including dropped catches and missed stumpings, and on whether their early declaration had been too bold.

Edgbaston's reputation

Edgbaston is famous for its noisy, passionate crowds, and many England players regard it as their favourite ground. The stadium hosted the first Test of the 1902 Ashes, its first Test match, and has been the scene of some of the most memorable Ashes finishes, including England's two-run win in 2005.

The atmosphere, led by the famous Hollies Stand, lived up to its billing throughout the five days.

The series ahead

The five-match series moves on to Lord's next week, followed by Headingley, Old Trafford and The Oval. Australia hold the Ashes, and England will now need to win at least three of the remaining four Tests to regain them.

For Warwickshire, which runs the ground, the match was a showcase for the stadium and the city. Whatever happens in the rest of the series, the first Test at Edgbaston will be remembered as one of the great Ashes contests.