Cricket fans are disappointed as the start of the fifth and final day of the Ashes series opener at Edgbaston has been delayed by heavy rain. But weather is expected to improve later in the day. Players will take an early lunch and according to the latest report, play is not expected to start before 1:10 p.m local time at the earliest.

The weather department in its forecast said: “A wet morning with outbreaks of heavy rain. Turning drier through the afternoon with some sunny spells developing, though an isolated shower still possible. Feeling less warm than of late. Maximum temperature 22 °C.”

Australia are chasing 281 to win the Edgbaston test and were at 107 for 3 at stumps of Day 4. Usman Khawaja is 34 not out and nightwatchman Scott Boland on 13 not out. Australia are bidding for their first Ashes series win in England in 22 years.

Stuart Broad gave some hope for the hosts as he struck twice late Monday by claiming the wickets of Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.

Earlier, Australia captain Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took four wickets each as England were all out for of 273 in the second innings. Cummins took 4-63, while veteran off-spinner Lyon’s haul of 4-80 included the key scalps of Joe Root and Harry Brook.

Only three teams have made more than 200 to win in the fourth innings of a Test at Edgbaston.The highest chase was England’s 378-3 against India last year and the next best was South Africa’s 283-5 in 2008.On Day 4, England resumed on 28-2. Cummins hit back when he bowled Pope (14) with a near-unplayable thunderbolt yorker that left England 77-3.

England seamer Stuart Broad wants is hoping to avoid a repeat of the dramatic finale at Edgbaston of 18 years ago. The target is one run fewer than Australia were set in a stunning finale at the Birmingham ground 18 years ago, when England prevailed by just two runs en route to a 2-1 series triumph.

“But I’m not sure we want (this Test) going to two runs (on Tuesday). Hopefully, it doesn’t get as close as that and we get a few wickets early because that won’t do much for the heart, will it?” he said. (With Agency Inputs)