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David Warner resists as Chris Rogers, Steve Smith depart

A quickfire half-century from David Warner helps Australia reach 73-2 at tea as they set about closing the gap on England in the third Ashes Test.

Australia lost the wickets of Chris Rogers and Steve Smith as they started their second innings of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston this afternoon.

However, opener David Warner did provide some resistance towards the England bowling attack ahead of the tea interval on what is only day two of the encounter.

Earlier in the session hosting England were bowled out for 281 in their first innings, which meant that when Rogers and Warner returned to the crease, their side trailed by 145 runs.

Rogers did not last long, though, as he was trapped lbw by Stuart Broad for six, leaving his side on 17-1.

The loss of his partner appeared to spur Warner into form, and the 28-year-old went on to equal the Australian record for the quickest ever half-century in an Ashes Test when he reached that figure in 35 deliveries.

On the down side, during that time the world's number one batsman Smith (8) was caught by Jos Buttler after he had wildly lashed Steven Finn's bouncer into the air.

That brought Michael Clarke (2) to the crease and he remained unbeaten alongside Warner (56) when the interval was called with the Aussies 73-2, trailing the home team by 72 runs.

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Liam Apicella
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England players celebrate after David Warner is dismissed on day one of the Third Test of The Ashes on July 29, 2015
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