WORCESTERSHIRE all-rounder Moeen Ali hit a sparkling half-century for England on a remarkable second day of the third Investec Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Birmingham-born Moeen cracked 59 from just 78 deliveries, including 11 fours, as England took the upper hand against Australia.

Australia will resume their second innings tomorrow on 168-7 — a lead of 23 runs — after 14 wickets fell today.

Steve Finn bagged 5-45, with Australia’s resistance from Peter Nevill (37 not out).

England are firm favourites to wrap up a 2-1 advantage in the series.

Joe Root top-scored with 63 and Moeen shared an eighthwicket stand of 87 with Stuart Broad (31) as England made 281 in reply to Australia’s first innings of 136.

Moeen had begun unconvincingly, playing and missing several times against Australia’s pace attack.

But the 28-year-old exploded into life with his trademark off-drives before falling to an upper-cut to third man off the bowling of Josh Hazlewood as he batted with England’s tail.