Michael Clarke continued his form slump as Australia stumbled to 3-38 early on day one of the third Ashes Test.

Clarke won the toss on Wednesday but, from that point on, his side stumbled on a seaming Edgbaston pitch.

Rain interrupted play after one hour, with Chris Rogers showing plenty of grit to be 14 not out alongside Adam Voges.

Clarke and Steve Smith were both dismissed by recalled England paceman Steve Finn, while David Warner was trapped lbw by Jimmy Anderson.

In the past six Tests at the venue, the team batting first has never won.

Clarke floated the prospect of bowling first in pre-match media duties.

However the Australian skipper and counterpart Alastair Cook both noted at the toss they were keen to bat first under overcast skies.

The series is level at 1-1 after contrasting four-day Tests at Cardiff and Lord’s.

England recorded a 169-run win in the first Test, while the tourists bounced back with a resounding 405-run victory in London.