Ashes 2015: Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting give cricket masterclass as Australia head for heavy defeat

Video: The legendary spin bowler took to the Sky Sports 'Ashes Zone' to show his countrymen how to do it

(Sky Sports Cricket)

How the Australians wish Shane Warne was available for selection at Edgbaston today, with the men from Down Under heading for defeat in the third test of this year's Ashes - on day three.

The Aussies only narrowly avoided an embarrassing two-day Test defeat as England, protecting a first innings lead of 145, reduced Australia’s second innings to 168 for 7 at close of play.

With England closing in on a 2-1 series lead, Shane Warne and Ricky Ponting - Australians not used to losing during a period of Aussie dominance in the 1990s and 2000s - went along to the Sky Sports "Ashes Zone" to show their fellow countrymen how they should have batted during the seconds innings, and more importantly, how they should try to bowl during England's second innings, when the Aussies will need to get a lot of wickets for very few runs.

While it's bad news for the Aussies that the likes of Warne and Ponting are no longer available, there was some better news for the Australian camp today.

James Anderson, the star England bowler, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Third Test after suffering a side injury on day two which will also keep him out of next week's Fourth Test at Trent Bridge.