Ashes PIX: Burns maiden ton helps England take initiative in opener

IMAGES from Day 2 of the 1st Ashes Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on Friday

Australia's Steve Smith takes a catch to dismiss England's Jason Roy off the bowling of James Pattinson

IMAGE: Rory Burns of England celebrates reaching his century during Day 2 of the Ashes Test. Photograph: Gareth Copley/Getty Images

Rory Burns smashed an unbeaten maiden Test century as England gained the upper hand in the first Ashes Test by finishing day two on 267-4, trailing Australia by just 17 runs on Friday.

Australia's Steve Smith takes a catch to dismiss England's Jason Roy off the bowling of James Pattinson

IMAGE: Australia's Steve Smith takes a catch to dismiss England's Jason Roy off the bowling of James Pattinson. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Jason Roy's first Ashes innings never really got going as he was out for 10, before Joe Root benefited from a stroke of luck after a superb delivery from James Pattinson beat him and clipped the wickets but the bails did not come off.

Australia's James Pattinson has words with England captain Joe Root after a Pattinson delivery to Root hit the bail but failed to dislodge it

IMAGE: Australia's James Pattinson has words with England captain Joe Root after a Pattinson delivery to Root hit the bail but failed to dislodge it. Photograph: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images

Root and Burns went on to record the series' first century partnership, but the England captain failed to make three figures, falling to Peter Siddle for 57, with Joe Denly (18) and Jos Buttler (5) unable to provide support.

Burns reached his century off 223 balls, following nine dot balls stuck on 99. He will resume his innings on 125 not out, alongside Ben Stokes on 38.