Australia was bowled out for 386 runs, and England was 35 runs ahead when rain stopped play, with England's Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett on seven and 18 not out, respectively.
After the restart, Australia's fast bowlers found dangerous movement in the fast-fading light, and both Crawley and Duckett were dismissed.
Pat Cummins took Duckett's wicket, and Cameron Green caught a diving catch in the slips.
Ollie Pope and Joe Root replaced Crawley and Duckett, and Pope and Root were yet to score when play was halted due to rain.
England is looking to regain the Ashes against world champions Australia in the five-test series.
LONDON DAILY ARCHIVE
England-Australia Ashes Test Match Halted by Rain, but Australia Takes Early Lead
England is playing Australia in the first Ashes test match at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
18 June 2023 · 22:54 UTC
