Ben Stokes ton propels England in chase vs Australia at Edgbaston

Ben Stokes hit a calculated ton as England recovered from early blows to near the 278-run target set by Australia in their ICC Champions Trophy Group A match at Edgbaston

Ben Stokes scored his third ODI century as England came back from three early blows to be on course for a comfortable win against Australia in their final Group A game in the ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston. (LIVE UPDATES | SCORECARD)

England's Ben Stokes celebrates his century against Australia in their ICC Champions Trophy Group A match at Edgbaston. (REUTERS)

After being left reeling at 35/3 following the dismissals of Jason Roy, Alex Hales and Joe Root, England looked to be in a spot of bother in their chase of 278 runs.

However, Stokes combined with skipper Eoin Morgan to pull England back from the abyss and put them on course for a win.

A brief rain delay following the third wicket gave the hosts time to gather themselves, and Morgan and Stokes did well to steer the England innings.

While Morgan was removed after a run out dismissal, Stokes held on and steadied the innings.

He hit 13 fours and two sixes to complete his century from 108 balls. However, a ball later, it started raining again.

The hosts were 240/4 in 40.2 overs, needing 38 more from 58 balls to win, when rain interrupted play.