Edwards shines with the bat as women stay on top in Sydney
After adding 26 to their overnight total of 181-8 before being bowled out, England then ripped through the Australian line-up before seeing them make an attacking declaration on 159-9.
That left England openers Heather Knight and Caroline Atkins to negotiate the final hour before stumps, and they did so cautiously, making nine without loss.
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Hide AdEngland's Charlotte Edwards began the day 103 not out and made it through to finish unbeaten on 114.
England took quick early wickets, with Shelley Nitschke making just two and Sarah Elliott one.
When opener Rachael Haynes went for 21, Australia were 45-5 and they needed Alyssa Healy's 37 and Jess Cameron's impressive 30 late on to salvage the innings.
Captain Alex Blackwell decided to call an early end to have a go at England, but they could not get a breakthrough in the final 10 overs before stumps.
"Things didn't quite go right for us today but we're all really positive and we're looking to play a nice aggressive style of cricket," said Healy.