Rory Burns is pleased that his hard work paid off as a maiden Test century handed England the advantage on day two of the Ashes at Edgbaston.

Burns rebuffed Australia for six and a half hours and faced 282 balls for his unbeaten 125, an old-fashioned opener's innings boasting the flinty resolve England have been crying out for since Sir Alastair Cook's retirement almost a year ago.

Australia allowed him one obvious reprieve, failing to refer an lbw shout that would have ended his stay at 21, but nothing should detract from the deep reserves character he leaned on to see his side to 267 for four - just 17 behind.

Two cheap dismissals against Ireland last week had lowered Burns' average to 22.28 in seven matches, raising fresh questions over his credentials, but on his biggest stage yet the 28-year-old proved his mettle.

"It was a little bit different to the Ireland Test last week. It was awesome, a really good experience," he said afterwards.

"There's been lots of hard work from a lot of people, coaches, parents... that was for them really.

"It's quite a slow pitch. It was difficult at times but wait long enough and you can get some in your area."

Burns, who scored just six in each innings against Ireland, continued: "I was just trying to get the rhythm and feeling back. Sometimes it just takes two hours at the crease to get you going.

"I struggled at Lord's and I've tried to find a rhythm where I'm more balanced and central."

Asked for his assessment of how the match is balanced, the Surrey batsman added: "They've still got a newish ball and we're still behind."