RECAP: Rains ends play early as Usman Khawaja, David Warner build
Usman Khawaja and David Warner made a superb start to the 384-run chase before rain set in at The Oval.
A woeful day in the field yesterday means Australia will need to break records and chase a monster total if they are to clinch the Ashes series at The Oval.
England built a lead of 384, with Joe Root making 91 and Jonny Bairstow 78.
The pitch is still flat, and Australia have a full compliment of batters and a day to play, so there is a slim chance of an Ashes miracle.
Recap all the day four action from our blog.
Key Events
Farewell!
Rain has robbed us on day four, but I suspect we will get it back in spades on day five.
Join us again at 5.30pm for the final day of the 2023 Ashes series.
Backs against the wall!
Warner and Khawaja have performed at the key moment and we have a thriller on our hands.
Stumps
An early stumps has been called with rain hammering down in London.
It sets up a thrilling final day with Usman Khawaja and David Warner wiping off 135 runs without losing a wicket.
It means Australia have a day to make another 249 while England need 10 wickets.
The pitch is flat and this is a 50/50.
Pouring
Chances of getting back on today look slim with the rain pouring down on London.
It appears the Ashes is going to the last day to decide the series.
Rain won’t cease
It’s still raining quite hard so the delay will be a long one.
Early Tea
The Tea break has been taken early as the wheather sets in.
The forecast is not great but who knows.
Covers remain
The square and run ups are still covered as rain tumbles.
Still not super heavy but enough to be a concern.
Australia don’t need the pitch to juice up.
Talk about dominance
Rain delay
A light shower has paused Australia’s efforts.
Only one cover on at the moment and it looks light so hopefully passes quickly.
AUS 0-135, Need 249 to win
Of course
This replacement ball is taking swing and appears much harder than the last one.
If wickets fall here the umpire’s will need a please explain.
A few showers are now falling on the wicket as well.
AUS 0-134, Need 250 to win
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