Ashes cricket 2023: Australia require 249 runs to win after rain stops play on day four
Both sides are optimistic of getting a result as a classic final day looms at The Oval. Check out the state of play
The fifth Test is set for a grandstand day five finish after rain wiped out the back half of day four at The Oval.
Set 384 to win the Test and secure a 3-1 series victory, Australia was 0-135 in the middle of the second session when rain began. It barely ceased, with play abandoned at around 4:45pm local time.
David Warner (58) and Usman Khawaja (69) had batted strongly before weather intervened. Light rain is also forecast for Monday, which could help Australia, who only need a draw to nail a 2-1 series win and end a 22-year away Ashes series drought.
Both sides are optimistic.
“It’s a very good batting wicket out there,” Australian batting coach Michael Di Venuto said.
England assistant coach Marcus Trescothick was hoping for early breakthroughs on Monday.
“A couple of early ones in the morning and suddenly we’re right back on,” Trescotchick said
“It definitely slows down, it gets harder to score.”
WHERE’S WOODY?
Mark Wood has changed the tenor of this series since he was introduced at Headingley. His rapid pace has consistently troubled Australia’s batters, and had he been fit enough to play in the first two Tests the urn might be England’s by now. So then it was strange to say the least that Wood didn’t bowl any of the hosts’ first 32 overs on Sunday, with all three other frontline quicks as well as spinners Moeen Ali and Joe Root getting a solid bowl ahead of him. The theory seemed to be that England wanted to wait for the ball to be scuffed to enhance the chance of reverse swing. But as Australia went to lunch with 10 wickets still in hand, the move looked questionable to say the least. When eventually introduced, Wood looked dangerous, with one short-ball rising into Usman Khawaja’s helmet. Trescothick said the decision to delay Wood’s introduction was purely tactical and not injury-related.
USMANIA
Khawaja’s Test encore has proved one of the more remarkable tales in Australian cricket. His consistent excellence since being brought back into the XI following Travis Head’s positive Covid-19 result during the 2021-22 Ashes has yielded tons in Pakistan, India and England, the latter two of which had been unhappy hunting grounds in the past. On Sunday he reclaimed top spot on the series run-scoring table from England opener Zak Crawley, while also becoming the 21st Australian to reach 5000 runs in Test cricket.
TON’S UP
While Warner’s inability to convert starts on this series had caused frustration, there could be no doubt he had significantly outdone his horror 2019 output. Warner and Khawaja had made three 50-run stands across the first two Tests, both won by Australia, but a century partnership had eluded them until Sunday. With a mammoth task in front of the Aussies, Khawaja and Warner gave them the perfect start. It was Australia’s first century stand in a Test in England since Warner and Chris Rogers achieved the feat at The Oval in 2015.
BROAD SHOW
If you hadn’t noticed, Stuart Broad doesn’t mind some theatre. Having on Saturday night announced his retirement from cricket at the conclusion of this match, Sunday became a Broad celebration at The Oval. A highlights package of his career was shown on the big screen before play, he received a standing ovation when he went out to bat, was given a guard of honour by Australia’s fielders and then pulled what was ultimately his final ball faced in Test cricket for six off Mitchell Starc. When he came into bowl to start the run chase, Joe Root sought to rouse the crowd further with his arms, not that the spectators needed much encouragement.
THEY FORGOT MY BIRTHDAY
With Broad hogging the limelight, the fact that it was new-ball partner Jimmy Anderson’s 41st birthday went by with less fanfare than may otherwise have been the case. Anderson was lbw to Todd Muprhy to end the England innings and couldn’t force a breakthrough despite bowling tightly, a theme of the series.
ALI’S LAST STAND
In what should be his final Test, in a series he didn’t intend to play, Moeen battled into the field despite hurting his groin earlier in the match. He was clearly laboured in the outfield but almost picked up a wicket from a full toss which Warner didn’t connect with properly.
SCROLL DOWN FOR ALL THE KEY MOMENTS OF DAY FOUR
1:50AM: STUMPS: RAIN STYMIES WARNER AND KHAWAJA’S ASHES CHARGE
Well, luckily only one delirious movie reference was needed tonight, with the rain forcing play to be abandoned on day four.
Just as it looked like Australia may have a serious chance of winning this Test from nowhere, now their hopes of victory have taken a huge hit.
The day was dominated by the visitors all day, finishing off Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad’s partnership in the second over.
Todd Murphy made the breakthrough, giving him four for the innings.
That brought out Khawaja and Warner, with the English crowd rabid for a potential final Warner wicket from the outgoing Stuart Broad.
However, the Australian openers were never troubled, dominating the rest of the play with an unbeaten 135-run stand.
Both openers posted half-centuries, and just as it seemed as if Australia had the edge, mother nature stepped in.
How cruel!
249 runs to win for Australia, 10 wickets to win for England, if the weather holds off tomorrow we could be primed for an unbelievable day of cricket.
1:45AM: SAD STATE OF AFFAIRS AT THE OVAL
Your meteorologist for the night (is it still night?) has some terrible news.
Yes, it is still raining and no it does not seem like letting up
I may not be in the rain, but it really does feel like it, like Emperor Kuzco as the sad llama in The Emperor’s New Groove.
Play does not seem close, however if you’re still watching and waiting victory is imminent on the Edgbaston replay, including Nathan Lyon’s ‘shot heard round the world.’
“This wasn’t meant to end like this,” said the English at Manchester.
There’s not as much on the line, but now I tend to agree.
1:15AM: MOTHER NATURE EXERTS HER WILL
It’s Alex Carey and Pat Cummins at the crease on Channel 9, and in real time it’s mother nature stealing all the headlines at The Oval.
The rain has started to get heavier in London, with the question now needing to be asked.
How much rain can prevent Australia from winning this game?
The visitors still need 249 runs, and there is an expectation that rain will hamper play tomorrow also.
If the players can get back out there, we could possibly see a different attitude from both sides, as England get desperate to force a series draw.
A reminder, this is the English summer apparently.
Drizzle turns into deluge at The Kia Oval ðŸ˜³ðŸŒ§ï¸ pic.twitter.com/e14OAxoiSd
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2023
12:45AM: BEN STOKES ON TO BOWL, 6 WEEKS AGO
Rain still has halted play in London, so why not revel in the glory of a tense game that you know for a fact your team will win.
Kevin Pietersen talking about Ben Stokes being made for the big moment, and knowing he does deliver but it’s all for naught at the end of that day, just glorious.
Also very weird to see Alex Carey at the crease not getting booed out of the ground, how times truly have changed.
The covers remain on at The Oval meanwhile, and it is dark skies all around, will this series get the ultimate day five crescendo?
It’s not looking too good at the Oval right now ☔ï¸#Ashespic.twitter.com/JtP0uvFmyz
— England's Barmy Army ðŸ´ó §ó ¢ó ¥ó ®ó §ó ¿ðŸŽº (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2023
12:15AM: EDGBASTON REPLAY TIME
Well, Channel 9 have got the replay of the final day of Edgbaston on, which means we might not have play for a while.
Simpler times they were six weeks ago, when there was still morality in the sport of cricket.
As we know the spirit of cricket was mercilessly killed by Alex Carey and Pat Cummins in the following Test.
I for one, have not gotten over it.
Breaks have proven to provide good fortune for bowling sides this match however, so England should be chomping at the bit to get back out there and try and break this partnership.
The radar does not look particularly encouraging unfortunately.
11:50PM: AUSSIES ON THE MARCH AS RAIN FALLS
Khawaja brings up 5000 Test runs and the two openers are on a roll at The Oval.
After a stoppage to replace the helmet, Khawaja has look undeterred by Wood’s pace, with the Aussies getting to 0-135 at drinks after lunch.
The rain has picked up slightly at the ground, with it looking likely that we will see a stoppage at some stage.
The groundsmen have been spotted waiting on the boundary, signalling that there may be more rain on the way.
Remarkably, rain may not be what the Aussies want right now, and could be the perfect antidote for the home side.
The covers are now on, with Australia 249 runs away from victory, the players have been forced off the ground.
11:30PM: KHAWAJA AND WARNER REACH FIFTY
This certainly is an ideal time for David Warner and Usman Khawaja to register only their second 100-run partnership as both men reach fifty.
Khawaja has been in the runs all series, but you can sense how pivotal this innings is for David Warner’s legacy.
The opener has not registered a century in England, and has been subject to plenty of criticism all series.
Meanwhile, Khawaja has now overtaken Zak Crawley as the series’ leading run-getter.
This is exactly what the tourists needed to start this innings, setting a great foundation for what still is a monumental task in London.
The two are now taking to Joe Root, with Warner getting away with a mistimed slog-sweep that still got to the boundary.
Mark Wood has caused a little bit of panic with his pace, with Warner looking very keen to take on the short ball.
A Wood short-ball hits Khawaja on the back of the helmet, bringing out the doctor for a check but he appears okay.
11:10PM: A GREAT GERARD BUTLER MOVIE TO GO
It’s been an improved start to this session for the hosts, with England coming with a clear plan to try and sucker Warner and Khawaja outside off-stump with Jimmy Anderson at one end.
At the other, Joe Root is also bowling a probing line and length, not allowing the two batsmen to rotate the strike.
The ball has shot low a couple times since lunch, which will encourage the bowlers.
Warner has played the late cut a couple of times, a shot that has given him trouble the whole series.
The Aussie opener played a beautiful off-drive over Anderson’s head.
That was followed up by the epitome of a beamer that almost hit Warner’s helmet, but he was good enough to find the boundary, as he nears 50.
This is now the largest opening partnership of the series and what a time for it.
And it looks like Mark Wood is about to come in and try and wreck all the fun.
Anderson beams Warner from nowhere! 😳
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
Luckily he's going swimmingly and all okay. ðŸ™#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/xHBzVcXcpd
Australia's first century stand in a Test on UK soil since The Oval, 2015, 22 innings ago.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 30, 2023
10:50PM: RAIN ON THE WAY. GOOD OR BAD NEWS?
There was a drizzle in London just before the players went off at The Oval.
And the forecast shows that more may soon follow during this session, as the hosts look to try and get this ball to reverse.
Dan Lawrence has come onto the field and Mark Wood is back in the sheds, adding another twist to the tale.
But with more rain forecast, will Australia even be excited about it like in Manchester?
Obviously the cloud coverage will give the hosts some advantage with the ball.
You would think a sustained period of rain would give the visitors less time to actually win the match.
Weatherwatch 2 Electric Booglaoo appears on.
A bit of cheer before we head for bed…😠pic.twitter.com/VHZO8pwEQF
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) July 30, 2023
10:00PM: LUNCH: CAN WARNER FINALLY SEIZE THE MOMENT?
David Warner and Usman Khawaja made a strong start as Australia pursued an unlikely 384 that would enshrine a generation’s legacy by winning the fifth and final Test at The Oval.
Seeking to post the eighth-highest successful fourth innings run chase in Test history, the Aussies were 0-75 at lunch on day four.
Not since Don Bradman’s Invincibles in 1948 had Australia posted a higher last innings tally to win a Test, while the record winning Test run chase at The Oval is 263 set in 1902.
Having ended day three at 9-389, England opted to bat into the fourth morning, allowing added pageantry for the retiring Stuart Broad and his long-time new-ball partner Jimmy Anderson, who turned 41 on Sunday.
With Broad having revealed on Saturday night that this would be his last match, he received a standing ovation from The Oval crowd and a guard of honour from the Australian fielders as he made his way out to bat.
Anderson was not keen to face Mitchell Starc, meaning England turned down singles in the day’s opening over. Broad pulled Starc for six form what would prove to be the final ball he faced in Test cricket, with Anderson gone lbw the following over attempting to reverse sweep Todd Murphy, meaning the Victorian off-spinner finished with 4-110.
With England bowled out for 395, the main event had arrived: Broad in his final bowling innings having one last chance to remove Warner for the 18th time in Test cricket.
Warner got off the mark quickly, though he had a near miss when edging Broad just shy of Ben Duckett at third slip on seven.
This became a tricky period for the Aussie openers, with Khawaja playing and missing to Anderson on seven and Chris Woakes beating Warner’s outside edge on the same score.
Declared fit to bowl despite his groin injury earlier in the match, Moeen Ali almost lucked out when Warner miscued a full toss that landed safely.
Moeen did not look overly threatening, although he did get one to turn sharply outside Khawaja’s off stump to fly away for four byes.
But on a pitch on which Australia had wasted a chance to take a big lead on day two, and where England had scored heavily and rapidly on day three, the Aussie veterans looked in control, even in overcast conditions.
Curiously, England delayed introducing dangerous speedster Mark Wood into its attack.
Forecast rain later on Sunday meant the game looked increasingly likely to tip into a fifth day, albeit a draw still seemed improbable given the amount of time left in the game.
Leading the series 2-1, Australia had already retained the Ashes but was determined to secure an outright away Ashes series win for the first time since 2001.
Murphy had on Saturday night said that Australia was up to chasing whatever England ended up setting.
“One hundred per cent,” Murphy said.
“We spoke about it at the start of the day, just keeping ourselves in the game today and backing our batters to chase whatever we get set. We knew England were going to come out today and put the pressure.”
Whatever Ben Stokes' logic is in bowling Joe Root ahead of Mark Wood, he's overthinking it.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 30, 2023
9:40PM: OPTIMISM GROWS …
This feels like the ultimate put the mozz on of a post, there’s still an eternity of runs to get.
BUT … encouraging signs out at The Oval.
Both Warner and Khawaja are still keeping the scoreboard ticking over, picking off the bad balls and working the English bowlers over for ones and twos around the ground.
Even with so many runs to get, there has been plenty of promise for the visitors.
Both Warner and Khawaja have dealt with Moeen Ali with ease, getting down the wicket to rotate the strike continually.
Curiously, England still have not turned to Mark Wood, are they waiting for an onslaught just before lunch?
9:20PM: THE RUNS CONTINUE TO FLOW
The clouds have come over at The Oval, with even some suspicion of one or two rain drops, however Warner and Khawaja are doing it with ease currently, reaching a 50 partnership.
There has not been much for the seam bowlers in the wicket, a great sign for the Aussie batsmen.
Moeen Ali has come on to bowl to test out that groin, and the spinner has struggled but did bowl one beauty that drifted in and beat Usman Khawaja’s outside edge.
It seems Joe Root may have to carry the load in the spin department.
Australia’s batsman will need to defy their histories in the fourth innings to secure victory.
Will a drinks break half their momentum or worse, bring about a wicket?
Aussie Test averages batting in the 4th innings:
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) July 30, 2023
43.83 THead
41.96 DWarner
38.40 PCummins
30.68 UKhawaja
30.17 Marnus
28.38 SSmith
16.64 MStarc
16.43 MMarsh
14.50 ACarey
9.63 JHazlewood
Adds to 270...â˜¹ï¸ (unless TMurphy can chip in with 115...)
9:00PM: STRONG START FROM AUSSIE OPENERS
As has happened so often this series, it’s been a strong start to the innings from Warner and Khawaja, seeing off the initial onslaught and keeping the runs coming.
Whether out of choice or instinct, Khawaja has had much more intent today compared to day two.
The openers are going at close to four runs an over, it’s no Bazball but it is certainly enough to put some pressure back on the England bowlers.
It’s been Australia’s hour to start the day as it stands.
Spinner Moeen Ali has come out to field, signalling that he is right to bowl and has overcome that groin issue to an extent.
Will the skipper Ben Stokes bowl if required?
Timing from Warner and class from Khawaja! ðŸ˜
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
Three boundaries in a row for Australia. 4ï¸âƒ£4ï¸âƒ£4ï¸âƒ£#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/8B3NW2oqZB
8:45PM: AUSTRALIA’S MIGHTY MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB
A leading edge from Warner falls short of Duckett at second slip, off Stuart Broad obviously.
The first real chance of the innings goes Australia’s way, and they will need to ride that luck and more to get home in this Test.
Warner and Khawaja have raced to 16 off the first five overs, but these are still nervy times for the openers.
A historic chase is what it will take for Australia to ensure a series win in England for the first time since 2001.
Will it be one of these two that stands up and puts Australia in a position of victory?
Australia made 348 chasing 546 at The Oval in 2009 and 263 chasing 399 in 2019.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 30, 2023
Target is 384 this time.https://t.co/DZMNWonvFH
Only once this century has Australia made more than that in a fourth innings this century: 406 in vain at Lord's in 2009.
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) July 30, 2023
8:30PM: BROAD AND WARNER’S BATTLE BEGINS
One last dance …
Stuart Broad will look to end his Test career doing what he does best, get David Warner out.
For Warner, it truly is now or never, having made a start in plenty of Tests this series, can he finally go on with the big score in his last Test in England?
The Aussie opener finished Broad’s first over with a beautiful punch through cover for four.
You suspect that Australia’s chances hinge on a large first-wicket partnership between the two left-handers.
Khawaja also has a chance at finishing the series as its leading run-scorer, chasing Zak Crawley.
Australia's chase of 384 is underway courtesy of a Warner cover drive off Broad. ðŸ™#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/7T3UPV8dos
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
8:10PM: BROAD AND ANDERSON’S FUN AND GAMES END
Todd Murphy has four, claiming James Anderson LBW after the paceman tried his now famous reverse-sweep.
Umpire Joel Wilson once again took an age to make his decision, but decided Anderson had to go.
Anderson sent it upstairs, but hawkeye showed the ball clipping the top of the bails and the decision stands.
Now, the real fun begins for the two ageing warriors.
Broad vs. Warner, for the final time in Test match cricket.
This will be unmissable.
No team has ever chased more than 263 to win a Test at The Kia Oval... pic.twitter.com/I3jiTeoJlV
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 30, 2023
8:00PM: THE BROAD PLAUDITS CONTINUE
A guard-of-honour for the outgoing pacer as he comes out to bat this morning from the Australians and we are set to go for a massive day of cricket.
But you suspect the bowling will not be as nice when Australia kick off proceedings today, with Mitch Starc on the hunt for his fifth wicket.
The sun is shining this morning, with rain potentially coming in the afternoon.
And Broad repays the Australians for the gesture by whacking Mitch Starc for six in the first over.
A guard of honour for Stuart Broad to commence play today, who walks out to bat for the last time in his Test career. 🫡#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy#9WWOS#Cricket#Ashes#ENGvsAUSpic.twitter.com/WZu1JpWsHJ
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
7:45PM: SMITH PAYS HIS RESPECTS TO OUTGOING BROAD
Stuart Broad has been a thorn in the side of the Australians for years, but there is no doubt admiration between the two parties.
Steve Smith showed some respect to the English quick before today’s play, shaking hands as the seamer came down The Oval stairs.
Broad will likely not be the only English great playing in his last Ashes Test, as Jimmy Anderson celebrates his 41st birthday today.
No doubt the pleasantries will end between the two sides when Stuart Broad is racing in trying to secure a series draw.
Steve Smith gives Broady some massive respect 🥺 pic.twitter.com/sn9VchiSWf
— England's Barmy Army ðŸ´ó §ó ¢ó ¥ó ®ó §ó ¿ðŸŽº (@TheBarmyArmy) July 30, 2023
AUSTRALIA’S ASHES NEMESIS NOT GOING ANYWHERE ANYTIME SOON
– The Sun UK
Stuart Broad has immediately bagged himself a new job.
The England legend, 37, announced his shock retirement on Saturday evening at the end of day three of the Fifth Ashes Test.
Broad has been arguably his nation’s standout bowler against Australia this summer, as Ben Stokes and Co fight tooth and nail to level the series at two-apiece at the Oval.
After a scintillating 17-year career, it seems the seam superstar – whose partnership with Jimmy Anderson will go down in cricket history – will move into broadcasting.
It is understood Broad is set to become part of Sky Sports’ cricket coverage.
The Nottinghamshire icon revealed the news of his retirement to Sky Sports on the Oval turf as England took control of the final Test of the summer.
Broad revealed he only made the call on Friday evening before informing Stokes and Anderson of his decision.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “Yeah, tomorrow or Monday will be my last game of cricket.
“It’s been a wonderful ride and a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have.
“I’ve been thinking about it for the last few weeks but England vs. Australia has always been the pinnacle for me.
“I’ve loved the battles I’ve had with Australia. I’ve got a love affair with Ashes cricket and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.”
Broad – who has played all five Ashes Tests this summer, taking 20 wickets so far – added: “I’m loving cricket as much as I ever have.
“It’s been such a wonderful series to be a part of and I’ve always wanted to finish it at the top.
“This series feels like one of the most enjoyable and entertaining I’ve been a part of.”
Broad is England’s all-time leading wicket taker in Ashes Test with a staggering 151 Australian scalps.
In all, he has taken 602 wickets – with one innings to play – in 167 Tests.
Despite retiring from the one-day formats in 2016, Broad also played 121 ODIs and 56 T20s.
He even captained his country in the shortest format between 2011 and 2014.
Originally published by The Sun UK
AUSTRALIA IN NEED OF A MIRACLE AS ASHES DISASTER LOOMS
Australia has two days left to pull off a miracle and claim a first series victory on England soil in 22 years.
But to do so they’ll have to conjure something special and reverse a downward spiral that has engulfed the team since the third Test.
Australia will start day four firmly on the back foot, with England holding a 377 run lead.
Half-centuries from Joe Root (91), Jonny Bairstow (78) and Zak Crawley (73) helped England to 9-389 at stumps with tailenders Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad to resume on day four.
It leaves the very real prospect of having to bat for two days to save, or win, the final Test – the only results that will secure Australia a triumphant series win.
As for the weather, it seems English rain is less likely to come to the party than it did in Manchester last week – only a smattering of light rain is forecast for days four and five.
The record successful Test fourth innings run chase at The Oval is 263, set by England in the 1902 Ashes.
It would take something truly remarkable, in a series that has become known for the ridiculous, should captain Pat Cummins and his weary troops be able to deliver one more miracle.
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