Australia is back in a position to potentially win the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval.
At the close of the rain affected fourth day, Australia are 0/135 (David Warner 58 n.o. and Usman Khawaja 69 n.o.) requiring 249 runs to win on the final day of the fifth Test match.
England resumed play with a wicket in hand and the duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson walking out to the crease for the last time.
Their partnership didn’t last long, England added just six runs to their overnight score of 389, courtesy of a Broad six over mid-wicket, his last runs in Test cricket after announcing his retirement overnight.
The 37-year-old remained not out as Anderson (8) was trapped leg before wicket by Todd Murphy (4/110), who collected his fourth wicket of the innings.
Murphy ended England's fun out in the middle very quickly, and picked up his fourth wicket for the innings in the process. 👓#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy #9WWOS #Cricket #Ashes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/G53NxZjCHe
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
Australia was set 384 runs to win, an immensely tough chase set by the English, especially after the demoralising third day.
However, David Warner and Usman Khawaja began commendably, the former surviving Broad’s opening spell when there was a sense that the retiring quick was certain to dismiss his arch-nemesis one last time.
Their commendable start turned into an excellent start as the pair batted beautifully, taking their partnership equal to and beyond 50 during the first session, reaching the lunch break unbeaten on 75.
Timing from Warner and class from Khawaja! 😍
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
Three boundaries in a row for Australia. 4️⃣4️⃣4️⃣#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy #9WWOS #Cricket #Ashes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/8B3NW2oqZB
The break didn’t affect Australia’s openers as Warner and Khawaja resumed in excellent fashion, both scoring freely and batting with a positive intent that was lacking during the first innings.
Their partnership quickly reached 100, just the second time they’ve combined for a 100-run partnership at the top of the order for Australia.
WARNER! 😍
— Wide World of Sports (@wwos) July 30, 2023
A vintage shot over the top to enter the 40s. 👊#TheAshes 5th Test | LIVE: https://t.co/m4bzLk1bCy #9WWOS #Cricket #Ashes #ENGvsAUS pic.twitter.com/t82AAyey9r
Moments later, Khawaja reached his half century and became the series’ leading run scorer, whilst his opening partner followed in his footsteps, raising the bat for the second time this series.
They reached drinks during the second session at 0/135, still requiring 249 runs to win when rain began to fall, initially halting play and eventually ending the day’s play as the downpour continued.
Australia’s chase is well and truly alive, Warner and Khawaja have put the tourists in a position to potentially win the match, something that seemed almost impossible 24 hours ago.
Yet with more rain forecast in south London for tomorrow, it might be another rain affected end to a Test match as the Aussies strive to take the series 3-1.