- Australia dominates day four of the Ashes Test at The Oval.
- Scores 135-0 in 38 overs in their second innings.
- Need 249 runs to clinch the series on the final day.
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Australia dominated the fourth day of the last Ashes Test at The Oval, scoring 135-0 in 38 overs in their second innings. With a target of 384 runs, they need 249 more to clinch the series on the final day. Usman Khawaja (69) and David Warner (58) will continue batting for Australia on the fifth day, aiming to build on their strong position.
The Aussies began their chase brilliantly, with Warner and Khawaja aggressively taking on the English bowlers. However, rain interrupted most of the day’s play, causing several stoppages.
Day four started with a Guard of Honour for Stuart Broad, who announced his retirement from international cricket after the fifth Test. England resumed their batting at 389-9 but were all out for 395 runs, with Broad scoring a six on the last ball he faced.
On day three, England had a solid start with openers Zack Crawley and Ben Duckett forming a 79-run partnership before Duckett fell for 42 runs. Ben Stokes, normally batting at number six, took his place and played well until he was dismissed for 42, sharing a 73-run partnership with Joe Root.
Harry Brook, who scored 85 runs in England’s first innings, was eventually dismissed, but Root and Jonny Bairstow formed a crucial 110-run partnership when a big partnership was needed. Root, who missed out on a century by just eight runs, lost his wicket to Murphy. Moeen Ali joined after Root’s dismissal but was also soon back in the pavilion.
With a series lead of 2-1, Australia has already retained the Ashes, making the fifth day’s play crucial for England to avoid a series defeat.
