Rain played spoilsport but Australia in driving seat need 249

Australia’s opening pair, David Warner and Usman Khawaja, showcased remarkable resilience, ending Day 4 at 135 without loss in pursuit of a challenging 384-run target against England in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval. Warner (58*) and Khawaja (69*) displayed a brilliant partnership, leaving the English bowlers struggling for breakthroughs.
The visitors have emerged as strong contenders to clinch the Ashes series, defying initial expectations that favored England. Earlier, on Day 4, England could only manage to add six runs to their overnight score of 389/9, reaching a total of 395 in their second innings before being bowled out. Stuart Broad, playing his final Test match, remained unbeaten on eight runs, bidding farewell to an illustrious career. However, rain played spoilsport, forcing the match officials to call it a day. The unfortunate weather ensured that the final day of the series, 31st July, will be Stuart Broad’s last day in the ground as a Test cricketer. For England, their bowlers face a daunting task on the final day. With the Ashes slipping away, they need to deliver a compelling performance to avoid a series defeat on home soil.
James Anderson’s uncertain Test future adds intrigue to the already dramatic Ashes contest. As the cricketing world bids farewell to one of its greats, Stuart Broad, fans can expect a memorable showdown on the last day, with both teams vying for supremacy in this historic series. Earlier, the start of second session, the duo continued to bat in a good rhythm, unleashing some timely boundaries on England. Aussies reached the 100-run mark in 32.1 overs. Khawaja reached his third half-century of the series in 110 balls by smashing Mark Wood for a four. His knock had five fours. Warner also reached his half-century, his second in the series, in 90 balls. His knock had seven fours.