Just 40 overs were possible on a crucial fourth day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at Kennington’s The Oval due to inclement weather but Usman Khawaja and David Warner both managed to survive through to stumps with Australia at 0-for-135 needing a further 249 runs for match and series victory.
Khawaja – who became the 21st Australian in Test history to surpass 5,000 runs during his innings – is currently on 69 off 130 whilst Warner is on 58 off 99.
Khawaja also managed to surpass England opener Zak Crawley for the most runs this series, which may prove key towards his Compton-Miller Medal odds.
Pat Cummins’ men are looking to become the first Australian side in 22 years to win an Ashes series on England soil.
With England starting the day at 9-for-389, Stuart Broad – flanked by long-time teammate and bowling partner Jimmy Anderson – was greeted by a standing ovation and guard of honour after a surprise retirement announcement prior to the start of play.
The two managed to add six runs to England’s total before offspinner Todd Murphy dismissed Anderson to claim his fourth scalp of the innings.
Australia were set a target of 384 for victory, which would be a venue record should they chase it down.
Khawaja and Warner have gotten the visitors off to an ideal start but, with plenty of cricket still to be played and Ashes history on the line, there is little to suggest that this run chase does not have a few twists and turns yet to showcase.
