ASHES DAY FOUR, FIFTH TEST – SESSION BY SESSION: England are left frustrated by Australia before rain

England were left frustrated on a rainy day four of the fifth Ashes Test by Australia, who sit 135-0 in pursuit of 384. 

Stuart Broad took centre stage in the morning after he announced his retirement from cricket on Saturday evening as players and fans applauded him. 

James Anderson was dismissed by Todd Murphy for lbw, with Australia coming out to bat. England then took to the field with Broad and Anderson leading the attack, but they could not dismiss Australian openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner.

Both players would advance to make their half-centuries, and form a partnership of 135 before heavy rain wiped out play. 

Mail Sport’s LAWRENCE BOOTH breaks down the action in both of Sunday’s sessions. 

England were left frustrated on a rainy day four of the fifth Ashes Test by Australia

Play was abandoned at The Oval when the rain got heavy shortly into the afternoon session

MORNING SESSION: AUSTRALIA (1 point)

After Stuart Broad walked out to a guard of honour, and pulled the last ball he faced in Test cricket for six, Australia were set 384 for victory, having only once made more in the fourth innings to win a Test. 

But England’s bowling seemed flat, and Usman Khawaja and David Warner moved to 75 without loss by lunch.

Australia pair Usman Khawaja and David Warner moved to 75 without loss by lunch

AFTERNOON SESSION: AUSTRALIA (1 point)

Rain limited the afternoon session to 14 overs, but Australia’s openers added 60 untroubled runs, leaving them needing a further 249 to complete a 3-1 heist on the final day.

EVENING SESSION: Rained off

VERDICT after day 4: AUSSIES in hunt ENGLAND (4½ pts) Australia (6½ PTS)