Day four of the last Ashes Test concluded with Australia scoring 135-0 in 38 overs after a very dominating display in their second innings on Sunday, at The Oval.
The visitors need 249 runs to clinch the series on the last day.
Usman Khawaja (69) and David Warner (58) will resume batting for the Aussies on the fifth day.
Australia had a dream start to their last innings as they started their chase of 384 runs.
Warner and Khawaja smashed the English bowlers left and right, making sure that their team remain in a strong position.
However, most of the day’s play was interrupted by rain which lasted till stumps.
Earlier today, day four started with a Guard of Honour for Stuart Broad, who on Saturday (July 29) announced during a post-match interview at the conclusion of day three’s play that he is retiring from international cricket after the fifth Test.
England resumed their batting at 389-9 at the start of day four but were all out for 395 runs after Broad scored a six on the last ball he faced in international cricket.
Meanwhile, on day three, the home side had a wonderful start without losing a wicket in the first 15 overs. Openers Zack Crawley and Ben Duckett had a 79-run stand before the latter was removed by Mitchell Starc for 42 runs.
After Duckett’s removal, Ben Stokes came to bat which was very unusual for everyone as the English skipper normally bats at number six.
Crawley too was removed after scoring 73 off 76, following BazBall, with nine boundaries.
Stokes played well but was removed for 42 after forming a 73-run partnership with Joe Root.
After Harry Brook, who top-scored with 85 runs during England’s first innings, was dismissed, Jonny Bairstow and Root formed a much-needed 110-run stand exactly at the point where England needed a big partnership.
The middle-order batter hit Mitchell Marsh for a ramp shot which went for a six.
Root missed out on his well-deserved century by just eight runs after losing his wicket to Murphy. Moeen Ali came after Root’s dismissal, after scoring some quick runs he too went back to the pavilion as well.
The Aussies lead the series 2-1 and have already successfully retained the Ashes.