Australia on Track for Historic Ashes Win
Australia’s openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja put on an impressive performance as they reached 135-0 on a rain-shortened Sunday in pursuit of a massive target of 384 runs to win the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval. The duo ensured that England’s Stuart Broad, who announced his retirement after the match, was kept waiting for his farewell wicket.
With 249 more runs needed for victory, Australia is on track to secure a 3-1 series win, marking their first Ashes campaign triumph in England since 2001. If Australia manages to reach the target, it would be the eighth-highest fourth-innings total to win any Test and the second-highest in England. The current record stands at Australia’s 404-3 at Headingley in 1948.
The Oval would also witness a new ground record if Australia achieves the successful fourth-innings chase, surpassing England’s 263-9 against their arch-rivals in 1902.
After an outstanding start from Australia’s openers, batting coach Michael Di Venuto expressed his satisfaction, stating, It was an outstanding start from our openers. On the other hand, England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick remained confident, saying, We’re still pretty positive about the job we’ve got to do. He added, A couple of early ones (wickets) in the morning and suddenly we’re right in the mix again.
Stuart Broad, known for his repeated dismissals of David Warner in Test cricket, couldn’t break through the Australian openers’ defense before the persistent rain interrupted play. Warner, who was 30 not out at lunch, showcased his skill by lofting James Anderson for a boundary. Usman Khawaja, the leading run-scorer in the series, achieved his fifty with a well-struck edge off Mark Wood. Warner followed suit, reaching his half-century in 90 balls with seven fours.
As the holders, Australia has already retained the Ashes after arriving in London with a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
Prior to the start of play, Stuart Broad was given a guard of honor in recognition of his retirement. Unfortunately, England only managed to add six runs to their overnight total of 389-9. Broad, who currently boasts 602 Test wickets, the fifth-most in history, expressed his joy at being able to bowl his last ball and face his last ball against Australia.
Australia remains on the verge of securing a momentous victory in the Ashes series, while England will fight hard to make a comeback by taking early wickets on the following day. The final day promises to be an exciting one, filled with skilled performances and a battle for glory between the two cricketing giants.
