The Ashes 2023 LIVE: England vs Australia latest score and updates as rain stops play

England were left frustrated by excellent Australia batting and rain in pursuit of squaring the Ashes series. Stuart Broad, who announced he will retire from cricket ahead of day four when this fifth Test and the series concludes, had earlier looked to ignite the hosts’ attack, needing 10 wickets to secure a 2-2 draw.

Broad was handed a guard of honour by Australia to begin proceedings and was soon lauded again by the Oval crowd when he pulled Mitchell Starc for a towering six after resuming his partnership with long-time bowling partner James Anderson.

There would only be six more runs before Todd Murphy spoiled the party, trapping Anderson lbw, and leaving Australia with the monumental task of chasing 384 for victory and a 3-1 series win, while the hosts need 10 wickets to salvage a drawn series. Follow the score and all the latest updates from day four at the Oval below.

Ashes LIVE: England vs Australia, fifth test

• Play called off after rain stops play with Australia well set on 135-0

• Australia require 384 runs to win the Ashes series on day four at the Oval

• England add six runs to overnight total to finish on 395 all out

• Stuart Broad announces retirement from cricket: ‘It has been a wonderful ride'

• From hat-trick heroics to Ashes annihilation – Stuart Broad’s best Test displays

Stuart Broad’s bittersweet Ashes farewell leaves England searching for one final ‘fairytale’

Sunday 30 July 2023 18:15 , Ben Fleming

Sunday at the Oval was supposed to be Stuart Broad’s final heroic farewell, but the day ended on a bittersweet note, with his old rival David Warner standing firm, before the rain fell in the afternoon.

The build-up was immense. Broad must have expected something similar when he announced his impending retirement after play on day three, but as he warmed up to a montage of his greatest hits England fans would have thought that surely he could strike again.

The stage was set, the trumpets were warmed up in preparation, the fans all trickled in, people were posting their favourite Broad memories across social media, but instead it was Australia who had the last laugh.

By Sonia Twigg at The Oval:

Stuart Broad’s bittersweet farewell leaves England searching for a ‘fairytale’

Stuart Broad and England left frustrated — but Australia stand reveals Ashes lesson

Sunday 30 July 2023 17:58 , Ben Fleming

Stuart Broad offered a grin and a wink to his old partner James Anderson after a towering six off Mitchell Starc provoked a roar from the Oval crowd. England’s most prolific Ashes bowler was revelling in his role with the bat: an entertainer foremost, then a legendary English cricketer.

Broad left English cricket reeling with his shock announcement to retire on Saturday evening, confirming his intent to bring the curtain down on a magnificent career packed with 600 Test wickets. The stage was set for the swashbuckling quick to inspire victory in the fifth Test and secure a 2-2 draw from what has been a gripping, fiercely competitive series.

Broad has always relished tormenting his opponents, yet day four’s script was gleefully chewed up and spat out by old foe David Warner, who has represented 15 of his 150 Ashes victims. The party atmosphere fizzled out with every diligently-played ball from Warner and teammate Usman Khawaja, who combined for their largest partnership of the series – concluding play at 135-0 before the covers came on at 2:42pm, and the rain prevented any more action.

By Jack Rathborn at The Oval:

Stuart Broad and England left frustrated — but Australia stand reveals Ashes lesson

Stuart Broad and England’s victory bid held up by Australia openers

Sunday 30 July 2023 17:44 , Ben Fleming

Stuart Broad’s hopes of retiring in a blaze of glory threatened to go awry as his old rival David Warner helped Australia puncture the party atmosphere on day four of the final Ashes Test.

The stage seemed set for Broad to bow out in style following his shock announcement on Saturday night, as he was awarded a guard of honour by the tourists and then smashed his final ball as a batter into the crowd for six.

That left Australia chasing a mammoth 384 to win at the Kia Oval, 121 more than the ground record, placing England as heavy favourites as Broad began the chase for wickets alongside 41-year-old birthday boy James Anderson.

But Australia spoiled the party as Warner (58no) and Usman Khawaja (69no) carried the score to 135 without loss. In all England sent down 38 overs without a single concrete chance before rain brought an early end to proceedings midway through the afternoon session.

Read the full report of day four’s action below:

Stuart Broad and England’s victory bid held up by Australia openers

Stuart Broad heads into final day of career frustrated by Australia’s openers

Sunday 30 July 2023 17:31 , Ben Fleming

Stuart Broad will bring the curtain down on his career on Monday after day four of the final Ashes Test at the Kia Oval ended up being a damp squib with rain forcing Sunday’s play to be abandoned at 4.47pm.

Broad announced on Saturday night that he would retire following the conclusion of this series and there was potential for day four to be last.

The wet weather in south London had other ideas with rain setting in during the afternoon session with Australia on 135 without loss in pursuit of 384 after England were dismissed for 395 earlier on Sunday morning.

Broad batted, bowled and fielded during the 39.5 overs possible on day four and here the PA news agency looks at the penultimate day of his career.

Stuart Broad heads into final day of career frustrated by Australia’s openers

All to play for tomorrow

Sunday 30 July 2023 17:19 , Ben Fleming

Stuart Broad spoke yesterday and said that today might be his final day of cricket. Clearly he didn’t check the forecast.

He and the rest of the England team will be back out there tomorrow with a big task on their hands. An unbeaten and relatively untroubled 135-run opening partnership between Khawaja and Warner has seen Australia get right back iton this contest.

They need 249 runs to win while England have to pick themselves back up and go in search of ten vital wickets to tie the Ashes series.

It’s on a knife edge and the perfect way to bring a fantastic summer of Ashes cricket to an end.

Forecast for tomorrow

Sunday 30 July 2023 17:06 , Ben Fleming

Well, we have lost the rest of play today but the forecast tomorrow (touch wood) looks a bit better with the BBC forecast reading: “Tomorrow looks to see further showers during the early morning, but these are set to be light. As the day progresses, these will tend to clear away, and sunshine will widely develop.”

The Met Office suggests London will be hit by 16-32mm/hour of rain from 4:30pm, but by 5pm it says there will be less than 0.5 mm/hour of rain.

The Met Office forecast reads: “Further rain overnight persisting widely until Monday afternoon. Then sunny spells and showers. Remaining blustery. Maximum temperature 23 °C.”

The only times there is more than a 10 percent chance of rain on Monday, according to the Met Office, is at 10am (50 percent) and 3pm (40 percent), respectively.

AccuWeather says there is just a 40 percent chance of rain from 5pm and 34 percent chance of rain from 6pm. AccuWeather’s forecast for Monday shows a 25 percent chance of rain throughout the morning and afternoon overall.

But AccuWeather’s hourly forecast for Monday has a seven percent chance of rain or less for each hour during the day’s scheduled play.

PLAY ABANDONED: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 16:55 , Ben Fleming

And there we have it. The dreaded but somewhat expected news as play is abandoned for the day at The Oval.

It’s still raining currently and with the amount of water on the outfield, the umpires have deemed that even if it did stop raining, play wouldn’t be able to restart in time.

Australia end the day on 135-0 and will resume tomorrow needing 249 runs to win the series.

England need 10 wickets.

Stuart Broad’s bid to bow out in glory under threat from old rival David Warner

Sunday 30 July 2023 16:49 , Ben Fleming

If you are just joining us, a reminder of the state of play before the rain came in.

The stage seemed set for Broad to bow out in style following his shock retirement announcement on Saturday night, as he was awarded a guard of honour by the tourists and then smashed his final ball as a batter into the crowd for six.

That left Australia chasing a mammoth 384 to win at the Kia Oval, 121 more than the ground record, placing England as heavy favourites as Broad began the chase for wickets alongside 41-year-old birthday boy James Anderson.

But Australia spoiled the party as Warner (58no) and Usman Khawaja (69no) carried the score to 135 without loss. In all England sent down 38 overs without a single concrete chance before rain stopped play in the afternoon session.

Read more below:

Stuart Broad’s bid to bow out in glory under threat from old rival David Warner

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 16:45 , Ben Fleming

The players have been off the field for almost two hours exactly at this point and we’ve had little to no progress in that time. Difficult to see how we get any more play today unless things change very quickly...

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 16:33 , Ben Fleming

Glenn McGrath hails ‘true champion’ Stuart Broad after retirement announcement

Sunday 30 July 2023 16:21 , Ben Fleming

Glenn McGrath described Stuart Broad as a “true champion” and Mike Atherton called him an “undeniably great cricketer” after the England bowler announced that he will retire from cricket following the Ashes.

The 37-year-old, who has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, made the announcement at the end of the third day of the final Test against Australia at the Kia Oval.

Broad is the second most successful paceman in Test history, behind team-mate James Anderson, and his hero McGrath was among the first to pay tribute to his skills.

Read more about the legendary Australian’s words below:

Glenn McGrath hails ‘true champion’ Stuart Broad after retirement announcement

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 16:11 , Ben Fleming

No major update on the pitch, other than rain, rain and more rain. The covers are heavily saturated and it’s now reaching the point that even when (if?) the rain stops, the field will need time to dry out before any play can resume.

‘I’ve given my heart and soul’: Stuart Broad will leave behind a golden England legacy

Sunday 30 July 2023 15:54 , Ben Fleming

As the rain continues to fall, let’s take a look back at yesterday’s big story - the announcement that Stuart Broad will retire from all forms of cricket after this Ashes Test.

Back in 2009, children would have arguments over who was the best bowler between Broad and James Anderson, and it was inconceivable that 14 years later the same duo would still be playing at the top of their game in Ashes Test matches.

The 37-year-old has 602 wickets in 167 Test matches, and he will bow out as the second most successful pace bowler in history, behind teammate Anderson.

Read more below:

‘I’ve given my heart and soul’: Stuart Broad will leave behind a golden legacy

The Ashes weather: Rain threatens England hopes of victory in London

Sunday 30 July 2023 15:40 , Ben Fleming

With the rain persisting, many minds may be wandering back to Old Trafford where most of the final two days were lost to rain to scupper any chances of an England victory. In London, it looks a bit more positive for the coming hours and days, even if play is still currently suspended.

Here’s a look at the forecast for the rest of today and into tomorrow:

Ashes weather forecast as rain threatens England hopes in London

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 15:31 , Ben Fleming

A small update and it’s not that the rain has stopped, unfortunately.

As expected, the players have taken an early tee but with the rain still falling, it doesn’t change too much.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 15:24 , Ben Fleming

It’s not a pretty sight at the Oval with few fans left in the stands as the rain continues to fall. The covers have now stretched out across the entirety of the field square of the wicket and it remains extremely gloomy overhead in whatever direction you look.

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 15:21 , Ben Fleming

The half century for Australia’s other opener would follow shortly after. It’s just Warner’s second of the series but at a time when his side needed it most. He’s looked in control and has taken advantage of a wicket that has offered precious little in the way of movement for the England seamers.

Can he cash in now and reach three figures in what is his last Ashes Test match in England?

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 15:06 , Ben Fleming

With play likely to be suspended for a while, let’s have a look back on some of the talking points of the day so far. It’s been a day dominated by bat - the bats of Usman Khawaja and David Warner to be precise. Khawaja is now the leading run-scorer in this series as he went to yet another half century, albeit in somewhat fortunate fashion:

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:52 , Ben Fleming

More covers are brought onto the pitch as it looks like we’re set for a lengthier delay than we would have hoped. The BBC Weather forecast suggesting a 70 per cent chance of rain from 3pm with it only appearing to get worse as the afternoon goes on. Not ideal...

RAIN STOPS PLAY: Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, Woakes 0-5 (5), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:45 , Ben Fleming

Well, we thought we were heading for a small drinks break but it looks like it will be a longer break as the covers come on and the players head off as the rain continues to fall here in south west London.

Australia 135-0 (38.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, Woakes 0-5 (5), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:41 , Ben Fleming

England think this replacement ball is just got the potential to do a bit more than the last one as they bring Chris Woakes on for Joe Root at the other end. A couple of slips still in place from the last over as a few raindrops start to fall again. Just the one leg bye of the over as we break for drinks.

Australia 134-0 (37.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 69, Wood 0-16 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:36 , Ben Fleming

Wood back for another over and it’s a nasty short one to start. Khawaja turns away and tries to duck under it but it doesn’t get up and crashes into the back of his helmet and the physios will come on for a concussion test. A new helmet for the opener but he looks okay to continue.

It also looks like that blow to the helmet means we’ll have a change of ball.

A couple of slips in with the new ball but it’s too straight to Khawaja who flicks it off his pads for a couple before guiding the next ball past the slip cordon and down to the boundary ropes.

Australia 126-0 (36.0), Warner 58, Khawaja 61, Root 0-39 (9), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:26 , Ben Fleming

More boundaries coming off the bat of Khawaja as he latches onto a short and wide delivery from Root, carving the ball away between short third man and deep backward point.

Warner gets in on the act now with a very similar shot and, having started well, Root is just struggling to contain the Aussies at the minute. And it only gets better for the Aussies as Warner comes down the wicket before slog sweeping Root into the leg side for a third boundary. Confident stuff from these two who have found their rhythm again after lunch.

Australia 113-0 (35.0), Warner 50, Khawaja 56, Wood 0-8 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:21 , Ben Fleming

Wood didn’t bowl the entirety of the first session and while his speeds are good, he’s not hitting 90mph and beyond. Perhaps a sign that the Durham pacer is carrying a slight niggle or perhaps just feeling the effects of his third game in a row.

A superb piece of fielding on the boundary denies Warner a boundary on the pull but it does bring up the Aussie’s 50 - just his second of the series but coming at a crucial time for Australia as they try and chase down this total of 384.

Australia 110-0 (34.0), Warner 48, Khawaja 55, Root 0-26 (8), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:17 , Ben Fleming

Fortunate for Khawaja as he misses the ball but it keeps low, flying under Bairstow and running away to the boundary. Joel Wilson seems to think that the Aussie opener hit it and he’s credited with runs.

A couple more singles bring six off the over.

Australia 104-0 (33.0), Warner 47, Khawaja 50, Wood 0-5 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:13 , Ben Fleming

That big cheer continues from the Oval crowd as Wood charges in for his first ball. It’s a single and that brings up just the second 100-run partnership between these two. A superb start.

But there are obvious signs of Wood’s pace as he squared up Khawaja with a thick edge flying through the slips for four. Another milestone for the Aussies as Khawaja reaches his half century - a great series for him gets better.

Australia 99-0 (32.0), Warner 46, Khawaja 46, Root 0-20 (7), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:09 , Ben Fleming

Root changing the field to Khawaja. Really looking to cut off the singles.

Any temptation to sweep? Khawaja resists. A cut to backward point, but no run.

A loud cheer... It’s time for Mark Wood! Things could get interesting here.

Australia 98-0 (31.0), Warner 45, Khawaja 46, Anderson 0-34 (10), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:06 , Jack Rathborn

Wood starting to get loose in the field, which could be a game-changer.

Anderson is sent for a big four, Warner attacks with purpose, sending one over mid off, he held the pose too. Gorgeous.

Warner has another boundary. That’s played so well, it’s a full toss and guided to the boundary. A warning for England’s bowler too.

Australia 87-0 (30.0), Warner 36, Khawaja 45, Root 0-19 (6), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 14:02 , Ben Fleming

Another over where Root is able to contain Australia.

Full length proving tricky to get away.

A shorter one is thrown in to finish the over and Khawaja is able to pull for one.

Australia 86-0 (29.0), Warner 36, Khawaja 44, Anderson 0-23 (9), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:59 , Jack Rathborn

England really dragging back the run rate in their favour here.

Patience is key to this phase of the game: Who will crack first? The last 10 overs have cost just 2.89 per over.

Anderson back of length once more, the field is constricting Australia’s openers here.

But suddenly a release! The ball guided off the face of the bat and trickles down to the ropes. FOUR!

Australia 82-0 (28.0), Warner 32, Khawaja 44, Root 0-18 (5), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:54 , Jack Rathborn

Warner coming down the ground and Root spots him, adjusting the length nicely and forcing the Aussie opener to scramble back to avoid the stumping.

Australia not exactly flowing, but Warner able to nudge Root away for a single to retain the strike.

Australia 79-0 (27.0), Warner 30, Khawaja 43, Anderson 0-19 (8), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:52 , Jack Rathborn

Khawaja with a nervy moment, he’s on his tiptoes, defending an Anderson length ball.

The ball spins in and around the stumps.

Wood perhaps saved for a specific match-up, it won’t be long surely.

Australia 77-0 (26.0), Warner 30, Khawaja 41, Root 0-14 (4), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:47 , Jack Rathborn

Now then, England looking to Root to provide the variation. Mooen, not bowling, and vulnerable in the field.

Root bowling well though, good length and just a single off the over.

England looking to put a stop on the runs and build tension.

Mark Wood, curiously, not bowling this morning, but will have a big role to play you’d think.

Australia 75-0 (24), Warner 30, Khawaja 39, Root 0-14 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:40 , Ben Fleming

The forecast isn’t great but the rain has stopped for now as both sides head back out onto the field for an intriguing afternoon session.

LUNCH: Australia 75-0 (24), Warner 30, Khawaja 39, Root 0-14 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:28 , Ben Fleming

We may have had 24 overs of Australia batting, but the most important shot of the day came off the bat of Stuart Broad as he became just the second-ever person to hit his final ball in Test match cricket for six.

And what a shot it was:

LUNCH: Australia 75-0 (24), Warner 30, Khawaja 39, Root 0-14 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:17 , Ben Fleming

With the rain in the air, one thing to keep an eye on will be the reverse swing. Anderson was just getting a few balls to move towards the end of that session but if the ball gets wet, keeping the ball reverse swinging will get awfully difficult.

England need all the help they can get on this flat and slow pitch so they’ll be hoping the rain abates sooner rather than latter.

Sonia Twigg at the Oval

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:10 , Sonia Twigg

Lunch: It was a morning overshadowed by the events of the first 10 minutes, when Stuart Broad and James Anderson walked out to bat together, to a guard of honour, for the final time.

Arm in arm they trudged to the middle of the pitch, and while it only lasted nine minutes, it held a bit of everything for cricket fans.

Broad finished his final Test innings unbeaten, and having hit a six off his final ball, while Anderson was sung happy birthday, and pulled out a trademark reverse sweep.

Anderson was out lbw, and Australia were set 395 to win. But after that, from an England perspective at least, it was markedly less exciting.

The tourists reached 75 without loss at the break, England had not bowled badly, but there were few chances, and the opening partnership remains unbroken. David Warner will resume on 30 and Usman Khawaja on 39.

While his batting was shortlived, it held more excitement in those two hours than the bowling, with Broad going for 15, in his first spell of six overs since he announced his impending retirement at the end of the Test.

The rain just started falling before the break, so it remains to be seen if play will get under way as scheduled.

LUNCH: Australia 75-0 (24), Warner 30, Khawaja 39, Root 0-14 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:07 , Ben Fleming

There was rain in the air during that final over and the covers have come on during the lunch break with the drizzle continuing. This was in the forecast but, hopefully, the rain can pass during the break and allow the players to resume on time in just over half an hour.

LUNCH: Australia 75-0 (24), Warner 30, Khawaja 39, Root 0-14 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:02 , Ben Fleming

Root continues from the other end as a few smatterings of rain begin to fall. A trio of singles before an LBW shout with the final ball of the over. Going down leg most likely but more signs of spin.

Is that the last over before lunch? It is. The players head off for lunch and that’s a great session for the Aussie openers who come through that session unscathed and with 75 runs on the board. Still plenty of work to do but that’s a great platform on a pitch that is not doing much at the moment.

Australia 72-0 (23), Warner 29, Khawaja 37, Anderson 0-16 (6), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 13:01 , Jack Rathborn

It’s starting to rain here, fans looking to get under cover.

That’s lunch though, so any concern over the rain can be parked for now.

There’s rain forecast by the BBC throughout the afternoon though.

Australia 72-0 (23), Warner 29, Khawaja 37, Anderson 0-16 (6), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:58 , Ben Fleming

More tight bowling from Anderson who continues to hang the ball outside the off stump and tempt Warner and Khawaja into a drive Nothing doing for the pair as they block and leave all six for a maiden over.

Australia 72-0 (22), Warner 29, Khawaja 37, Root 0-11 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:54 , Ben Fleming

A single to start the over before back-to-back boundaries from Khawaja eases the building pressure on Australia. Great hands from the opener as he late cuts both behind square. Nine off the over.

Australia 63-0 (21), Warner 28, Khawaja 29, Anderson 0-16 (5), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:51 , Ben Fleming

Again, it’s just three overs for Broad as his short spells continue. Anderson back into the attack as England continue to search for the opening wicket on this flat and slow day-four pitch.

The off side remains packed with fielders and England have done well to keep a disciplined line and length which has slowed down this Aussie start somewhat.

And it’s another tight over from Anderson - a maiden to be precise - which ends with a half-hearted appeal for a caught behind on Khawaja. Nothing doing for umpire Wilson and replays show a big gap between bat and ball, the noise instead coming from the opener’s bat hitting the ground.

Australia 63-0 (20), Warner 28, Khawaja 29, Root 0-2 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:49 , Jack Rathborn

Australia 63-0 (20), Warner 28, Khawaja 29, Root 0-2 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:45 , Ben Fleming

Moeen’s spell is done for now but it’s still spin from this end as Root now comes into the attack. With two left-handers currently at the crease, he’s certainly a threat.

It’s a good over from Root but Warner finally finds the gap with a cover drive, Stokes scampering around the outfield to limit it to just two runs to end the over.

Australia 61-0 (19), Warner 26, Khawaja 29, Broad 0-15 (6), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:42 , Ben Fleming

Broad, ever the thinker, continues to go through his repertoire of deliveries with a leg cutter and yorker making Khawaja think with the first couple of deliveries this over.

A maiden over follows. Good from Broady.

Australia 61-0 (18), Warner 26, Khawaja 29, Ali 0-19 (5), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:38 , Ben Fleming

Australia move into the sixties as Warner pierces the covers with a nice drive off the front foot for a single. Moeen is doing alright with the ball but his action is clearly still inhibited to some extent with his groin problems.

Another single to end the over.

Australia 59-0 (17), Warner 25, Khawaja 28, Broad 0-15 (5), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:35 , Ben Fleming

A quick single off the first ball from Broad is yet more evidence of a more proactive approach from Australia. Stokes continues to chop and change in the field with just first slip remaining in the cordon.

Stokes, himself, is in close catching on the leg side and has his hands on his head as a cutter from Broad deceives Khawaja and almost finds the opener’s edge before he pulls the bat away at the last minute.

Australia 58-0 (16), Warner 24, Khawaja 28, Ali 0-17 (4), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:30 , Ben Fleming

Two fielders in closer on the drive now for Khawaja after that one that just gripped and turned last over. Just a couple of singles off that over as the two openers are a bit more cautious with that over of spin.

Australia 56-0 (15), Warner 23, Khawaja 27, Broad 0-14 (4), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:26 , Ben Fleming

A ripple of applause from the crowd as Broad comes back into the attack to replace Woakes. Two from Khawaja off the first ball but an excellent response from Board two balls later as he gets one to nip away as the Aussie opener pokes at one just outside off stump.

Khawaja gets the better of Broad once again, though, as he clips this one through midwicket for three more.

Australia 51-0 (14), Warner 23, Khawaja 22, Ali 0-15 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:23 , Ben Fleming

Another short delivery brings a single to Warner but there’s more signs of spin for Ali as Khawaja drives in the air to cover with the ball turning out of the foot marks. Thankfully for the Aussie, there is no England fielder there but that’s encouraging for England.

Just two off the over and better from Moeen.

Australia 49-0 (13), Khawaja 21, Warner 22, Woakes 0-5 (4), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:20 , Ben Fleming

Ali might be a bit expensive at the other end but Woakes has been right on the money from the start. A second-successive Maiden for him thanks, in part, to some excellent fielding from Brooks who gets down well to stop a well-timed pull shot from Khawaja.

Australia 49-0 (12), Khawaja 21, Warner 22, Ali 0-13 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:16 , Ben Fleming

Australia 49-0 (12), Khawaja 21, Warner 22, Ali 0-13 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:13 , Ben Fleming

Spin! And plenty of it from Ali. A beauty that pitches, bites and flies past Khawaja’s edge. The ball flies between Bairstow and Root and away for four.

Both Khawaja and Warner use their feet now to try and negate the spin as the openers add another three. Four more now as Warner pulls it away past Anderson to the ropes.

Some signs of spin for Moeen but 11 off the over with those byes is not ideal. Australia close in on a 50-run partnership between their openers as we reach drinks. The perfect start for the visitors.

Australia 38-0 (11), Khawaja 20, Warner 16, Woakes 0-5 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:09 , Ben Fleming

The solid start continues for Australia but it’s a good rebuttal from Woakes who is tight with his lines to David Warner. A welcome maiden for England but they’ll be eyeing up a breakthrough in the 50 minutes we have before lunch.

Australia 38-0 (10), Khawaja 20, Warner 16, Ali 0-6 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:05 , Ben Fleming

Well, here’s an interesting development. No more Anderson but it’s Moeen Ali on to replace him. He had to sit out the entire of Australia’s first innings with a groin injury that he picked up while batting.

His first ball is a loosener in every sense of the word as Khawaja cuts to deep point for a single. Warner on strike tickles the next fine for four. A dot ball follows before a full toss is toe ended by Warner for a single. A wry smile from Warner after that rather poor shot.

Six off the over but a little grab of the groin from Moeen as he finishes his final delivery. Certainly not 100 per cent that is for sure.

Australia 32-0 (9), Khawaja 19, Warner 11, Woakes 0-5 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 12:01 , Ben Fleming

A noticeably more positive intent from Khawaja this morning as a few well-timed shots go straight to the fielders. England move third slip out to short cover and there’s now just two in the cordon.

A pull shot off the last ball is well fielded in the leg sie by Harry Brook as the Aussies scamper through for a single to end the over.

Australia 31-0 (8), Khawaja 18, Warner 11, Anderson 0-16 (4), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:57 , Ben Fleming

Shot! Khawaja gets in on the act now as he shimmies down the pitch to Anderson, holding the pose as he punches the ball down the ground for another boundary.

And now through the off side, Khawaja crunches it through extra cover for another four. England already appear to be trying to change this ball but it goes through the umpire’s hoop mechanism easily enough. No swing on offer whatsoever for Anderson so far, though.

Three more for Khawaja as he moves to 18 before a half-hearted appeal by Anderson on Warner ends the over. The ball looked to be going comfortably down the leg side with umpire Wilson unmoved.

Australia 20-0 (7), Khawaja 7, Warner 11, Woakes 0-4 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:51 , Ben Fleming

Just the three overs to start off for Broad as Chris Woakes comes into the attack at first change. And it’s a beauty to start, angling across Warner and almost catching the edge as the opener pokes half-heartedly at it.

He’s far more confident behind the final ball of the over, though, as he denies England a third-straight maiden with a solid punch down the ground for four. Warner into double figures and Australia 20 without loss.

Australia 16-0 (6), Khawaja 7, Warner 7, Anderson 0-5 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:47 , Ben Fleming

Another tight over from England as they continue to build the pressure on the Australian openers after those first few overs. Vintage Anderson now as he brings one back into Khawaja’s body before tempting him with the next ball invitingly outside off stump. Khawaja looks to drive but is beaten, nearly catching a faint outside edge through to Jonny Bairstow.

Back-to-back maidens.

Australia 16-0 (5), Khawaja 7, Warner 7, Broad 0-9 (3), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:43 , Ben Fleming

Far better from Broad as well in his third over as he challenges the channel outside Warner’s off stump. And it nearly pays dividends immediately but as an edge drops just short!

It was a leaning edge from Warner looking to work it away leg side. The ball is on a good line, however, straightening ever so slightly and catching the edge but it drops well short of Ben Duckett at third. The first signs of trouble for the Aussies. A maiden for Broad.

Australia 16-0 (4), Khawaja 7, Warner 7, Anderson 0-5 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:39 , Ben Fleming

A tighter over from Anderson with just one leg bye coming off the final ball of the over. How England would love an early breakthrough..

Australia 15-0 (3), Khawaja 7, Warner 7, Broad 0-9 (2), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:36 , Ben Fleming

A couple of singles and a two bring four more off that over. It’s certainly got noticeably more overcast since Broad and Anderson went out to bat earlier. Not too many signs of trouble for the Aussies first up though as Broad and Anderson settle into their first spells.

Australia 11-0 (2), Khawaja 4, Warner 6, Anderson 0-5 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:31 , Ben Fleming

And it’s the birthday boy taking the ball from the other end. It’s not been a vintage series from Jimmy but he’ll be hoping to sign off on a high. It’s a solid start for the Aussies, though, as Khawaja tucks Anderson through mid wicket for three.

Five off the over in the end.

Australia 6-0 (1), Khawaja 0, Warner 5, Broad 0-5 (1), target 384

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:26 , Jack Rathborn

Who else could possibly take the first over? Broad marks his run-up and gets those knees pumping for one final time. David Warner, the man he has tormented for years, is at the other end for what will also be his last Ashes Test (in England at least).

First up and Warner almost chops on! A thick inside edge gets him off strike but what a start that could have been. Khawaja gets solidly behind the next few in defence before the Aussies sneak a bye to put Warner back on strike for the final two. The first one is down leg side and the second is overpitched as Warner leans into a drive which flies away to the boundary for the first four of the Australian innings.

Carol Broad, Stuart’s mother speaking to BBC Test Match Special

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:20 , Ben Fleming

As the Australian batters walk onto the pitch, a few words from earlier courtesy of Stuart Broad’s mother, Carol.

"Today is right, everything about today is right, she said speaking to TMS. “We want to win it today, everything about it is right. We knew for certain yesterday morning; so yesterday I was a fidget because our lips were sealed but yesterday was a great batting day, so I had something to focus on.

“We only knew yesterday morning for certain. Of course, you have conversations, you do, but Stuart is a master of making the right decision, so it's always his decision and he's done it again. It's the perfect time, isn't it. It's his story to tell which is why I won't talk about him, but he's got it right and this is right and beating Australia is perfect.”

Australia require 384 runs to win the Ashes series

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:18 , Ben Fleming

Perhaps fitting that Stuart Broad’s last ball as a batter in Test cricket went for six. Ever the nighthawk.

But his job for the day is only just getting started as England go through the paces as they prepare to bowl. He and England’s other bowlers have a job to do now on a good batting wicket to tie the series.

384 is a tall order for Australia but they’ve got the time and favourable conditions right now to make a good start at taking down what would be the eighth-biggest run chase of all time in Test cricket and the highest at the Oval.

England 395 all out (81.5), Broad 8, Anderson 8, Murphy 4-110 (22.5), lead by 383

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:11 , Jack Rathborn

A remarkable 10 minutes of cricket theatre there.

Broad pulling Starc, the series’ leading wicket taker, up and over the ropes for a big six brought a roar.

Anderson then showered with praise and given a birthday song from the Barmy Army. But then the air sucked out of the atmosphere a little by Murphy trapping Anderson lbw.

OUT! Anderson 8 lbw b Murphy (England 395 all out)

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:11 , Jack Rathborn

Anderson was going for another reverse sweep but failed to make contact with the ball this time. Joel Wilson had a couple of poo lbw decisions last night but he gets this one right - pitching in line and going on to clip the top of the stumps.

Anderson is gone for eight and Broad’s final swansong with the bat is over with that six off Starc the only runs added to the overnight total.

All out for 395 and Australia now need 383 runs to win this Ashes series...

England 395-9 (81.5), Broad 8, Anderson 8, Murphy 3-110 (22.5), lead by 383

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:09 , Ben Fleming

That six of the last ball of the over means that Anderson will be on strike this over with Murphy taking the ball from the other end. It takes just two balls for the Burnley Lara to pull out the coveted reverse sweep but the pair don’t run again as it trickles down to third man.

Clearly a desire for Anderson to face the spin and Broad the pace. A thick outside edge follows which falls just short of Cummins at backward point as Anderson continues to flash away.

Now, there’s an LBW appeal and it’s given! But England review straight away.

England 395-9 (81), Broad 8, Anderson 8, Starc 4-100 (20), lead by 383

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:06 , Ben Fleming

As we expected, few early signs that Broad and England will be hanging around. A couple of swings and half-misses before Broad clubs one out to deep square leg. There’s no run, though, and it looks like Broad is going to try and hog the strike.

The last ball of the over...into the stands! Starc goes short and Broad is all over it, sending it high and flying into the crowd for six.

The Ashes 2023

Sunday 30 July 2023 11:01 , Ben Fleming

And here they are! Broad leads the way through the guard of honour and we’re moments away from action getting underway. How many can he and Anderson add to the overnight total?

Starc to open the bowling for the Aussies...

Day Four nearly upon us

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:58 , Ben Fleming

On this big day for England and Broad, it’s also deserving mention that it’s a big day for the birthday boy, Jimmy Anderson. 42 today and while his fast-bowling partner is hanging up the boots, the Lancashire seamer has shown no signs of stopping just yet.

The pair will be coming down imminently to begin batting again with the Aussies preparing a guard of honour for Broad ahead of his last game.

Stuart Broad soaks up Oval atmosphere

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:52 , Jack Rathborn

The atmosphere is building here at the Oval and we’re 10 minutes away from play.

Even less for Broad to get a huge ovation from the crowd following his decision to walk away from the game.

Broad will of course be given another ovation when England bowl. It’s going to be an emotional day.

Moeen Ali also bowling in warm-up

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:49 , Ben Fleming

Well, we said earlier that Ben Stokes was bowling seam in the warm-up and he has now been seen marking his run-up. Looks like Stokes is certainly getting himself ready for a bowl at some point today.

There are also some positive signs for England’s spin options with Moeen Ali seen going through some warm-up paces. The all-rounder has been managing a groin injury picked up in the first innings and didn’t take the field at all during Australia’s first innings. The Oval will spin today and especially into tomorrow (if we get there) so having Ali able to bowl a few overs would be a major boost for England’s chances.

The Ashes 2023: Broad takes to the field

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:44 , Ben Fleming

A final warm-up for Broady as he signs a slew of autographs and makes his way out for a final nets session. Doubt they’ll be many forward defensives being drilled this morning...

Stokes warming up

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:30 , Ben Fleming

Anderson and Broad will resume with the bat but their main focus of the day will be getting themselves ready to find those crucial, final ten Aussie wickets. They’ll have a big part to play as will Woakes and Wood.

There’s no word at present on whether Moeen Ali will take the field in a bowling capacity but it’s perhaps interesting to note that Ben Stokes is going through his paces on the outfield. He’s been bowling off spin these past couple of mornings but it’s seam this morning. Could we see him bowl at some point later in the day?

The Ashes: Weather watch

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:26 , Ben Fleming

It’s not what anyone will want to hear but it is worth mentioning. This morning’s forecast looks good enough but rainy spells are forecast from about 2pm onwards. Fingers crossed we are not interrupted too much but if it’s likely the players could have to go off at some stage.

The Ashes: Day Three as it happened

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:20 , Ben Fleming

We’ve got around 40 minutes till play begins today so the perfect time to recap on what we saw yesterday. And it was undoubtedly England’s day with plenty of contributions moving them into a 377-run lead with one wicket remaining.

The day, however, will be forever synonymous with the bombshell news that hit after play ended when England’s fast bowler, Stuart Broad, declared that he would be retiring from all forms of cricket after this match.

Catch up on all of that and more below:

England save their best for last as they dominate Australia before Broad bombshell

Stuart Broad retires from cricket

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:10 , Jack Rathborn

Stuart Broad: A desire for improvement kept the paceman at the top of his game

Sunday 30 July 2023 10:00 , Jack Rathborn

Beneath the blond hair and boyish good looks lay a fierce competitiveness and an almost unquenchable thirst for improvement in Stuart Broad, who has announced his international retirement.

Those knees-pumping hot streaks that took batting sides apart in a spell or two peppered his career – with eight for 15 against Australia on his Trent Bridge home ground in 2015 inarguably the highlight.

His place may have come under more regular scrutiny than James Anderson but only his long-time opening bowling partner has taken more Test wickets among seamers than Broad.

Stuart Broad: A desire for improvement kept the paceman at the top of his game

From hat-trick heroics to Ashes annihilation – Stuart Broad’s best Test displays

Sunday 30 July 2023 09:50 , Jack Rathborn

England bowler Stuart Broad has announced he will retire from Test cricket at the end of the Ashes series, bringing the curtain down on an illustrious – and at times electrifying – career.

Here, the PA news agency recalls some of Broad’s greatest displays in the longest format of the game.

From hat-trick heroics to Ashes annihilation – Stuart Broad’s best Test displays

Sir Alastair Cook pays tribute to Stuart Broad

Sunday 30 July 2023 09:40 , Jack Rathborn

Former England team-mate Sir Alastair Cook paid tribute to Broad on BBC’s Test Match Special.

“I’m a bit emotional and a bit surprised, but if you look at the schedule for Stuart Broad, you have India away, Sri Lanka and West Indies next summer, no offence to those sides but Broad is about big moments,” Cook explained. “So for him to get through to another big moment is probably another two-and-a-half years.

“The one player to deliver, alongside Ben Stokes, in the big moments is Stuart Broad and what a feeling that must be for a player.”

Stuart Broad announces retirement from cricket

Sunday 30 July 2023 09:30 , Jack Rathborn

More from Broad speaking on Sky Sports: “A little bit [emotional]. I have thought a lot about it and even up until eight o’clock last night, I wasn’t 50/50 but I was a little bit unsure.

“But once I went to Stokesy’s room and told him I felt really happy. I feel really content with everything I have achieved in the game and ultimately the decision came down to I knew I wanted to leave the game loving cricket and my last memories being a really enjoyable changing room.

“I have so many friends and figures in management that I’ve been around for so long. I look around and I have played so much cricket with all of them. It feels like my changing room and I wanted to sort of walk away playing with a group of players I love to bits.

“No, Ben didn’t [try to change my mind]. He really understood the decision. I hadn’t talked a lot about it. I hadn’t mentioned it to him beforehand but I wanted to make sure I was clear in my mind. I wasn’t really going in for a negotiation really. I was like ‘I need to be clear’ before I mentioned it to anyone.”

Stuart Broad retires from cricket

Sunday 30 July 2023 09:20 , Jack Rathborn

“Tomorrow or Monday will be my last day of cricket, it has been a wonderful ride, a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have and I am loving cricket as much as I ever have and this series has just felt like it’s been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining and I always wanted to finish at the top,” Broad told Ian Ward on Sky Sports at the close of day three.

“I made the decision about 8.30 last night. I’ve been thinking about it for a while, a few weeks. England vs Australia has always been the pinnacle for me, I have loved the battles with Australia that have come my way and the team’s way, I have a love affair with Ashes and I think I wanted my last bat and bowl to be in Ashes cricket.

“I told Stokesy last night and told the changing room this morning and to be honest it just felt the right time and I didn’t want friends or Nottinghamshire team mates to see things that might come out so I prefer to just say it and just give it a good crack for the last Australia innings.

“I have thought a lot about it and even up till 8pm last night I wasn’t 50/50 but even when I went up to Stokesy’s room and told him I have felt really happy since and content with everything I have achieved in cricket.

“It feels like my changing room and I wanted to walk away with a team I love to bits.”

Stuart Broad on reasons for retiring from cricket

Sunday 30 July 2023 09:10 , Jack Rathborn

Stuart Broad told Ian Ward after day three: “Tomorrow or Monday will be my last day of cricket, it has been a wonderful ride – a huge privilege to wear the Nottinghamshire and England badge as much as I have and I am loving cricket as much as I ever have and this series has just felt like it’s been one of the most enjoyable and entertaining and I always wanted to finish at the top.”

Ashes, fifth Test, day four: England 389-9 (80), Broad 2, Anderson 8 - England lead by 377

Sunday 30 July 2023 09:00 , Jack Rathborn

Good morning, today will be an emotional day for England and Stuart Broad at the Oval as the fast bowler potentially walks out for the final time after his shock announcement that he will be retiring from cricket.

Broad is England’s all-time leading Ashes wicket taker and has performed wonders for England alongside James Anderson.

The pair will likely continue England’s second innings together, with the hosts nine wickets down, as they look to pull off victory in the fifth Test and square the series against Australia at 2-2.

Stuart Broad announces retirement from cricket: ‘It has been a wonderful ride'

Sunday 30 July 2023 08:44 , Jack Rathborn

As Stuart Broad walks away from his love affair with cricket, after announcing his retirement during the final Ashes Test match, he has undoubtedly left a legacy in the game.

Back in 2009, children would have arguments over who was the best bowler between Broad and James Anderson, and it was inconceivable that 14 years later the same duo would still be playing at the top of their game in Ashes Test matches.

The 37-year-old has 602 wickets in 167 Test matches, and he will bow out as the second most successful pace bowler in history, behind teammate Anderson.

There are moments in his career that people will be able to point at as the moment they fell in love with the game, whether that is his two Test hat-tricks, including one against India in front of his home crowd at Trent Bridge in 2011, or taking eight for 15 as England secured the Ashes, again in Nottingham, in 2015.

‘I’ve given my heart and soul’: Stuart Broad will leave behind a golden legacy