The Ashes finale at the Oval will be decided by a one-innings shootout after Australia secured a narrow first-innings lead over England on day two.
Australia’s noticeably slow batting in the morning session looked set to backfire as they lost a cluster of wickets after lunch to slip to 185-7 in reply to England’s 283.
But Steve Smith made 71 before an unlikely partnership between fast bowler Pat Cummins and spinner Todd Murphy gave Australia a lead of 12.
Murphy pulled three sixes in a crucial 34 from 39 balls while Cummins scored 36 before Ben Stokes completed a superb boundary catch off what turned out to be the last ball of the day.
England will begin their second-innings on day three as they look to set up a victory that would deny Australia a first Ashes victory on these shores since 2001.
More to follow…
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