They have already surrendered the urn, but it is better late than never for Australia, who are closing in on a consolation victory in the fifth and final Test against England at The Oval. England, reduced to 203/6 in their second innings, need 126 more runs to make Australia bat again, which seems unlikely given their present situation. Alastair Cook, who came up with a fighting 85 off 234 deliveries, fell late in the final session on day 3. Jos Buttler and Mark Wood are the batsmen at the crease with Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad and Steven Finn to follow. The onus will be on Buttler and Ali to spend as much time as possible and defy the Australian bowlers. There is also the rain threat and Peter Siddle mentioned that Australia have to be prepared for it and get it done as soon as possible.

Mark Wood would have been a goner had Chris Rogers hit the stumps on the direct at the non-striker's end in the 82nd over. Meanwhile, Jos Buttler and Wood scored a few boundaries to help England forward. However, their partnership came to an end in the 84th over when Siddle trapped Wood in front. Umpire Kumar Dharmasena initially ruled in favour of the batsman, but Australia captain Michael Clarke opted for the review and replays justified his decision. England were 221/7, trailing by 111.

Buttler was the eighth wicket to fall, getting out to Mitchell Marsh in the 87th over. The batsman attempted a big drive, but saw Mitchell Starc take a good tumbling catch at mid-off. Buttler departed for 42, leaving England at 223/8.