Postpublished at 15:03 BST 29 July 2023
Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match Special
It looks like a very good day for batting and England are just being very positive with it.
But it has been extraordinary. England are nowhere near out of the woods.
Summary
Broad announces he will retire after conclusion of final Ashes Test
England end day with a lead of 377
Hosts slip from 360-5 to 379-9 - losing four wickets for 19
Root (91) falls short of brilliant century
Bairstow (78) & Root add 110 in less than 25 overs
Root anchors middle order after loss of Stokes (42) and Brook (7)
Crawley makes 73 at top of order alongside Duckett (42)
Australia, who lead series 2-1, have retained Ashes
Postpublished at 15:03 BST 29 July 2023
How's stat?!published at 15:00 BST 29 July 2023
Andy Zaltzman
Cricket statistician on Test Match SpecialJoe Root is now tied with Sir Alastair Cook for the most scores of 50 or more in Test cricket for England.
This is his 90th.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 15:00 BST 29 July 2023
Tweet #bbccricket or text 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate)
We seem to have scored an extra 20 runs every time I refresh the feed. And I refresh a lot...
Tim in Altrincham
Postpublished at 15:00 BST 29 July 2023
It took a while for the ball to be rescued after that Harry Brook shot.
The umpires were poised to change the ball but after a quick inspection deemed it fine to continue.
Postpublished at 14:58 BST 29 July 2023
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special
Image source, PA MediaThat is just ridiculous, but that is Harry Brook.
Eng 221-3published at 40 overs
Ha, that snooze obviously did Harry Brook no harm.
After sharing singles with Joe Root he smashes his second delivery back over Todd Murphy's head for six.
That wasn't a slog, it was a brilliantly timed, risk-free shot.
Postpublished at 14:55 BST 29 July 2023
Harry Brook, who was seen snoozing on the England balcony about half an hour ago, jogs out into the middle.
Postpublished at 14:55 BST 29 July 2023
Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match SpecialAustralia needed something to keep them hanging in there and that is a huge wicket.
Stokes is disappointed, he can't believe he's just holed out like that.
Postpublished at 14:55 BST 29 July 2023
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special
Image source, ReutersFair play to Todd Murphy, it wasn't an easy time to be bowling as a spinner.
WICKETpublished at 39.3 overs
Stokes c Cummins b Murphy 42 (Eng 213-3)
Perfect response from Australia! Boy did they need that.
Ben Stokes looks to charge Todd Murphy but can smack the ball straight to Pat Cummins at mid-on.
Postpublished at 14:53 BST 29 July 2023
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match Special
Image source, ReutersThis innings has just had everything 'Joe Root' about it - the old and the new.
50 for Joe Rootpublished at 39.1 overs
And there it is. A gentle push into the on-side brings a single and Joe Root's 60th Test fifty.
A fine innings from the Yorkshireman, who will look to push on now.
Eng 212-2published at 39 overs
Lead by 200
A single off the final ball means Joe Root keeps the strike and moves onto 49.
Postpublished at 14:51 BST 29 July 2023
Matthew Henry
BBC Sport at The OvalThe Oval crowd is starting to enjoy itself...
Postpublished at 14:51 BST 29 July 2023
Glenn McGrath
Ex-Australia bowler on BBC Test Match SpecialWhen it rains, it pours.
Australia are having no luck but as the old saying goes, fortune favours the brave.
Postpublished at 14:51 BST 29 July 2023
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match SpecialMitchell Starc is not having a good day.
Eng 211-2published at 38.4 overs
Joe Root is having some fun against a weary-looking Mitchell Starc, hitting three successive boundaries.
The first is an on-drive down the ground, the second a fortunate chop into the turf and over the wicketkeeper, the third a lovely deft late cut down deep third
That brings up 200 and extends their lead to 199.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 14:47 BST 29 July 2023
Tweet #bbccricket or text 81111 (UK only - texts will be charged at your standard message rate)
There are elements of this Australian team that are admirable and impressive. Almost Djokovic like in their relentless pursuit of whatever it takes to win. But some of their play has been slow, dull and at times stubbornly sloppy. More Peter Ebdon than Novak Djokovic.
Craig, Salford
Eng 199-2published at 38 overs
Lead by 187
Nope - not in this over anyway.
England add five to the score, including a four nudged off the pads by Ben Stokes, who moves onto 42.
Postpublished at 14:45 BST 29 July 2023
Todd Murphy will resume after drinks.
Australia will hope the break will bring a wicket.