Eng 364-6published at 74 overs
Another eventful over ends and I suspect England - and Moeen in particularly - are going to have a swing.
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
Eng 364-6published at 74 overs
Postpublished at 17:56 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match SpecialThat was a real bail-trimmer.
Not outpublished at 73.3 overs
Another survival!
Just going over the stumps on umpire's call. Todd Murphy cannot believe his luck, and the ever-emotive Marnus Labuschagne has his head in his hands.
Postpublished at 17:55 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Sir Alastair Cook
Former England captain on BBC Test Match SpecialI'm going height.
Australia reviewpublished at 73.3 overs
It's all happening.
Is Chris Woakes lbw? Umpire isn't keen, Pat Cummins is.
Let's go again.
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 17:53 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
#bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
It goes without saying of course that play will continue as late as is possible tonight… you know, with the weather we know is coming… that would be common-sensical, no? Surely?
Evan, Cardiff
Eng 360-6published at 73 overs
Lead by 348
Calm down, lads!
Chris Woakes sets off for a single first ball, is sent back by Moeen as Marnus Labuschagne fields brilliantly. The throw is wide as Woakes dives full-stretch, and replays show he was well short if it hit.
And breathe!
Postpublished at 17:51 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Sir Alastair Cook
Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special
Image source, ReutersJonny Bairstow will be annoyed. He came out at a tricky time just after Stokes and Brook were out and took the attack straight back to Australia.
He then becalmed himself as he and Joe Root looked to press home the advantage. He played beautifully.
WICKETpublished at 72.4 overs
Bairstow c Carey b Starc 78 (Eng 360-6)
No mistake this time!
Bairstow missed the previous ball trying to pull, and Starc smartly sends one wide of off stump and Bairstow can't resist a swish, getting an edge through to the keeper.
Another fine innings from Bairstow, but he looks frustrated, waving his bat around as he departs.
The Oval stands for him nonetheless. His partnership with Joe Root has helped put England in a fantastic position.
Postpublished at 17:47 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Sir Alastair Cook
Former England captain on BBC Test Match SpecialIt feels like the game is ticking now.
Not outpublished at 72.2 overs
It is indeed the bat that saves Jonny Bairstow.
On we go.
Postpublished at 17:46 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Daniel Norcross
BBC Test Match SpecialIs there any bat on that? It looks very close to the bat.
Australia reviewpublished at 72.2 overs
Now then.
Has Mitchell Starc got Jonny Bairstow lbw?
It nipped back in quite a bit, but too much?
get involved Get Involvedpublished at 17:44 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
#bbccricket, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (standard network charges apply)
Jonny Green: Watching that Root dismissal - that turned and kept low seemingly from nowhere. I fancy Root and Ali (if he can bowl), plus our new spinner (some guy called Stokes?) to do some damage based on that.
Nunya Bisnis: Root got a grubber there. Good news for England, when they decide to put the Aussies in.
Eng 360-5published at 72 overs
Todd Murphy twirls his way through another over which is tidy, but unthreatening, as England continue to wear the bowlers down.
The attack looks like it could need a break, and I'm sure England's have been very grateful for the chance to put their feet up today.
Postpublished at 17:40 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Matthew Henry
BBC Sport at The Oval
Image source, ReutersIt’s fair to say the crowd down here enjoyed that Hazlewood drop. He’s getting grief every time the replay is shown on the big screen.
Postpublished at 17:40 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Jonathan Agnew
BBC cricket correspondent on Test Match SpecialThat was surely Steve Smith's catch?
He is quick, agile and has a great pair of hands.
Moeen dropped on 14published at 71 overs
Eng 358-5
Put down! The short stuff nearly works as Moeen hooks out to fine leg, but a diving Josh Hazlewood can't hold on.
It would have been a spectacular grab, having covered a lot of ground to even get close to it, the ball eventually just slipping through his fingertips for four. Steve Smith at deep square has his hands on his head but could he have got closer than Hazlewood did...?
Eng 353-5published at 70.2 overs
Image source, ReutersMoeen Ali is clattered on the head by a vicious Mitchell Starc bouncer but he is remarkably casual about it.
It disrupts the protective pads at the back of the helmet, but he looks unfussed, and thankfully appears to be fine after a quick check from the doctor.
Short stuff incoming.
Postpublished at 17:35 British Summer Time 29 July 2023
Speaking of Joe Root, here's how he was dismissed a few overs ago.