24 Aug 2013

Australia seize control

12:20 pm on 24 August 2013

England is fighting hard for the draw in the final Ashes cricket test against Australia at The Oval in London.

The English will head into the fourth day of the fifth test on 247 for four in their first innings, trailing by 245 runs.

Replying to Australia's 492 for nine declared, England lost Alastair Cook for 25, Joe Root for 68, Jonathan Trott for 40 and Kevin Pietersen 50.

Although rain is forecast for day four, Australia can still claim a consolation victory while English hopes of winning a home Ashes series 4-0 for the first time look to be over.

Ian Bell is unbeaten on 29 and Chris Woakes on 15 at the close with England still needing another 46 runs to avoid the follow-on.