Khawaja, Warner lead solid reply for Australia

Openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja struck unbeaten half centuries as Australia set about their target in style on the penultimate day of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England at The Oval in London yesterday.

Australia, who have already retained the Ashes with an unassailable 2-1 lead in the series, raced to 135 for no loss in their second innings before the players returned to the dressing room for early tea due to a heavy shower.

Australia are chasing a massive victory target of 384 runs but Warner and Khawaja have given them hopes with a solid opening stand and they require a further 249 runs with all 10 wickets in hand.

Earlier, England were bowled out for 395 runs in their second innings with the retiring Stuart Broad hitting his last ball in Test cricket for six and was given a guard of honour by the Australian players.

Chief scores

England: 283 and 395 (Zak Crawley 73, Ben Duckett 42, Joe Root 91, Jonny Bairstow 78, Moeen Ali 29, Mitchell Starc 4/100, Tod Murphy 4/110).

Australia: 295 and 135/0 (David Warner 58 n.o, Usman Khawaja 69 n.o). C.D.