Australia face tough task as fifth Test resumes

LONDON: Australia were left with plenty to do if they were to force a consolation win as play in the fifth Ashes Test against England at The Oval started 30 minutes late on Sunday's final day.

Rain meant the whole of Saturday's fourth day was washed out and a wet outfield needed additional drying time on Sunday before play resumed at 11:30am local time (1030GMT).

The bad weather was especially frustrating for Australia, who were seeking a first win in nine Tests and trying to avoid their first Ashes series without a Test victory since 1977.

England, who at 3-0 up had already won the five-match series and retained the Ashes, were 247 for four at stumps on the third day in reply to Australia's first innings 492 for nine declared,

That left England 245 runs behind and still requiring a further 46 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Ian Bell, who came into this match having scored exactly 500 runs in the series with three hundreds, was 29 not out and Test debutant Chris Woakes unbeaten on 15.

Only three players -- Australia's Don Bradman and England's Herbert Sutcliffe and Walter Hammond -- have scored four centuries in a single Ashes series.

Australia now face the improbable task of having to take 16 wickets for victory on Sunday's final day, if the weather allows.

However, England did take nine Australia wickets in under a session as they won the fourth Test in Durham by 74 runs with more than a day to spare. (AFP)