5th Investec Test: England vs Australia at The Oval

News early this morning is that common sense has prevailed and Jimmy will sit out the final Test. Obviously I would have liked nothing more than to see Jimmy out there, but it just isn't worth the risk of re-injuring himself given the amount of cricket that is still to come this year. Sadly, but not surprisingly, there is still no room in the side for Adil Rashid.

While England will remain unchanged, Australia will make at least one change as Josh Hazelwood has been ruled out with injury and will likely be replaced by Pat Cummins.

England won the toss and elected to bowl. Peter Siddle and Mitchell Marsh come into the team for Australia in place of Josh Hazlewood and Shaun Marsh. England, as expected, are unchanged.

A very patient and purposeful approach from Australia so far this morning. Much more disciplined from them. This looks like it could be a good batting day for them.

Australia have shown a lot of discipline and fight this morning. Very careful and watchful. Night and day from the two previous Test matches. 82/0 at lunch. England could be in for a long day.

165 - 2

45.1
Ali to Warner, OUT, tossed up, Warner pushes forward - and nicks it to slip! Just enough turn for Moeen and he's got him,

again Warner misses out on a hundred in England. Regulation catch for the slipper Lyth

Warner c Lyth b Ali 85

Two wickets for England after a century stand between Rogers-Warner. Australia still the happier team at tea.

England bowlers looking a bit flat, clearly the know the series is won and just taking it easy.Lyon will relish bowling last on this pitch.
184/2 at tea break.
Smith should look to playing aggressively,because clarke will be a bit tenst to post a big score on his farewell match.

Stokes strikes. Clarke out for 15 with the faintest of edges. Australia 186/3.

186 - 3

54.4

Stokes to Clarke, Faint nick and that's snaffled by Buttler. Clarke has been given out caught behind by Kumar Dharmasena.

He chats with the soon-to-be captain and reviews. Ben Stokes' footing is fine.  RTS, picks up a spike.

Clarke walks off to a rousing ovation.

  PuP c †Buttler b Stokes 1

Meaningless match...the series is decided. :-\  Bring on the ODIs/T20s.  ::love::