to our live blog of the fifth day of the fourth Test. The question on everyone’s mind is “will the weather allow England enough time to take the remaining Australian wickets?” The tourists resume 214/5 and they trail by 61, so it obviously all comes down to whether England can knock them over in between what sounds like inevitable rain delays, and then score whatever runs in the fourth innings. If they do that, we will go to The Oval 2-2 and that could be a brilliant finale, fitting in my view of what has been a very enjoyable series.

Of course, the Aussies will be hoping that it rains and they get out of this match with a draw. If that happens, they will retain The Ashes no matter what happens in Kennington next week.

The news from the ground is moderately encouraging. The covers are coming off and they are going to have a pitch inspection at 11am. The start will definitely be delayed though, and heavy overnight rain has left the outfield soaked.

England’s batting coach Marcus Trescothick summed up yesterday. “We got more play than we expected. Saturday looked like a complete washout so it’s a bonus. We’re one wicket closer but it’s still frustrating. We wanted to get two or three wickets today. We’ll take any play we can tomorrow.”

Marnus Labuschange, the centurion of yesterday, said: “No chance, zero,” when it was suggested to him that Australia might somehow look for a win. “I think we’re just going to let it play out, get bowled out when we do. I don’t think we’re going to give England a sniff, that’s exactly what they’d like.”

We will have regular updates on the weather and of course the dreaded satellite tracker doo-das. It’s not looking great but the local sages seem to think that there will be at least some play on what could be a sensational, or dispiriting, day.