The much awaited fifth and final Test of the thrilling ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 five-match Test series is scheduled to take place at the Oval Cricket Ground in Kennington starting from July 27. England lost the Ashes series by drawing the fourth Test in Manchester. Even a draw in the last Test can seal the deal for the visitors, who haven’t won an Ashes on English soil since 2001.
Day 3 of the match saw England dominating the proceedings, making a strong comeback and building a significant lead over Australia. The English batters put up an impressive performances. Joe Root was the standout performer, falling just short of a century with a brilliant 91 runs off 106 balls. Zak Crawley also played a crucial role, contributing 73 runs in just 76 balls before being dismissed.
The partnerships were key to England’s success, with Bairstow and Root sharing a vital 110-run stand for the fifth wicket, followed by a solid opening stand of 79 runs between Ben Duckett and Crawley. Stokes and Crawley added 61 runs for the second wicket, while Stokes and Root combined for a 73-run partnership for the third wicket.
By the halfway mark of the third session, England had built a commanding lead of over 320 runs, putting them in a strong position to control the match. However, Australia fought back towards the end of the day. Here in this article, we have covered everything you need to know about the Ashes 2023 England vs Australia 5th Test pitch report for day 4.
Also Read: ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 5th Test, Day 4 FREE Live Streaming: When and Where to Watch England vs Australia Match Live on TV and Online
ENG vs AUS Ashes 2023 5th Test Day 4 Pitch Report
The pitch at Kennington Oval leans more towards favoring batters over bowlers, particularly in the initial stages of the Test match. The absence of substantial grass on the surface diminishes the advantage for fast bowlers, though they can still capitalize on the shine of the new ball. As the match unfolds and the pitch dries out, spinners come into prominence particularly on Day 4 and 5.
The toss-winning captain often faces a pivotal dilemma – whether to opt for batting first to exploit the favorable conditions or to bowl first and leverage any early assistance the pacers might get. The decision at the toss can significantly impact the outcome of the match, given the pitch dynamics and the way it evolves over the course of the game.