London: Rain delayed the start of play on day four of the fifth Ashes test between England and Australia at The Oval on Saturday.
If any play is possible, England will resume on 247-4 -- trailing Australia by 245 runs. The not-out batsmen are Ian Bell on 29 and Chris Woakes on 15, with England needing another 46 runs to avoid the follow on.
Persistent rain meant the start was postponed indefinitely and with the forecast suggesting bad weather will linger throughout the day, a washout is possible. An early lunch has already been called.
Australia is 3-0 down in the five-match series and is looking for a victory in London to boost confidence ahead of the return series Down Under starting in November.
