Ashes 2019: England on target for series-tying win in final test

Joe Denly's fluent 94 has helped England into a match-winning position at stumps on day three of the final Ashes test at the Oval. 

Denly's knock, along with Ben Stokes' sparking 67 helped put England reach 313/8 to lead Australia by 382 runs and put the hosts in a strong position to level the series at 2-2.

Australia ensured they will retain the Ashes by winning the fourth test in Manchester and are bidding to secure their first test series victory in England since 2001.

Denly and Stokes came together after England lost Rory Burns for 20 and Joe Root (21) early on day three. 

Burns had driven Peter Siddle sweetly through mid-off to bring up the first half-century opening stand of the series, but he departed after a brain fade against Nathan Lyon. 

Captain Root pushed forward tentatively at Lyon and nicked a simple catch to Steve Smith at slip, and the home side took lunch on 88/2.

Stokes dropped at slip off Lyon on seven, started slowly before unfurling some trademark attacking shots to entertain a packed crowd.

Denly clipped Josh Hazlewood through mid-wicket to reach fifty for the third time in the series, and the 33-year-old right-hander struck a few sweetly-timed strokes in his highest test score.

Stokes then moved past fifty with a six off Marnus Labuschagne before he was bowled by Lyon to end a fine third-wicket partnership of 127.

Denly's five-hour vigil was halted when he edged Siddle to Smith at slip, and Jonny Bairstow fell for 14 shortly after. 

Sam Curran was caught down the leg side off Pat Cummins for a breezy 17, while Chris Woakes was brilliantly caught one-handed by Smith. 

Jos Buttler plundered 47 before skying Siddle to a diving Labuschagne at square leg.

Jofra Archer and Jack Leach steered England through to the close without further loss, and Australia will face a daunting run chase over the remaining two days of the match.

Reuters