England vs Australia LIVE: Cricket scorecard and Ashes Test result as Pat Cummins leads tourists to famous win

Australia secured victory in the first Ashes Test after a nail-biting contest went deep into the final day at Edgbaston.

After four days of fluctuating action, the start was delayed due to rain with Australia needing 174 runs to win and England chasing seven wickets.

On a slow-burning day Usman Khawaja (65) dug in for a watchful vigil after being not out overnight with the hosts dismissing a resolute Scott Boland for 20 as the wickets continued to fall.

Travis Head (16), Cameron Green (28) and Khawaja himself fell at crucial moments before Alex Carey (20) chipped one back to Joe Root leaving the Australian batters needing 54 runs for victory with just the bowlers left.

Nathan Lyon (16*) joined Pat Cummins (44*) at the crease. They weathered bouncers, yorkers, and the new ball, adding 55 runs for the ninth wicket and saw Australia home by the smallest of margins.

Follow the score and latest updates from Edgbaston below:

England vs Australia: Ashes first Test, day five

• Australia win by two wickets!

• England suffer heartbreak but thrilling Edgbaston Test shows the magic of the Ashes

• OUT! Carey c & b. Root 20 (50) - Stokes’ gamble pays off

• OUT! Khawaja b. Stokes 65 (197) - Stokes dismisses the dangerman

• OUT! Green b. Robinson 28 (66) - Robinson gives England hope

• OUT! Head ct. Root b. Moeen 16 (24) - A change of bowling works for England

• OUT! Boland ct. Bairstow b. Broad 20 (40) - Broad gets the first wicket of day five

England suffer heartbreak but thrilling Edgbaston Test shows the magic of the Ashes

19:57 , Mike Jones

It almost happened in slow motion. Pat Cummins sprinted off for a half-lap of honour around the square, the ball trickled over the boundary, and Australia drew first blood in the Ashes with the narrowest two-wicket victory.

Some Ashes Tests take on an almost mythological status. England’s two-run victory at Edgbaston in 2005 was one of them, the Headingley Test in 2019 another. People remember where they were, and for those lucky enough to have tickets, they are treasured and displayed.

Edgbaston 2023, as it may be known in the future, was perfectly poised to become one of those famous nail-biting conclusions, and unfortunately for England in the evening session, the balance just tipped in favour of Australia, and a 55- run partnership between Cummins and Nathan Lyon was enough for the tourists to chase down the required 281 to win.

England suffer heartbreak but thrilling Test shows magic of the Ashes

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

20:09 , Mike Jones

More from Ben Stokes: “I am very proud to take it to the end of day five. It was a rollercoaster with ups and down and a game we will never forget. We just want to be part of some great moments. Hopefully we can attract people to the Ashes, in England and Australia, for the remaining four games.

“A loss is a loss. We stuck to our guns on how we would operate and carried on from the last series we played. We are going to continue keep coming at Australia and if we end up on the wrong result but they go down to the wire like this I don’t mind.

“Who knows how it could have worked out with the declaration. Joe Root and Jimmy Anderson might have just got out anyway. I thought Mo came back into his first Test match and put himself through the pain barrier superbly.

“Joe with the bat got us on a roll and gave us momentum. 280 runs is a lot so you have to give credit to Australia. It’s going to be a great series. The efforts and energies of the seamers to put big shifts in.”

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

20:03 , Mike Jones

Player of the match, Australia batter Usman Khawaja: “When you’re playing and you’re in, you’re fine but when you’re watching up there - I can only imagine how the fans felt.

“That was an unbelievable game. I watched Edgbaston 2005 on TV as a kid, I stayed up late.

“I was there was Stokesy played that unbelievable innings at Headingley in the last Ashes but this has definitely got to be one of my favourite Test matches I’ve ever played in.

“I couldn’t really watch it [the final partnership] with the guys, there was too much nervous energy out the front so I watched it in the changing room with delayed vision.

“But I could hear everything that was going on. Marnus came in and said, ‘you cannot move!’ So I had to stay there. Only habits die hard.”

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

20:00 , Mike Jones

Reaction from Australia captain Pat Cummins: “Both teams spoke a lot about playing your own style. And that’s the beauty of this series. Two contrasting styles, playing to our strengths and that made for great entertainment.”

“He [Usman Khawaja] showed incredible composure in both innings. He didn’t get caught up in anything. He has been a class player the last few years and I’m really happy for him.

“The plan was everyone to bat at their own pace Having had a good first innings he had a good feel for the wicket but everyone chipped in.

“He’s [Nathan Lyon] huge. You just put him down one end and and forget about him. He takes key wickets. He is an absolute superstar. He just calmly goes about his work. A captain’s dream.”

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:54 , Mike Jones

England captain Ben Stokes to BBC Test Match Special: “Unbelievable. That’s why you play it. I think in terms of everything we have spoken about constantly for a long period of time. It came down to the end of today. Everyone was on the edge of their seat.

“We are not a results-driven team. We are, of course, absolutely devastated. The lads are in pieces up there. But if that’s not attracting people to the game we love then I don’t know what will.

“You have never won a game until you have won it. It was still massively in the balance. We had to come up with different ideas, keep changing things. And it just comes down to small margins in the end. A few chances go our way, there were a few drops as well. But we have four matches to go.

“I thought that was a time to pounce [when declaring in the first innings]. I am not going to change the way I have gone about my cricket because it is the Ashes. Who knows we could have got an extra 40 runs or lost two wickets in two balls. I am not a captain who gets by on what ifs.

“We were in control of most of the game and managed to produce a result. Obviously we wanted to be on top. We are devastated but that’s sport. It is great and an emotional rollercoaster.”

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:50 , Mike Jones

Australia opener Usman Khawaja has been named player of the match. He scored 206 runs in the match and helped his team get over the line with a watchful 65 in the final innings.

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:47 , Mike Jones

England bowler James Anderson to BBC Test Match Special: “We are gutted not to get over the line but over the next few days when we look back at what we have done we can be really proud. We have tried to dominate from ball one.

“The declaration was really positive. We fought and fought on a really placid pitch. But credit to Australia they were just to good for us.

“There’s areas we can improve. There always is and in tight games those chances do get put in the spotlight. But we will let it soak in, get over the disappointment and look at the positives.

“We have played some great cricket. We have had five sold out days and everyone has gone home happy. Both sets of fans can go home saying they have been to one of the great Test matches.”

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:42 , Mike Jones

Australia bowler Josh Hazlewood to BBC Test Match Special: “It was a long hour. I was just sitting in the back of the room watching.

“When Carey got out we probably thought that was it but Patty (Pat Cummins) is a class batter. An outstanding effort.

“It was an amazing game of cricket. It is still a long series but it is a big swing. The first game is always important.”

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:33 , Mike Jones

The winning moment for Australia:

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:30 , Mike Jones

The Australian team swarmed the pitch at the end of the game with Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins leading the celebrations. The travelling fans have remained in the ground to join in those celebrations.

Australia defeat England by two wickets to win first Ashes Test

19:27 , Mike Jones

Australia win by two wickets!

19:24 , Mike Jones

Five days of gruelling contest and it’s Australia who triumph. They take a 1-0 lead in the series despite trailing for the majority of the game.

A wonderful run chase comes down to the wire but Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon take the visitors across the line with a partnership of 55.

Australia 282-8 (92.3), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 44, Ollie Robinson 2-43 (18.3), target 281

19:22 , Mike Jones

Four runs! Australia win the match!

Pat Cummins guides a thick edge to third man. It splits the gap for the two boundary fielders and runs away to the boundary. Cummins wins it for the tourists!

Australia win by two wickets!

Australia 278-8 (92.2), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 40, Ollie Robinson 2-39 (18.2), target 281

19:20 , Mike Jones

Dot ball. Cummins rides the bounce and defends.

Australia 278-8 (92.1), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 40, Ollie Robinson 2-39 (18.1), target 281

19:20 , Mike Jones

Pat Cummins blocks a short ball, Ollie Pope stops it at short leg.

Australia 278-8 (92), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 40, Stuart Broad 3-64 (21), target 281

19:20 , Jack Rathborn

Australia 278-8 (92), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 40, Stuart Broad 3-64 (21), target 281

19:19 , Mike Jones

Pat Cummins dabs the ball into the legside and scrambles through for one. Australia just need three runs to win.

Australia 277-8 (91.5), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 39, Stuart Broad 3-63 (20.5), target 281

19:18 , Mike Jones

Cummins can’t get Broad away. Three dot balls follow. Four runs still needed.

Australia 277-8 (91.2), Nathan Lyon 16, Pat Cummins 39, Stuart Broad 3-63 (20.2), target 281

19:15 , Mike Jones

The short ball tactic continues at Nathan Lyon. The first ball is prodded into the ground short of the fielder at short leg.

The next ball misses Ollie Pope and brings one run.

Australia 276-8 (91), Nathan Lyon 15, Pat Cummins 39, Ollie Robinson 2-39 (18), target 281

19:13 , Mike Jones

A yorker is dug out by Pat Cummins! That was the ball for England, it didn’t work though. Australia still need five runs.

Cummins leaves another short ball alone and the over ends in a maiden.

Australia 276-8 (90.3), Nathan Lyon 15, Pat Cummins 39, Ollie Robinson 2-39 (17.3), target 281

19:11 , Mike Jones

Ollie Robinson bangs two short balls into the deck but Pat Cummins gets out of the line of the ball. A third bouncer is ducked under by Cummins.

He’s not getting drawn into the pull shot.

Australia 276-8 (90), Nathan Lyon 15, Pat Cummins 39, Ollie Robinson 2-39 (17), target 281

19:09 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes looks stumped for the first time in his career as captain. He doesn’t know which way to turn to get a wicket and decides to stick with Ollie Robinson.

Australia 276-8 (90), Nathan Lyon 15, Pat Cummins 39, Stuart Broad 3-62 (20), target 281

19:07 , Mike Jones

Two runs end the over. Australia need five more to win.

Australia 274-8 (89.4), Nathan Lyon 14, Pat Cummins 38, Stuart Broad 3-60 (19.4), target 281

19:04 , Mike Jones

Cummins takes one off the third ball with a flick into deep square leg. Cummins can’t miss that one as it’s bang straight.

What can Nathan Lyon do? This partnership is worth 43 runs. 11 needed.

Make that seven! Lyon lifts Broad over to cow corner for four!

Australia 269-8 (89.2), Nathan Lyon 10, Pat Cummins 37, Stuart Broad 3-55 (19.2), target 281

19:02 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes sets the field back again to get Pat Cummins off strike. Stuart Broad gets the crowd going and fizzes one past Cummins’ outside edge!

Australia 269-8 (89), Nathan Lyon 10, Pat Cummins 37, Ollie Robinson 2-38 (17), target 281

19:02 , Jack Rathborn

Australia 269-8 (89), Nathan Lyon 10, Pat Cummins 37, Ollie Robinson 2-38 (17), target 281

19:00 , Mike Jones

The over ends. Pat Cummins will be on strike, eight overs to go, 12 runs needed for Australia. England require two wickets.

Australia 269-8 (88.4), Nathan Lyon 9, Pat Cummins 37, Ollie Robinson 2-38 (16.4), target 281

18:59 , Mike Jones

Stokes has to change the field for Cummins. He brings in close fielders but keeps four men on the fence.

Robinson targets the stumps but Cummins defends solidly.

A leg bye brings another run. 12 to get.

Australia 268-8 (88.2), Nathan Lyon 9, Pat Cummins 37, Ollie Robinson 2-38 (16.2), target 281

18:57 , Mike Jones

England revert to the short ball trap for Nathan Lyon who will take it one. Robinson pins him on the chest pad first up but it’s a gentle pace.

The next ball is flicked into the legside. 13 runs needed.

Australia 267-8 (88), Nathan Lyon 9, Pat Cummins 37, Stuart Broad 3-55 (19), target 281

18:54 , Mike Jones

Broad goes full and straight. Lyon drives him to the mid off fielder.

The field spreads giving Nathan Lyon a single if he wants it. Lyon hangs out his bat and Broad skims one past the outside edge!

Lyon takes one off the last ball. 14 needed.

Sonia Twigg at Edgbaston

18:53 , Mike Jones

We’re at the nobody move or breathe time.

You can’t keep your eyes off the action. Every delivery has a sense of anticipation and not a small amount of dread.

This is going to go right down to the wire.

Australia 266-8 (87.2), Nathan Lyon 8, Pat Cummins 37, Stuart Broad 3-54 (18.2), target 281

18:51 , Mike Jones

Broad continues. The nerves are are sky high right now.

Cummins takes one to Ben Stokes at cover. 15 runs needed now.

Lyon has four balls to see out.

Australia 265-8 (87), Nathan Lyon 8, Pat Cummins 36, Ollie Robinson 2-38 (16), target 281

18:49 , Mike Jones

Cummins gets back on strike with the final ball of the over. 16 runs needed. Great batting from the Australian captain.

Australia 264-8 (86.3), Nathan Lyon 8, Pat Cummins 35, Ollie Robinson 2-37 (15.3), target 281

18:47 , Mike Jones

Lyon flicks Robinson into fine leg for another run. 21 needed.

Robinson floats a half volley up at Cummins who smokes him wide of the fielder at cover and picks up four!

17 needed.

Australia 259-8 (86.1), Nathan Lyon 7, Pat Cummins 31, Ollie Robinson 2-32 (15.1), target 281

18:46 , Mike Jones

Pat Cummins takes one with a block into the offside. England want to bowl at Nathan Lyon. 22 runs needed.

Australia 258-8 (86), Nathan Lyon 7, Pat Cummins 30, Stuart Broad 3-53 (18), target 281

18:44 , Mike Jones

Australia need 23 more to win. It turned into a good over for the visitors with that boundary. There are 11 overs left to bowl.

Sonia Twigg at Edgbaston

18:44 , Sonia Twigg

This is something else. Everyone is on the edge of their seats.

The sell-out crowd is being treated to something they will never forget. Nerves will be shredded, and both sides could still win.

This really is Test cricket at its finest.

Australia 258-8 (85.4), Nathan Lyon 7, Pat Cummins 30, Stuart Broad 3-53 (17.4), target 281

18:43 , Mike Jones

It’s a play and miss from Nathan Lyon! England are interested for a moment as Lyon is pinned to his crease.

Broad hones in on the stumps, Lyon stands still and defends. This is a good battle.

Four runs! Broad overpitches and Lyon drills him down the ground for a boundary! Huge moment.

Australia 254-8 (85), Nathan Lyon 3, Pat Cummins 30, Stuart Broad 3-49 (17), target 281

18:40 , Mike Jones

England finally take the new ball. It should fly off the bat if the Aussies connect well but may bounce more and cause a few issues.

Australia 254-8 (85), Nathan Lyon 3, Pat Cummins 30, Ollie Robinson 2-32 (15), target 281

18:39 , Mike Jones

Robinson changes tactics to Cummins and goes full. Australia’s captain blocks the first ball as the field spreads.

A shorter delivery is prodded into the off side allowing the batters to scramble back for two runs.

12 overs to go, 27 needed for Australia, England want two wickets.

Australia 252-8 (84.3), Nathan Lyon 3, Pat Cummins 28, Ollie Robinson 2-29 (14.3), target 281

18:36 , Mike Jones

Robinson is targeting Lyon with short balls. It’s the Australian’s impulse to play the pull but there are men out for that shot. Robinson pins Lyon on the helmet and the batters sprint through for a run.

Australia 251-8 (84), Nathan Lyon 3, Pat Cummins 28, Ollie Robinson 2-29 (14), target 281

18:34 , Mike Jones

Ollie Robinson is brought into the attack but still England don’t take the new ball. Nathan Lyon is on strike and there are 13 overs left in the day.

Australia 251-8 (84), Nathan Lyon 3, Pat Cummins 28, Stuart Broad 3-49 (17), target 281

18:33 , Mike Jones

Pat Cummins squirts one away for a couple as he beats Jimmy Anderson at backward point. The next delivery is even better as Cummins steps away and smokes a cut shot to the boundary!

30 runs needed to win.

Australia 245-8 (83.2), Nathan Lyon 3, Pat Cummins 22, Stuart Broad 3-43 (16.2), target 281

18:30 , Mike Jones

Nathan Lyon is on strike with men out on the boundary for the pull shot. Stuart Broad is brought back into the attack and digs one in but Lyon defends it well.

Dropped! Lyon goes for the pull and doesn’t catch it right. The ball loops up and drops over the head of Ben Stokes, he gets a hand to it but the ball comes loose!

Australia 244-8 (83), Nathan Lyon 2, Pat Cummins 22, Joe Root 1-43 (15), target 281

18:27 , Mike Jones

Another factor at play is that there are only 15 overs left in the day. If they are all bowled the match ends in a draw.

Pat Cummins goes after Joe Root and launches him for six! He then takes two more before nailing another one over the ropes!

Wonderful batting!

37 runs to win.

Australia 230-8 (82), Nathan Lyon 2, Pat Cummins 8, Ben Stokes 1-9 (7), target 281

18:24 , Mike Jones

Australia 230-8 (82), Nathan Lyon 2, Pat Cummins 8, Ben Stokes 1-9 (7), target 281

18:22 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes decides against the new ball. Nathan Lyon gets off strike leaving his captain to shoulder the responsibilty of facing Stokes.

Cummins shuffles across the crease, tries to slap Stokes away and can’t beat the field. Two runs come from the over.

51 needed for Australia, two wickets for England.

Australia 228-8 (81), Nathan Lyon 1, Pat Cummins 7, Joe Root 1-29 (14), target 281

18:18 , Mike Jones

Nathan Lyon is the new batter with Australia still requiring 53 runs to win. The tourists are into the bowlers now and England are on top.

Wicket! Alex Carey ct & b. Joe Root 20 (50), Australia 227-8 (80.3)

18:16 , Mike Jones

What a decision from Ben Stokes! Alex Carey dances down the track and smacks Joe Root. The ball comes back to the bowler who fumbles it slightly but clings onto the ball!

Carey is out!

Australia 227-7 (80), Alex Carey 20, Pat Cummins 7, Joe Root 0-28 (13), target 281

18:14 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes gives Joe Root another over and brings the field up. He’s tempting Alex Carey to go after the bowler.

Australia 227-7 (80), Alex Carey 20, Pat Cummins 7, Ben Stokes 1-7 (6) target 281

18:12 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes tests Pat Cummins with a bouncer that he comfortably ducks underneath. The field is set for short bowling with Stokes testing his counterpart.

This is likely Stokes’ final over too with the new ball available.

Stokes bowls a maiden!

Australia 227-7 (79), Alex Carey 20, Pat Cummins 7, Joe Root 0-28 (13), target 281

18:09 , Mike Jones

This is a welcome over for Australia. Alex Carey sweeps Joe Root for a four and there are four more singles before the end of Root’s over.

Eight runs come from it. 54 more needed. Three wickets required for England.

The new ball is available in one over.

Australia 219-7 (78), Alex Carey 14, Pat Cummins 5, Ben Stokes 1-7 (5), target 281

18:05 , Mike Jones

Alex Carey takes one from Ben Stokes’ fifth over but Pat Cummins can’t get off strike. England are saving their seamers for the new ball.

It’s just two overs away now.

Australia 218-7 (77), Alex Carey 13, Pat Cummins 5, Joe Root 0-20 (12), target 281

18:01 , Mike Jones

Pat Cummins opens his arms and launches Joe Root down the ground for four. The tourists are heavily shifting gears here and trying to score runs.

63 still needed.

Australia 214-7 (76), Alex Carey 13, Pat Cummins 1, Ben Stokes 1-6 (4), target 281

17:59 , Mike Jones

The pressure is building on the Australians who have decided that the best way to go is to attack. Pat Cummins hooks Stokes into the legside and gets one before Alex Carey lofts a drive down the ground for two more.

England will be happy, this provides them with wicket taking chances.

Australia 210-7 (75), Alex Carey 11, Pat Cummins 0, Joe Root 0-16 (11), target 281

17:55 , Mike Jones

Dropped! Alex Carey uses his feet to attack Joe Root. He smokes the ball back down the ground and drills one right at the bowler. The ball goes in and out of Root’s hands and Carey has another reprieve.

It’s a difficult chance but goes down as a drop.

Australia 209-7 (74.2), Alex Carey 10, Pat Cummins 0, Joe Root 0-15 (10.2), target 281

17:53 , Mike Jones

There are a minimum 23 overs left in the test match as Joe Root continues for England. The new ball is due in five overs time.

Alex Carey rocks onto the back foot looking to hit Root away. He’s hit on the pad first and Jonny Bairstow appeals loudly. The umpire says not out and Ben Stokes reviews.

Ball tracking shows that the delivery is missing leg stump. Carey survives!

Australia 209-7 (74), Alex Carey 10, Pat Cummins 0, Ben Stokes 1-3 (3), target 281

17:50 , Mike Jones

As it stands Ben Stokes has six deliveries to bowl at Pat Cummins. Can England’s captain dismiss Australia’s?

Cummins tries to get in line and fends a couple of balls away to short third. He can’t get off strike though.

There’s one slip and a ring field for the Australian captain. He’s being fed balls to drive but is content to block out. Still 72 runs needed to win.

England need to get Alex Carey out. He’s the key man now.

Australia 209-7 (73), Alex Carey 10, Pat Cummins 0, Joe Root 0-15 (10), target 281

17:47 , Mike Jones

Alex Carey tries to counter-attack and misses the ball as it spins out of the rough. England cheer and sigh at the chance that never was so Carey goes back into his shell.

Root bowls a maiden.

Win Viz has England at 74% now.

Australia 209-7 (72), Alex Carey 10, Pat Cummins 0, Joe Root 0-15 (9), target 281

17:45 , Mike Jones

Pat Cummins is the new batter. Australia still need 72 runs, England need three wickets. Surely England are favourites now.

Joe Root will bowl on.

Wicket! Usman Khawaja b. Ben Stokes 65 (197), Australia 209-7 (72)

17:43 , Mike Jones

Massive moment! Who else but Ben Stokes to drag England back into the game?

It’s not the best delivery but Stokes attempts a leg cutter that hits halfway down the pitch. Khawaja goes for another block, gets an inside edge and drags it onto his own stumps!

Australia 209-6 (71.5), Alex Carey 10, Usman Khawaja 65, Ben Stokes 0-3 (1.5), target 281

17:41 , Mike Jones

Great fielding! Stokes drops one short and Alex Carey spanks a cut into point where Ollie Pope leaps across and saves three runs.

Usman Khawaja is brought on strike.

Sonia Twigg at Edgbaston

17:38 , Sonia Twigg

This is nailbiting, and agonisingly slow paced.

Australia are just tapping and running and England cannot find a breakthrough.

Khawaja hit one boundary in 113 balls, but they are edging ever closer to the magic 281 total.

Australia 208-6 (71), Alex Carey 9, Usman Khawaja 65, Joe Root 0-15 (9) target 281

17:37 , Mike Jones

Joe Root is interested by a delivery that catches Usman Khawaja’s outside edge. It was a chance but there are signs of batting being tough against the spin.

A couple of singles come from the over. Nine to go until the new ball. 73 runs needed.

Australia 206-6 (70), Alex Carey 8, Usman Khawaja 64, Ben Stokes 0-2 (1), target 281

17:34 , Mike Jones

Three runs come from Stokes’ first over. Carey thinks he’s got more with a fine stroke down the ground but Jimmy Anderson scrambles across and scoops up the ball with a full stretched dive.

Australia 204-6 (69.1), Alex Carey 8, Usman Khawaja 63, Ben Stokes 0-1 (0.1), target 281

17:31 , Mike Jones

The loudest cheer of the day comes know as the crowd sees Ben Stokes mark out his run up. It’s been a while since he’s bowled - he’s not bowled at all in this innings - but this could be the time for him to strike.

A loosener first up gets Usman Khawaja off strike.

Australia 203-6 (69), Alex Carey 8, Usman Khawaja 62, Joe Root 0-13 (8), target 281

17:29 , Mike Jones

Root is giving the ball more flight, trying to get Carey to drive. It’s working as the wicketkeeper is going hard at the ball but can’t find the gaps.

78 runs still needed.

Australia 202-6 (68), Alex Carey 8, Usman Khawaja 61, Moeen Ali 1-57 (13), target 281

17:27 , Mike Jones

86 runs needed to win and Ben Stokes turns to Moeen Ali who comes on at the Pavilion End.

Stuart Broad gets the crowd going in front of the Hollies Stand as Usman Khawaja flicks Moeen away for one.

Moeen’s finger is still causing him trouble and a couple of loose ball allows Carey to pick up a boundary before driving one away for two.

Runs are flowing now.

Australia 195-6 (67), Alex Carey 2, Usman Khawaja 60, Joe Root 0-12 (7), target 281

17:22 , Mike Jones

After a tight over from Ollie Robinson, Alex Carey goes on the offensive against Joe Root. He sweeps the offspinner to the legside boundary and collects a couple.

Australia are still playing within themselves. England are still probing for another wicket.

Australia 193-6 (65), Alex Carey 0, Usman Khawaja 60, Ollie Robinson 2-29 (14), target 281

17:20 , Mike Jones

England need four wickets, Australia need 88 runs and there are 32 overs left in the match.

Ollie Robinson continues.

Australia 193-6 (65), Alex Carey 0, Usman Khawaja 60, Joe Root 0-10 (6), target 281

17:14 , Mike Jones

Usman Khawaja remains unbothered by the falling wickets and pulls Joe Root to the midwicket boundary for one. Ben Stokes brings the field in for Alex Carey.

He solidly defends.

Australia 192-6 (64), Alex Carey 0, Usman Khawaja 59, Ollie Robinson 2-29 (13), target 281

17:12 , Mike Jones

Alex Carey is the new batter, the last one before Australia’s openers come to the crease. This two need to score the majority of the remaining 89 runs.

He sees out the rest of Ollie Robinson’s over.

Wicket! Cameron Green b. Ollie Robinson 28 (66), Australia 192-6 (63.4)

17:10 , Mike Jones

Twist! A half-hearted block from Cameron Green sees the allrounder feather the ball onto the inside edge of his bat. It’s angled wrongly which brings the ball back onto the stumps and dislodges the bails.

Ollie Robinson gets the breakthrough for England!

Australia 192-5 (63), Cameron Green 28, Usman Khawaja 59, Joe Root 0-9 (5) target 281

17:05 , Mike Jones

Joe Root has a slip and a short leg for Cameron Green. Root tries to get the crowd going before Green drives him down the ground for a single.

Usman Khawaja plays inside the line as Root gets one to grip and turn. It keeps England interested but doesn’t catch the edge. Khawaja is unfased and takes one off the next ball.

Three runs from the over.

Australia 189-5 (62), Cameron Green 26, Usman Khawaja 58, Ollie Robinson 1-29 (12), target 281

17:01 , Mike Jones

There are 36 overs left in the day and Australia need 92 to win.

Ollie Robinson bowls a bouncer at Usman Khawaja before following up with a full one that flies down leg. Robinson is being asked and bang a couple in an upset the opener.

Maiden from Robinson.

Australia 189-5 (61), Cameron Green 26, Usman Khawaja 58, Joe Root 0-6 (4), target 281

16:57 , Mike Jones

The slow outfield is benefitting England. Cameron Green rolls onto his back foot and punches Joe Root away through the offside for two runs.

He then strides forward and pushes the ball to long off for one. Khawaja collects one as well. Four from the over.

Australia 185-5 (60), Cameron Green 23, Usman Khawaja 57, Ollie Robinson 1-29 (11), target 281

16:54 , Mike Jones

The first over after tea brings a single for Usman Khawaja who is quick on the pull. Cameron Green takes one too with a thick edge down to third man.

Australia 183-5 (59), Cameron Green 22, Usman Khawaja 56, Ollie Robinson 1-27 (10), target 281

16:52 , Mike Jones

Australia need 98 runs left to win the game. England need five wickets. That is the state of play ahead of the final session of the final day in this first Ashes Test.

Usman Khawaja leads Australia’s hopes, if he stays until the end the tourists will win.

Tea: Australia 183-5 (59), Cameron Green 22, Usman Khawaja 56, Joe Root 0-2 (3), target 281

16:31 , Mike Jones

A rapid over from Joe Root brings the session to a close. England need five wickets to win but Australia only require 98 more runs.

It’s still in the balance. Two quick wickets for England changes the game immensely.

Sonia Twigg at Edgbaston

16:30 , Sonia Twigg

Tea: Australia have crept along and go into the evening session needing just 98 more runs to win, while England still have five wickets to take.

The scoring has been slow, but Green and Khawaja have offered no real chances.

Khawaja brought up his half century from 143 deliveries, to a muted celebration, just a quick touch of gloves and back to it. Australia are on a mission.

Australia 183-5 (58), Cameron Green 22, Usman Khawaja 56, Ollie Robinson 1-27 (10), target 281

16:27 , Mike Jones

Usman Khawaja is well into his work today now. A push into the gap at point brings him a single and the runs required dips under 100.

WinViz has Australia as the favourites to win now too. Green misses out on a low full toss but ticks another run off the board.

Australia 181-5 (57), Cameron Green 21, Usman Khawaja 55, Joe Root 0-2 (2), target 281

16:23 , Mike Jones

The bowling change does come for England with Ben Stokes turning to Joe Root to replace Moeen Ali. Root gives the ball more flight time and tries to draw Khawaja into a drive.

The opener obliges and picks up one. It’s the only run from the over.

Australia 180-5 (56), Cameron Green 21, Usman Khawaja 54, James Anderson 0-56 (17), target 281

16:20 , Mike Jones

That’s glorious from Cameron Green. Jimmy Anderson goes searching for some inspiration and bowls a couple of slower balls. Green waits for the ball the hits lovely lofted drive down the ground for four to end the over!

Australia need 101 runs to win.

Australia 173-5 (55), Cameron Green 17, Usman Khawaja 52, Moeen Ali 1-50 (13), target 281

16:17 , Jack Rathborn

Australia 173-5 (55), Cameron Green 17, Usman Khawaja 52, Moeen Ali 1-50 (13), target 281

16:15 , Mike Jones

Ben Stokes needs to change things up again. Usman Khawaja and Cameron Green seem to be happy with both of these bowlers and the target of 281 is getting ever closer.

Australia 171-5 (54.2), Cameron Green 16, Usman Khawaja 51, Moeen Ali 1-48 (12.2), target 281

16:13 , Mike Jones

Moeen throws a lofty ball wide at Green who confidently drives away through the covers for three runs.

With Khawaja on strike, Moeen drags one down and the batter pulls him away for one more.

Australia 167-5 (54), Cameron Green 13, Usman Khawaja 50, James Anderson 0-50 (16), target 281

16:11 , Mike Jones

There’ll be some thoughts about tea creeping into the minds of the batters now too. The next break in play is scheduled for half past four.

Ben Stokes senses another chance to put pressure on Australia. He puts a man on the drive for Green but the allrounder doesn’t take the bait.

Instead he waits for a short ball and punches Anderson away for two. Three runs come from the over as Green takes a single off the last ball.

Australia 164-5 (53), Cameron Green 10, Usman Khawaja 50, Moeen Ali 1-44 (12), target 281

16:08 , Mike Jones

Moeen Ali rattles through another over with just one run coming from it. Cameron Green is looking more secure at the crease though and has a solid defence that England can’t penetrate.

Australia 163-5 (52), Cameron Green 9, Usman Khawaja 50, James Anderson 0-47 (15), target 281

16:03 , Mike Jones

50 for Usman Khawaja! Another battling innings from the Australian opener brings him a half-century as he clips James Anderson away for two runs.

As long as Khawaja is at the crease, Australia will believe they can win.

Australia 161-5 (51), Cameron Green 9, Usman Khawaja 48, Moeen Ali 1-43 (11), target 281

15:59 , Mike Jones

A big stride from Cameron Green finds the edge of the bat and brings a couple of runs. It’s been a fascintating watch so far today. Australia are chipping away and trying to limit their risk taking shots.

England are giving them options to score but want to force the Aussies to come out of their shells more. The match is still in the balance.

Australia 159-5 (50), Cameron Green 7, Usman Khawaja 48, James Anderson 0-45 (14), target 281

15:57 , Mike Jones

Green takes Jimmy Anderson for another single as Australia edge ever closer to their target. The still require 122 runs and it doesn’t feel like long but these two start to be more aggressive.

Australia 158-5 (49.3), Cameron Green 6, Usman Khawaja 48, James Anderson 0-44 (13.3), target 281

15:52 , Mike Jones

There’s more intent to score from the Australian batters now. Cameron Green pushes a drive wide of cover to collect two off James Anderson.

Australia 156-5 (48.3), Cameron Green 4, Usman Khawaja 48, Moeen Ali 1-41 (9.3), target 281

15:49 , Mike Jones

Four runs! A low full toss from Moeen Ali is rightly despatched by Usman Khawaja who whacks it over the legside for a boundary.

The next ball is turned around the corner and brings the opener another two runs. He seems to have decided that the time is right to play a couple more shots.

Australia 150-5 (48), Cameron Green 4, Usman Khawaja 42, James Anderson 0-42 (13), target 281

15:47 , Mike Jones

Australia’s 150 comes up with another Usman Khawaja single. There are a couple of shots from Cameron Green that keep England interested.

A drive finds mid off and an inside edge rattles the ball into his pads. Jimmy Anderson, still wicketless in this innings, is very interested.

Australia 149-5 (47), Cameron Green 4, Usman Khawaja 41, Moeen Ali 1-35 (9), target 281

15:43 , Mike Jones

Another single for Khawaja takes him back down the other end as Cameron Green looks to get his innings going. He’s playing defensively against Moeen Ali, trying to get a big stride in to cover any spin.

Just one from the over.

Australia 148-5 (46), Cameron Green 4, Usman Khawaja 40, James Anderson 0-41 (12), target 281

15:41 , Mike Jones

James Anderson is reintroduced to get the ball moving away from Cameron Green. Usman Khawaja gets off strike and leaves Green to square up to Anderson.

The final ball of the over gets the edge but flies wide of the fielders and runs away for four.

Australia 143-5 (45), Cameron Green 0, Usman Khawaja 39, Moeen Ali 1-34 (8), target 281

15:34 , Mike Jones

Cameron Green is surrounded by fielders as Moeen Ali finishes the over off well. 10 runs came from it but more crucially the wicket of Travis Head.

England need five more to win the test match.

Wicket! Travis Head ct. Joe Root b. Moeen Ali 16 (24), Australia 143-5 (44.5)

15:32 , Mike Jones

Breakthrough! After some rank deliveries earlier in the over, Moeen gets one to grip and turn. It pitches on leg stump, catches Head’s outside edge and comes through to Joe Root at slip.

Fantastic bowling change from Ben Stokes.

Australia 143-4 (44.3), Travis Head 16, Usman Khawaja 39, Moeen Ali 0-34 (7.3), target 281

15:30 , Mike Jones

This change in bowling could make or break the test match. Moeen Ali, with a sore finger, is introduced into the attack.

He drags his first ball down and is spanked over midwicket for four runs! The next ball sees Head rock back and cut the ball away for two more.

A thick edge then brings another boundary as Stuart Broad is unable to keep the ball in play when chasing it down to fine leg.

Australia 133-4 (44), Travis Head 6, Usman Khawaja 39, Stuart Broad 3-42 (16), target 281

15:28 , Mike Jones

Broad vs Head is shaping up to be a fine battle. The Australian is starting to play more shots but at the minute can’t pick the gaps. Head manages another single from the over.

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