Ashes 2023: Australia are ‘favourites’ over England in fifth Test, says Michael Vaughan

“If there was one more fairytale left, it would be ideal.”

Day four was supposed to be all about Broad, who announced the previous evening he will retire after this Test.

The 37-year-old, England’s second-highest Test wicket-taker, was given a guard of honour to start the day but Australia openers Usman Khawaja and David Warner batted to 135-0 in pursuit of 384 when rain brought an early close.

Broad is an Ashes legend. He has taken more wickets against Australia than any player in Test history. Does he have one more spell – like his famous 8-15 in the 2015 Ashes at Trent Bridge – in him on the final day?

“If there was one more fairytale left, it would be ideal if it was Stuart’s last five-fer,” said England coach Marcus Trescothick. “One to win or two to win and he runs in and gets his last five-fer… something like that would be brilliant wouldn’t it?

“We don’t quite see the fairytales that we want to see at times but it would be lovely to dream of it.”

‘Australia are slight favourites’

England were below par with the ball in their 38 overs, given little help from a slow and lifeless pitch – or with movement through the air.

They dominated Australia at times on day three, as they did throughout the drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford last week, before eventually being bowled out in their second innings for 395 earlier on day four.

But former England captain Michael Vaughan said the tourists, trying to win an Ashes series in England outright for the first time since 2001, are “slight favourites”.

“At the start of the chase, you would say England are clear favourites but now, needing just 249, Australia are favourites going into the last day.

“England are looking like one or two of the bowlers are struggling.”

Curiously, Mark Wood did not bowl until the 33rd over but Trescothick, while admitting various bowlers were carrying niggles, said the Durham quick is fit.

Moeen Ali did bowl, having injured his groin while batting on day one, but struggled with his off-spin, with part-timer Joe Root offering more threat.

“Clearly spin is an issue,” Vaughan said.

“Are you going to expect Joe Root to bowl Australia out on the last day? I doubt it.

“The Aussies have taken some blows and they have sprung up today.

“For three days, they have been on the ropes and they were on the ropes at Old Trafford. It would be a remarkable series win if they get these runs tomorrow.”

‘Brilliant 24 hours’

The day began with Broad emerging to bat alongside long-term bowling partner James Anderson.

The left-hander, who has taken 602 wickets in 167 Tests, pulled Mitchell Starc for six off what turned out to be the last delivery he faced in cricket.

“Brilliant, wasn’t it?” said Trescothick, who played with Broad in white-ball cricket in 2006.

“Most people’s [final ball] is when their stumps are knocked over or they’ve nicked one to slip or you’re bowling, but to think you could hit your last ball for six…

“We were all thinking about declaring at that point and bringing everyone in but good for him really.”

Trescothick added: “For Stuart to get a just reward for the hard work and dedication he’s put in for such a long time was really nice to see.

“It has been brilliant the last 24 hours and we are sad to see him go but it comes to an end for everyone.”