Snapshot of day five of fourth Ashes Test

Dec 30, 2017 - 6:14 AM AUSTRALIA V ENGLAND: DAY 5

* Result: Match drawn. Australia lead series 3-0.

* Score: Australia 327 and 4-263 (Steve Smith 102no, Mitchell Marsh 29no). England 491.

* Man of the moment: Steve Smith. Resuming on 25, the Australian skipper steered his country to a draw with a timely 102. His third century of the series took his tally to 604 runs - 219 runs ahead of David Warner, the second highest series run-scorer with 385.

* Key moment: Warner looked set for his second century of the match as he carefully moved to 86. Batting with uncharacteristic patience and caution, the opener had been untroubled by England's bowlers on the flat wicket. But he suffered a rush of blood when long-time sparring partner Joe Root brought himself on. Warner mistimed a lusty swing at the part-time spinner and was easily caught in the covers, giving the tourists hope of a win.

* Stat of the day: 3000 - Steve Smith passed 3000 Test runs on home soil as he approached his 23rd Test century.

* Summary: An England win or a draw were the only two realistic outcomes when Australia resumed at 2-103 on day five. The former looked entirely possible when Warner departed, but Smith ensured the latter option became a reality. There were some nervous moments for the MCG crowd when Shaun Marsh was well caught by Jonny Bairstow for four, but Mitch Marsh made the most important 29 (off 166 balls) of his Test career to stay with his skipper until play was called off early.

* Quote of the day: "It may be that we need to dig them out every so often, start again." - Cricket Victoria chief executive Tony Dodemaide on the much-maligned MCG pitch that was criticised for being slow and lifeless. (ABC)

Source: AAP