Start of fifth day of final test delayed

LONDON (Reuters) - The start of the fifth day's play in the final Ashes test between England and Australia was delayed by overnight rain at The Oval on Sunday.

(AAP)

The fourth day was completely washed out but the rain has stopped and the umpires will inspect the pitch at 1000 GMT to decide when play can start.

England will resume on 247 for four in their first innings with Ian Bell on 29 and Chris Woakes 15, needing 46 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Australia, 3-0 down in the series, still have a chance of a consolation victory if they can take the last six England wickets cheaply.

(Reporting by Ed Osmond; Editing by John O'Brien)