AUS vs ENG

Test Cricket at it's extreme best. With about fifteen overs to go and three wickets left, it was almost certain that Australia were going 4-0 up. However, the English lower order, along with Stokes and Bairstow, of course, put up a spirited effort to bat through and deny the Aussies a win. The game going down the wire. Final day, final session, final over and down to the final delivery even. This could not have gotten any better. England were down and out 3-0 to put up a performance like this to draw the game is worth some praise for sure. 

Australia will be disappointed to not have closed the game out as it definitely looked theirs to win as the session got along. England will consider this draw no less than a win given how the series has gone for them so far. Each and every players deserves credit to have taken this game close and eventually saving themselves of another defeat in the series. 

Australia were in with a hope right through till the end when Smith got that penultimate wicket. They will wonder though, as to where they missed a trick that could have helped them go 4-0 up. Nonetheless, it has been an exciting day of Test cricket with thrill for everyone involved. England will take confidence from this going to Hobart for the final game now. While Australia will want to finish the series 4-0, can England progress from pulling off a brilliant draw to pulling off a win in the series to sign off on a positive note? 

Lots of time before we find out and this perfectly sets up the final game of the series. For the time being, this is good-bye from me (Rishab), Shashwat and the entire team. More action with the BBL coming your way, so sit back, relax and continue to enjoy your Sunday! 

Joe Root: It was really important. It's been a difficult tour and we've found it tough at times. We've stood up today and found a way to draw this game. I said at the end of the last game and we want to give something for the guys back home. It's still a long way to go and we need to make improvements. The guy's have shown great amount of character to find a way through this game and I'm proud of the guys. Jos Buttler is going to be going home and it is a disappointment for him and the team. The way he stood up is testimony to his character.

Pat Cummins: I think it was a great game of Test cricket. We got close and it was a hard fought Test match. Obviously we would have loved to go 4-0 but a great game. The weather forecast was hopeless and it was good to have a full day. Getting close to 400, we needed that and I thought we had enough time. Today was good fun. Smith definitely talked his way in. He bowled beautifully and so we gave him a crack.

Player of the Match: Usman Khawaja: It cannot get much better. Terrific game. We would have loved to win. Test match cricket at it's best and it could have gone anywhere. I though Smith was batting beautifully and we talked about getting a partnership. We weren't getting too far ahead. I enjoy the game. There's lot of ups and downs. It's such a hard game and that's why we love it. Red ball cricket is the pinnacle and when you perform, you know you've done something right. Lot of cricket coming up. Hope I can stay healthy. Hopefully we can win the next game and with the World Test championship, everything counts. 

Anderson has done it for England!! Australia cannot believe it! Five days and it has come down to this final delivery of the final session. Brilliant job from England to save this Test. They've shown great courage and character after being 3-0 down. This has been one hell of a Test match!

101.6 Steve Smith to James Anderson, DRAW FOR ENGLAND! Short delivery outside off stump and that is just the sort of ball Anderson wanted. He sits back in his crease and taps the ball calmly into the off side. Well, England avoid a whitewash and have showcased immense character to share the spoils at the SCG! 

101.5 Steve Smith to James Anderson, another length delivery outside off stump. Anderson gets a huge stride forward and then shows the maker's name to keep that one out. Final ball coming up! 

101.4 Steve Smith to James Anderson, tossed up on a length outside off stump. Anderson stretches forward and defends the ball into the off side. Two balls remain now!

101.3 Steve Smith to James Anderson, back of a length delivery outside off stump. Anderson goes back and blocks the ball into the off side. Tension growing around the bat! Three deliveries remaining here!

101.2 Steve Smith to James Anderson, flighted on a full length outside off stump. Anderson comes forward tentatively and pats the ball down the ground towards the bowler. Four to go now!

101.1 Steve Smith to James Anderson, back of a length delivery on middle and leg stump. Anderson waits in his crease and turns the ball into the on side towards short leg. Five to go!

Right then. Five days of intriguing cricket has now come down to the final over. This is Test cricket at it's very best isn't it? Australia are just a wicket away and England have to survive six legitimate deliveries to crush Australia's 5-0 dream. Boy this cannot get any better. This has indeed come all the way down to the wire! 

100.6 Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, full delivery just outside off stump again. Broad comes onto the front foot and defends the ball solidly into the off side

100.5 Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, very full delivery just outside off stump. Broad comes onto the front foot and pats the ball into the leg side with extremely gentle hands

100.4 Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, length delivery on middle and leg stump. Broad gets forward and blocks the ball down the ground towards the bowler

100.3 Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, OH! Length delivery outside off stump that skids through. Broad dangles his bat out and is lucky to not feather it through to the keeper

100.2 Nathan Lyon to Stuart Broad, length delivery just outside off stump. Broad lunges forward and eases the ball into the on side towards the fielder at short leg. 10 balls remain!