Ponting and Hussey frustrate England

Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann, the wreckers of Australia's first innings, each struck again as two wickets fell in four balls on a sunny fourth morning at the Oval.

After an opening stand of 86, both protagonists were gone lbw - Simon Katich pushing forward and padding up to Swann and Shane Watson pinned on the back foot by Broad. Ponting and Hussey therefore came together without a run between them. But by lunch they had helped the tourists from a start-of-play 80 without loss to 171 for two.

In pursuit of an improbable world-record 546 to win, Australia still need only a draw to retain the urn but victory to take the npower series 2-1 and therefore protect the number one Test ranking they have held since its inception.

When Ponting came to the crease, a standing ovation replaced the boos the Australia captain has had to endure from the home support all summer.

In what may be his last Test innings against England in this country, the 34-year-old was a study in concentration and determination - likewise his partner, on an increasingly dusty pitch which has had its critics ever since the clatter of Australian wickets on day two.

It did not behave unduly, however, given the wear and tear and Australia's third-wicket pair were able to keep out each of England's big weapons.

Swann and Broad were replaced by James Anderson and Andrew Flintoff, as mid-innings reverse swing came into the equation on the abrasive surface.

But it was Swann who came closest to a breakthrough when Hussey, on 21, edged an off-break low and fast through Paul Collingwood's legs before he could get his hands into position at first slip.