Australia vs England, 4th Test at Sydney, AUS v ENG, Jan 05 2022 - Ball by Ball Commentary

7.10pm: Phew! England pull off a great escape in Sydney, which remains their go to ground in Australia this century (two wins, three defeats and a draw). Not saying that much, I suppose, but you sense it would have been especially crushing to have lost in the dying embers here, having gutsed it out for 100 overs in the fourth innings. Australia won't be cracking open the tub of whitewash this time around, and it might chafe a little after they controlled the game for the large part. But they've got the urn, plus another four WTC points, and can have another crack in Hobart starting on Friday. Anyway, thanks for sticking with us right to the bitter dregs of a rain-affected Test. Alex's report will be piping hot for your delectation, and the team will be back for more in a few days' time. For now, from myself and Matt, Binoy George, Alex, Gnasher and the rest, it's goodnight and good luck. Bye!

7pm: Time for the presentations, starting with England captain Joe Root: "It was really important [to see it through]. Been a difficult tour, we've found it tough, but proud of the determination and character in finding a way to get a result. Said we wanted to put some pride back into the badge and give something back to people at home. Still a long way to go as a team, but Jonny [Bairstow] played as well as he has in an England shirt, Zak Crawley looked very fluent. Guys have had injuries, so we showed a great amount of heart and character to come through. [Crawley] He's got a very good game, a simple technique that should stand up well. He's got the qualities to survive at this level. [Injuries] Jos Buttler's going to be going home, quite a bad injury, a shame for him and the team. The way he stood up through the rest of the game is testament to his character."

Here's Pat Cummins "Yeah, really keen [for 4-0] but that was a great game of Test cricket. Bit less weather might have got us there. Hard fought game, that's why we love it. [Captaincy] I've learned the weather forecasts are hopeless! Was supposed to rain all day on day four. Really good to get close to 400 [ahead], the wicket wasn't playing too many tricks, they've got some class batters. Thought we had plenty of time. Lucky to have five genuine bowlers, plus Smithy and Marnus. [Smith gambit] Talked his way in. It's a running joke as to who the first-choice leggie is. He's been bowling beautifully in the nets, so thought I'd give him a crack."

And Usman Khawaja is named Player of the Match for twin hundreds in his Test comeback: "No, it can't [get better]. Terrific game, we would have loved to win but great fight from England. Could have gone either way, couldn't have asked for much more. [Fluent batting?] Didn't feel that way, thought Smith was batting beautifully. I was just like 'let's get a partnership, the wicket's a bit green', thought 300 first innings would be a good score. I'm enjoying the game, lot of ups and downs. I know I could go out next time and get two ducks. When things go well, it's really satisfying. Lot of cricket coming up, fingers crossed I'll stay healthy. We've played beautifully to this point, almost gone 4-0 up. Couldn't have asked for much more this series, hopefully next game we can win that, then win a few games away. World Test Championship, everything counts."

6.55pm: How's the ticker? More SCG frustration for Australia, though they came a lot closer than 12 months ago against India. Ten wickets needed on the day, six going into the final session, and it went right to the wire - a draw won't change the overall result, but England can take pride in an improved performance. Only the second time they have avoided defeat in their last 14 Tests in Australia, and maybe something to build on ahead of the Hobart Test

Max: "What an incredible test match. Where was this English fight in the first three? Enthralling stuff, could we have more of that please?"

Alok: "A lot of questions will be asked on the timing of the declaration..."

Django: "Bravo! Wood aside, every other player contributed there, even the 58 balls Hameed soaked up. "

Graham Macdonal: "I know it's easy now in hindsight, but I said yesterday that batted way too long yesterday. This England batting were finding batting form "

"Smith vs Anderson," whoops Ashu. "That is matrix revisited"

Smith to Anderson. Normally the other way around. Everyone around the bat. Six balls to go (potentially)

We're going to the final over, people! (If only there was something riding on it - other than WTC points)

"The big question is... Will Anderson bring out the reverse sweep?" chuckles Neil

James Anderson is last man in. Lyon to bowl the penultimate over of the day

Steven Smith, the vice-captain, is the man called upon. Eight close catchers, as well as the keeper. Three overs left

The umpires are having a chat with Cummins now, and it seems like the light is too bad for Australia to bowl the quicks