Double strike boosts England

England struck twice early on the fourth morning at the Oval to move ever closer to reclaiming the Ashes.

Australia openers Simon Katich and Shane Watson both went lbw, in consecutive overs - leaving the tourists 102 for two after half-an-hour, in pursuit of an improbable world record 546 to win.

Graeme Swann claimed the wicket of Katich and Stuart Broad trapped Watson in front in the next over.

Ricky Ponting's tourists began Sunday's play on 80 without loss, still needing 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.

Katich was first to go, in the fifth over of the morning, pushing forward and playing no shot at spinner Swann.

His departure brought Ponting himself to the crease - and in place of the boos from the home support which have accompanied him throughout the summer, this time there was a standing ovation.

Australia had doubtless held high hopes of at least making England work for their wickets, in glorious batting conditions, albeit on a dusty pitch which has had its critics.

But four balls after Katich left the scene, Watson also fell short of his half-century - pinned in front by Broad on the back foot.