Ashes 2023: England still slight favorites as The Oval pitch does turn on Day 5, says Nasser Hussain

Former England skipper Nasser Hussain feels the Ben Stokes-led are still favorites in the fifth Ashes Test against Australia as the Oval pitch will provide assistance to the spinners on the final day of the series. England have set up a target of 384 runs while Australia have been given a perfect start by their openers – David Warner and Usman Khawaja – as they have added 135 runs.

Thus, England needs 10 wickets to draw level whereas Australia requires 249 runs to win the Ashes. However, Hussain feels Moeen Ali and Joe Root can come into the game on the last day.

Root took two wickets in the first innings of the fifth Test whereas Ali was not given the ball by Ben Stokes.

“My feeling is that England are still slight favourites, even after Australia’s start. The pitch is spinning and a day-five Oval pitch does turn,” Hussain told the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

Hussain added England’s off-spinners could trouble Australia’s left-handers.

“Australia has two left-handers in at the moment and then Alex Carey, Travis Head, and Mitchell Starc. Off-spinners like left-handers. It is set up perfectly. The last day of a magnificent series and we still don’t know if it is going to be 2-1, 2-2 or 3-1,” Hussain added.

Hussain also questioned Ben Stokes’ decision to delay Mark Wood’s introduction in the second innings. Wood was introduced in the 33rd over of the innings when Australian openers had already added 99 runs for the opening stand.

“I think Stokes could have gone earlier with Wood,” he said. “When the rain comes the reverse disappears. Also, just to lift the crowd. They were roused this morning with the Stuart Broad factor, but with the Khawaja-Warner partnership, the atmosphere dwindled. When Wood started warming up, you could sense the crowd’s anticipation; this is what they’ve been waiting for.”

It could be another thrilling finish as all three results are possible on the final day but with the way both teams are playing, the chances of a draw look bleak.