London – Play on the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test between England and Australia at The Oval started at 2.30pm local time (3.30pm) on Thursday after a rain delay of three-and-a-half hours.
The bad weather meant only 63 overs of the day's scheduled 90 were due to be bowled, with 27 lost to rain.
Australia, with The Oval floodlights shining brightly through overcast south London skies, resumed on 307/4 as they sought a consolation victory in a five-match series already won by England at 3-0 up.
Steven Smith was 66 not out and nightwatchman Peter Siddle unbeaten on 18.
Shane Watson's Test-best 176 on Wednesday was the cornerstone of Australia's imposing total.
It was only his third Test hundred – his first in 25 matches and 48 innings since his previous best of 126 against India at Mohali in October 2010.
Watson was especially severe on England debutants Chris Woakes, a medium-pacer, and left-arm spinner Simon Kerrigan who ended Wednesday with expensive combined figures of none for 105 in 23 overs.
All-rounder Watson was eventually out when well caught at deep backward square leg by Kevin Pietersen after hooking a Stuart Broad bouncer.
England have never won four Tests in a home Ashes series, while it is 36 years since Australia last went through an Ashes without winning a single Test. – Sapa-AFP