Ashes 2017-18: England held up by Steve Smith century and flat pitch as Australia battle to draw in Fourth Test
England couldn't find a way to dismiss the Australian captain and were made to settle for a draw at the MCG
ENGLAND were frustrated in their attempt to win the Fourth Test - but at least they have avoided a 5-0 whitewash!
Joe Root's team took just two wickets on the final day as the Aussies comfortably secured a draw to leave the series score at 3-0 with one match to play.
The tourists were unable to overcome a flat pitch that offered virtually no assistance and became slower and slower as the match progressed.
Once more, it was Aussie captain Steve Smith who did most to thwart England.
Snith batted throughout the final day and scored 102 not out - the 23rd century of his Test career. It took his tally for the series to 604 at an average of 151.
His innings was a watchful affair and spanned 274 deliveries, containing just six fours.
With opener David Warner restraining his natural attacking instincts to the tune of taking 227 deliveries to score 86 runs, there never looked like much chance of England forcing a consolation victory.
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Losing more than 40 overs to the rain on day four didn't help, either.
England entered the final day with realistic hopes of giving the Aussies at few panicky moments but they never materialised.
Warner and Smith negotiated the first couple of hours before Warner, who had been patient and almost strokeless for most of his innings, suddenly attempted a big hit from the first ball he faced from Root's irregular off-spinners.
It skied into the air and James Vince held a comfortable catch.
From what turned out to be the final ball before lunch, Shaun Marsh was superbly caught behind by Jonny Bairstow off Stuart Broad.
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But that was the end of England's wickets as Smith and Mitch Marsh blocked out for a fifth-wicket stand of 85 in 48.2 overs.
Alastair Cook was named Man of the Match for his epic innings of 244 not out.
England were competitive in this game and will believe they can win the final Test of the series, beginning in Sydney on January 4.
