Rain has stopped play on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes test, with England's batsmen battling to stay in the match despite losing two early wickets.

Australia began the morning session needing to take four wickets in order to claim victory, but Jos Buttler and nightwatchman Mark Wood displayed some early resistance, playing some good defensive shots to prevent a quick collapse.

Eventually Australia did make their breakthrough, as Peter Siddle trapped Wood in front of his stumps for six runs, although the initial appeal by the bowling side was turned down by the umpire. Michael Clarke did not hesitate to appeal, and the decision was overturned by review.

It did not take long for England's next wicket to fall, as Buttler was bowled by Mitchell Marsh and caught by Mitchell Starc for 42 runs.

Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad made a solid start to their innings, with Ali reaching the boundary three times before the match was halted by the weather.