Chris Woakes’ Heroics Revive England’s Hopes in 5th Ashes Test
England’s Chris Woakes turned the tables on Australia by removing openers David Warner and Usman Khawaja, giving England a glimmer of hope for a series-levelling win on the last day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at The Oval.
After Warner and Khawaja had both scored impressive fifties and taken Australia to 140-0 in pursuit of a challenging target of 384 runs, Woakes stepped up to the occasion. With overcast skies and a freshly dampened pitch, perfect conditions for swing and seam bowling, Woakes struck a decisive blow by dismissing both batsmen in a quick burst. In just seven balls, he claimed two wickets for one run, reducing Australia to 141-2.
While Australia, as the Ashes holders, are guaranteed to retain the trophy with a 2-1 lead in the series, a 3-1 series win seemed plausible as Warner and Khawaja resumed their innings on 135-0. Stuart Broad, who had earlier announced his retirement from Test cricket after this match, looked to dismiss Warner for the 18th time in Tests. However, it was Woakes who made the breakthrough England desperately needed. Bowling a good-length delivery that angled across Warner, Woakes found the outside edge, resulting in a straightforward catch for wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Warner departed after making a well-constructed 60.
Soon after, Khawaja, the leading run-scorer of the series, suffered the same fate. Woakes trapped him lbw for 72 with a full-length delivery that caught him on the crease in front of middle and leg stumps. Khawaja chose to review the decision, hoping the ball had pitched outside leg stump, but the replays confirmed umpire Joel Wilson’s initial decision.
Although Australia had made an impressive start to their run-chase, history indicates a challenging task ahead. Achieving the target of 384 runs would require the eighth-highest fourth-innings total to win any Test match and the second-highest on English soil, surpassing Australia’s famous 404-3 at Headingley in 1948. Additionally, it would set a new ground record at The Oval, surpassing England’s 263-9 against Australia in 1902.
As the final day of the Ashes Test unfolds, the focus lies on whether Australia can complete a historic comeback or if England’s bowlers can secure a memorable victory to level the series. The playing conditions and Woakes’ heroics have set the stage for an enthralling day of cricket, where both teams will fight their hardest to leave a lasting mark on this Ashes campaign.
