Stuart Broad’s Heroic Last Wickets Secure Draw in Ashes Finale
Australia began Day Five with all ten wickets intact, chasing a target of 399 runs for victory. However, a ball change in the 37th over took their top three batters out, changing the course of the game. Steve Smith and Travis Head led Australia’s recovery before rain interrupted play.
After a two-hour rain delay, Australia resumed their innings with the score at 264 for three. But Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali wreaked havoc, taking four quick wickets for just 11 runs. Todd Murphy and Alex Carey offered some resistance, frustrating England briefly as Australia went from 264 for three to 294 for 8.
In a bid to turn luck in his favor, Broad swapped the bails around at the bowler’s end. And his efforts paid off as he dismissed Murphy and Carey to finish his Test career on a high note. Australia was ultimately bowled out for 334.
With this thrilling win at The Oval, England managed to level the series after being 2-0 down. While Australia had already retained the Ashes, this victory allowed England to salvage some pride.
Australia’s pursuit of victory on the final day began well, with Usman Khawaja and David Warner both surpassing their half-centuries. However, the replacement ball, introduced after Mark Wood hit Khawaja on the helmet, started offering significant movement, leading to Australia’s downfall.
Woakes initiated the downfall by getting Warner caught behind for 60. Khawaja soon followed, falling lbw to Woakes for 72. Marnus Labuschagne couldn’t last long either, edging a Wood delivery to Zak Crawley at second slip.
Smith and Head forged a crucial 95-run partnership, displaying excellent strokeplay against the English pacers. Australia headed into lunch at 238 for three, requiring 146 more runs for victory.
However, just as the players prepared for the second session, rain interrupted play yet again. The resumption of the game was delayed until 4.20 pm local time, leading to a marathon session ahead.
Smith reached his half-century, but the partnership between him and Head was eventually broken when Moeen Ali induced an edge from Head, caught at slip for 43. Woakes dismissed Smith for 54, and Ali struck again to dismiss Mitchell Marsh for six.
The momentum swung in England’s favor as Woakes claimed the wicket of Mitchell Starc without scoring. Moeen took his third wicket when Pat Cummins attempted a big shot, resulting in a catch for Ben Stokes at leg-slip.
Broad showcased his brilliance, producing an exceptional delivery to claim the wicket of Murphy for 18. And just like that, he sealed his final Test appearance by dismissing Carey for 28, with Jonny Bairstow completing a safe catch.
With this win by 49 runs, England drew level in the Ashes series, even though Australia had retained the trophy. The match showcased the fighting spirit and determination of both teams, resulting in an enthralling final Test.
Brief scores:
England 283 & 395 (Chris Woakes 4-50, Moeen Ali 3-76) beat Australia 295 & 334 all out in 94.4 overs (Usman Khawaja 72, David Warner 60) by 49 runs.
