England win fifth Test against Australia to draw Ashes 2-2

Tuesday, 1 August 2023 02:54 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

England’s Stuart Broad celebrates after taking the final wicket, that of Australia’s wicket keeper Alex Carey resulting in England’s victory on day five of the fifth Ashes cricket Test match between England and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London yesterday – AFP

England beat Australia by 49 runs to win the fifth Test at The Oval on Monday and end the Ashes series all square at 2-2.

Australia, chasing 384 to win, collapsed from 264-3 to 334 all out, with England’s retiring paceman Stuart Broad taking the final wicket.

England ran riot in the final session on Day 5 as the hosts defeated Australia by 49 runs in the fifth and final Test at Kennington Oval in London. Stuart Broad, who was playing his final Test, scalped two wickets as Australia’s second innings got folded for 334 in the 384-run chase. The result also saw England finish Ashes 2023 with a 2-2 scoreline, with Australia winning the opening two Tests.

The day started with Chris Woakes removing both the Australian openers – David Warner and Usman Khawaja – who stitched a 140-run opening stand. Mark Wood then got rid of Marnus Labuschagne for 13, reducing England to 169/3. The pair of Steve Smith and Travis Head then stitched a perfect rescue act adding 95 runs for the fourth wicket. However, England dictated the proceedings in the final session, which got underway after a rain delay. Woakes was once again the enforcer and Moeen Ali gave him good support from the other end as Australia lost four wickets in the span of 11 runs. Woakes finished the innings with four wickets, while Moeen chipped in with three scalps.