England crush Australia
England crushed Australia by 135 runs in the fifth and final Ashes Test on Sunday to level the series at 2-2, ending their historic World Cup-winning season on a high.
Victory for the home side at the Oval means the Ashes series ends in a draw for the first time since 1972. Holders Australia retain the urn.
The tourists, chasing an unlikely 399 to win in a shade under two days, clung on late into the evening session on the fourth day before finally collapsing as the shadows lengthened in south London.
Australia were bidding to win their first Ashes series in England since 2001 but were denied by the fired-up hosts, with paceman Jofra Archer named man of the match for his six first-innings wickets.
“A very good performance,” said England captain Joe Root. “I thought we were brilliant. To bounce back from a very difficult emotional week, to come and play like we have, the team has character in abundance.
“This was a template of how to play moving forward. It is a step in the right direction. I am very proud of everyone’s effort throughout the summer.”
“I’ve got a couple of regrets, starting with the toss, but after that you’ve got to give credit to England, they outplayed us here,” said Australia captain Tim Paine. “No doubt today has put a bit of a dampener on it.
“There are some mixed emotions but from where this group has come from to come to England and retain the Ashes is still a huge deal. It hadn’t been done since 2001.”
SCORES IN BRIEF
ENGLAND: First innings 294 and 329
AUSTRALIA: First innings 225 and 263 (Wade 117, Marsh 24; Broad 4-62, Leach 4-49)
Result: England won by 135 runs and tied the 5-match series 2-2.
Player-of-the-match: Jofra Archer.
Player-of-the-series (England): Ben Stokes.
Player-of-the-series (Australia): Steve Smith.
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