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England win thrilling final Ashes Test as Stuart Broad takes winning wicket to draw series with Australia
England have won the final Ashes Test match after a thrilling finish to draw the series with Australia.
With Australia chasing down 384 to win the match, a rampant England took seven wickets in the final session to edge out their fierce rivals.
England bowler Stuart Broad – in his final match before retirement – took the final two wickets in front of a packed crowd at The Oval in London.
Pic: AP
Stuart Broad celebrates after taking the wicket of Australia’s Alex Carey
It means the fascinating five-match series ends 2-2 after weeks of scintillating skill, must-watch drama, and even a little controversy.
As holders of the urn, having won the last series in 2021-22, Australia only needed to draw the current series to retain the trophy.
Broad celebrates with James Anderson
Broad and Moeen Ali are applauded off the field by their teammates
Speaking after the match Broad said: “Woakesy and Moeen set the tone unbelievably and when we got a couple of wickets we really started to believe.
“The crowd was so loud and we really jumped on that energy.
“To pick up a couple of wickets to end the Test match and contribute to the team was very special.”
He added: “When you make that decision to move on from the game you wonder what your last ball will be, so for it to be a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool.”
Australia’s player of the series, Mitchell Starc, said: “It has been an incredible five Test matches and the way it finished today probably spoke to the quality of cricket and the emotions of the whole Ashes.
“It has come down to the last session of day 25.”
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How the final Test unfolded
Narrow wins at Edgbaston and Lord’s secured an early 2-0 series lead for captain Pat Cummins’ side.
But the controversial stumping of England’s wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow on day five at Lord’s fired up England.
An injury to Australian spinner Nathan Lyon also appeared to help turn the tables for Ben Stokes’ team.
England roared back at Headingley to make it 2-1, and then had Australia on the ropes in the fourth Test match at Old Trafford as they looked to level the series.
Broad celebrates taking the wicket of Australia’s Todd Murphy
However, the weather had the final say in Manchester, with the last two days of the Test rained off, resulting in a draw.
Australia went into the fifth and final Test having already retained The Ashes.
England are due to travel to Australia in 2025 for the next Ashes series.