By Stephen Giles
- Fifth Ashes Test, The Oval
- Australia 481: Smith 143
- England 149 & 286 (following on): Cook 85, Siddle 4-35
- Australia won by an innings and 46 runs – England win the series 3-2
LONDON, UK – Australia wrapped up a consolation victory after hammering England in the fifth Test at The Oval.
The hosts lost their last four wickets for 83 runs either side of a two-hour rain delay and were bowled out for 286 – with Australia winning by an innings and 46 runs.
Peter Siddle – who finished with figures of 4-35 – made the breakthrough half an hour into the day to dismiss night-watchman Mark Wood lbw for 6, before Jos Buttler, on 42, tamely chipped Mitchell Marsh to Mitchell Starc in the covers.
Moeen Ali and Stuart Broad batted stoically for ten overs before the loudest cheer of the day greeted the arrival of heavy rain. Once it dispersed, Broad (11) could only last several minutes as he missed a drive from Siddle and the ball cannoned into his off-stump.
With England on the brink of defeat and the Met Office trending on Twitter, it was perhaps predictable to see blue skies opening up across London.
With dinner reservations in mind, Moeen Ali wasted no time in wafting at another delivery from Siddle, but this time he could only edge it behind to Peter Nevill and seal a consolation win for the tourists.
IS THE CRICKET OVER?
Both teams will play a Twenty20 at the Aegas Bowl in Cardiff on August 31st and Eoin Morgan will lead England into five one-day internationals from September 3rd
NEXT TEST?
England head to the UAE for a three match Test Series against Pakistan, which gets underway on October 13th in Abu Dhabi and finishes off in Sharjah. Australia will head to Bangladesh for Steve Smiths first series as captain.
Man of the Match: Steve Smith
Australian Man of the Series: Chris Rogers
England Man of the Series: Joe Root
MAN OF THE SERIES: Joe Root
| FOLLOW BRITWATCH | |
| Vine |