Published 06:45 IST, September 9th 2019
Australia beat England in the fourth Test to retain the Ashes
Australia beat England by 185 runs in the fourth Test match at the Old Trafford on Sunday. By the virtue of this win, Australia have retained the Ashes.
Australia retained the Ashes after beating England by 185 runs in the final session of the fourth test at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Josh Hazlewood claimed the winning wicket, trapping Craig Overton leg before wicket, as Australia dismissed England's second innings for 197 deep into the evening session to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
As the holder, Australia only needs to draw the series to keep cricket's famous urn.
"We've retained it, we haven't won it," Australia captain Tim Paine told the BBC. He added: "We'll have a good night together." The fifth and final test in cricket's oldest regular international series starts Sept. 12 at The Oval.
England's innings on Day 5
England resumed Day 5 on 18-2, went to lunch on 87-4 and tea on 166-6.
Jack Leach, who scored a 51-ball 12, batted for an hour with England fans hoping for a repeat of his third test heroics, or even bad light.
Australia held on to the Ashes in England for the first time in 18 years. It thrashed England by 251 runs in the opening Test at Edgbaston, the second test at Lord's was drawn before England won at Headingley by one wicket to level the series 1-1.
"Bitterly disappointed," England captain Joe Root said, "to come so close to taking it to The Oval is quite hard to take."
Steve Smith once again
Steve Smith continued from where he had left off in the first innings when he came into bat with Australia at 16/2 and then 24/3 in the second innings after England bowlers had made early inroads. Nonetheless, Steve Smith had other ideas as he held on to one end and played a counter-attacking knock. He scored a 92-ball 82 as he continues to have a dream run in this Ashes series. Steve Smith was caught by Ben Stokes off Jack Leach but his superb knock helped Australia get to 186/6 after which they declared their innings. England were set a target of 383 runs. Smith had scored a splendid 319-ball 211 in the first innings. The former Australian skipper was adjudged 'Man of the Match' for his brilliant knocks in both innings.
Updated 07:16 IST, September 9th 2019