Ashes 2023: Stuart Broad scripts a fairytale END! Dismisses Alez Carey to win the Final Test and Level the Ashes title
In the final match of their spectacular Ashes series, Stuart Broad bowled England to yet another thrilling victory against Australia in the fifth Test, tying the series at 2-2.
At The Oval in front of a boisterous crowd, England defeated the tourists by 49 runs after bowling them out for 334 in his final Test before retiring.
While off-spinner Moeen Ali struggled with a groin issue in the final Test of his career, he picked up a critical 3-76. Chris Woakes was outstanding with 4-50. Australia lost David Warner and Usman Khawaja to Woakes’ early burst as they resumed on 135-0 in chase of 384 while Mark Wood dismissed Marnus Labuschagne.
Broad dismisses the final threat to give his career a perfect finish
The visitors were put back on course for one of their greatest run-chases by Steve Smith, who made 54, and 43 from Travis Head. But after a rain delay of more than two hours, Woakes and Moeen were the architects of an Australian collapse of five wickets for 30 runs. Alex Carey and Todd Murphy raised tension with a ninth-wicket stand of 35 only for Broad to produce a last moment of theatre.
Looking to change England’s luck, Broad switched the bails at the non-striker’s end and, next ball, bowled a beauty to have Murphy caught by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow. Broad then had Carey caught behind to seal the victory and, amid high emotion at a ground renowned for goodbyes, left the field arm-in-arm with Moeen.
England’s win replicates the 2-2 draw of four years ago and preserves an unbeaten home record in the Ashes series that stretches back to 2001. Though Australia retains the urn, which they will defend down under in 2025-26, their wait for a win in this country will be up to 26 years when they next visit in 2027.
The Ashes 2023: Stuart Broad says he will retire with ‘pure joy and happiness’ after fairytale finish
As England tied the series at 2-2, Broad struck out the final two batsmen for Australia. An Ashes icon who declared on Saturday that he will retire after this Test had a fitting ending.
“It is special,” said 37-year-old Broad, who finishes his 15-year Test career with 604 wickets.
It is a difficult decision to walk away from the game I love but I wanted my last ball to be in an environment that is so special and playing sport I still love – for my lasting memory to be pure joy and happiness.
“That is how I feel now.”
Braod Added
As a result of the outcome, Broad, the second-most successful fast bowler in Test history, ends his career having hit his final ball faced for six and got a wicket with his final delivery.
He departs having taken a record-breaking 153 wickets in Test matches, all against Australia. Todd Murphy and Alex Carey were both bowled by him to seal the victory.
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