Woakes, Moin shine in England’s dramatic win over Aussies in fifth Ashes test

England bounced back from 1-2 to win the fifth and last Ashes cricket test match against the Australia to level the series 2-2.

Australia, however, will retain the Ashes as it had won the previous series.

For the English side, Chris Woakes and Moin Ali were the main architects of the Aussies collapse in the match which, at one stage, looked to be heading toward a draw.

Woakes claimed 4-50 while off-spinner Moin Ali, battling a groin injury in the last Test of his career, picked up a crucial 3-76.

Australia, which resumed on 135-0 in pursuit of 384, lost David Warner and Usman Khawaja to Woakes early in the match. Steev Smith and Travis Head tried to stem the collapse and looked solid at one stage and back on course for the run chase.

Smith who made 54 and Head who scored 43 fell soon after the match re-started following a two-hour interruption caused by rains.

Carey and Murphy raised tension with a ninth-wicket stand of 35 only for pacer Stuart 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.

In the end, a draw feels like a fair result at the end of a wonderful battle between cricket's oldest rivals. Australia took advantage of England's mistakes to lead 2-0 before the hosts roared back. Ben Stokes' side probably would have won 3-2 had rain not ruined the end of the fourth Test.

Broad, who had announced his retirement from the game, ended his glittering career with his team’s win over arch rival Australia.