Stuart Broad signs off with unforgettable 'last ball' as England level series 2-2 | Ashes 2023

Hosts England secured a 49-run victory over Australia in the fifth Test in a thrilling finish at the Oval to level the Ashes series 2-2. The Australian team, chasing a target of 384 runs, suffered a dramatic collapse from 264-3 to 334 all out. Stuart Broad, the retiring paceman and England's all-time leading Ashes bowler delivered the final blow to seal England's triumph.

During a crucial phase of the game, England capitalized on a rain break of over two hours and captured four Australian wickets for just 11 runs in 19 balls. Moeen Ali, the off-spinner, played a pivotal role with his figures of 3-76, while Chris Woakes, the all-rounder, ended with impressive figures of 4-50.

Broad's exceptional performance in his farewell Test match polished off the Australian tail. Although Australia had already retained the Ashes as the holders, their wait for an Ashes series victory in England since 2001 continues.

Ecstatic about the victory, Stuart Broad expressed his joy to Sky Sports, saying, "It was absolutely wonderful. I thought Chris Woakes and Moeen Ali set the tone absolutely unbelievably. Woakesy picked up a couple of wickets, particularly Steve Smith, who has just been a wonderful player to play against all these years."

He further added, "Once we got a couple, we really started to believe. The crowd was unbelievable. It was so loud, and we just jumped on the back of that. To contribute to the team with two wickets is very special."

Speaking on his retirement, he added, "When you make that decision, you wonder what your last ball will be, so to take a wicket to win an Ashes Test match is pretty cool."

Also read: Ben Stokes catch controversy: Why Steve Smith was given not out