Alex Carey and Pat Cummins tried to resurrect the chase, with the two batters striking a boundary apiece. But Cummins fell in his attempt to pull a short ball from Moeen, handing the spinner his third wicket. Broad was brought back into the attack in what was his final spell and bowled in tandem with Moeen. But the England bowlers encountered resistance from Carey and Todd Murphy who put on a well-paced partnership to keep Australia interested and England frustrated. Carey also struck a six off Moeen coming down the track while Murphy pulled a Broad delivery for a four. But Broad ended England’s wait by getting Murphy to edge to the ‘keeper and nearly had Carey too if not for Crawley putting down the catch. The dream finish came soon enough as Broad had Carey caught behind to secure himself a winning farewell and a 2-2 finish to the Ashes.

Earlier, With overcast conditions welcoming the teams at The Oval on the final day, and a changed ball which had a lot more shine, there was assistance for the bowlers as Broad and Woakes tested the Australian openers. Woakes eventually made the breakthrough, getting David Warner (60) to edge behind. England lost a review when Broad went up for a leg-before shout against Marnus Labuschagne. But a short while later, Usman Khawaja burnt a review after being trapped in front by an incoming delivery from Woakes as he went back to the hut after a well-made 72. Labuschagne came out with a lot more intent compared to his first innings effort. But his promising stand with Smith was ended by Mark Wood who went wide of the crease to find the edge.

Australia, who retained the Ashes after the drawn fourth Test, asked England to bat first and had them in early trouble. But Harry Brook’s counter-attacking 85 and useful runs from Woakes and Wood helped the hosts post 283 in their first innings in less than 55 overs. Australia nearly batted double the number of overs to score 295, with Smith scoring 71 in their first essay. Joe Root (91), Jonny Bairstow (78) and Zak Crawley (73) led England’s charge in the second innings as they took only 81.5 overs to score 395. Australia replied with a century opening stand before Woakes and Moeen ran through their batting order, and Broad had his final dance to bring a fitting end to an evenly-contested Ashes.