Stuart Broad capped a great career by bowling England to another dramatic victory in the fifth Test against Australia, bringing the Ashes series to a close at 2-2.
In his final Test before retiring, Broad claimed the last two wickets as England bowled out the tourists for 334 to win by 49 runs at The Oval.
Chris Woakes took 4-50, while off-spinner Moeen Ali, who was battling a groin ailment in his final Test, took a critical 3-76.
Australia resumed on 135-0 in pursuit of 384, but Woakes’ morning burst took off David Warner and Usman Khawaja, while Mark Wood took out Marnus Labuschagne.
Steve Smith’s 54 and Travis Head’s 43 put the visitors back on track for one of their greatest run-chases.
However, after a more than two-hour rain delay, Woakes and Moeen were the architects of an Australian collapse of five wickets for 30 runs.
Alex Carey and Todd Murphy increased the stakes with a 35-run ninth-wicket stand, only for Broad to deliver a dramatic finish.
Looking to improve England’s fortunes, Broad moved the bails at the non-striker’s end and produced a beauty to have Murphy caught by wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow on the following ball.
Broad then had Carey caught behind to win victory and, in an emotional scene at a venue known for farewells, exited the field arm in arm with Moeen.
England’s victory matches the 2-2 draw from four years ago and maintains the country’s unblemished home record in the Ashes series dating back to 2001.
Though Australia retains the urn, which they will defend in 2025-26, their wait for a victory in this country will be extended to 26 years when they return in 2027.
