England leveled the Ashes series 2023/24 by tying 2-2. They finished the English summer on a high note, winning the last Test match played at The Oval. Australia retained the Ashes but had to go back home without having the urn fully on their side. Chris Woakes was the wrecker-in-chief. Chris Woakes took a 4 wicket haul and played a massive role in the triumph.
The Ashes Series witnessed some enthralling encounters between the two world giants, England and Australia, and the English summer ensured that no one went home empty-handed. England won the last Test match of the Ashes 2023 by 40 runs.
Top Performer of the Day
Chris Woakes, who changed the fortunes of his team, got the chance to play from the Leeds Test (third test) and has done magic since then. On the last day of the series, Chris Woakes produced a match-winning spell by taking 4 wickets on Day 5 with an economy rate of 2.6. He sent David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steven Smith, and Mitch Starc back to the pavilion. Chris Woakes has been rewarded with both the Player of the Series and Player of the Match awards. He took 19 wickets in 3 matches with an average of 18.
Moeen Ali, who said to the Local Broadcaster, ‘No, I know I’m done. If Stokes messages me again, I’m going to delete it. That’s me done,’ when asked about continuing red ball cricket, also bowled beautifully on Day 5. He got 3 wickets of Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh, and Pat Cummins with an economy rate of 3.3.
Australian batsman Steven Smith did manage to cross the 50-run mark but didn’t capitalize on it as he fell to the delivery of Chris Woakes while batting at 54 runs with a strike rate of 57.4. Somehow, his wicket was one of the turning points of this match and, to some extent, the whole series.
Stuart Broad Bids Adieu To Cricket
England’s pace legend, Stuart Broad, marked a memorable end to his illustrious career during the 5th test match, announcing his retirement on the 3rd day. He expressed his desire to exit on a high note, and true to his words, he did just that. With an extraordinary journey in cricket, Stuart Broad gracefully stepped down from the team, creating a void that will be filled by another talented English pacer.
Throughout his 17-year-old cricketing career, Stuart Broad experienced numerous highs and lows. One of the defining moments came in 2007 when he faced the wrath of Yuvraj Singh, who mercilessly smashed him for six consecutive sixes in an over. Overcoming such a daunting setback requires immense mental strength, and that’s precisely what set Stuart Broad apart from others.
Ending his remarkable test career with 604 wickets and 3662 runs, Stuart Broad etched his name in the history books. Stuart Broad also becomes only the second player in history, after Wayne Daniel, to hit his final ball in test cricket for six. Additionally, he becomes the first player in history to hit a six on the last ball of his career and also take a wicket on the very last ball of his career.
What’s Ahead for Both the Teams
Both teams will now have a long halt from Red Ball cricket, as Australia is set to host the Pakistan team for 3 test matches starting from 14th Dec 2023 in Perth. Meanwhile, England’s next test series is aligned with India, where they will play 5 test matches starting from 25th Jan next year in Hyderabad.
As for White Ball cricket, both England and Australia will resume their matches from 30th Aug, but with different opponents. Australia will be heading to South Africa to play 3 T20Is and 5 ODIs, whereas England will host New Zealand for 4 T20Is and 4 ODIs.
Also Read: Ashes 2023: Joe Root And Jonny Bairstow Knock Australia Out Of The Game