Ashes 2017-18, 5th Test, Review: Australia drub England 4-0

Australia defeated hapless England on the final day within an hour after lunch by an innings and 123 runs in Sydney at the SCG. The atmosphere was wonderful on the ground as most of the people came to witness their team regaining the famous urn and celebrate in style. Though everyone felt for the England skipper Joe Root who was hospitalized overnight due to viral gastroenteritis bug. However, another nightmare Ashes tour down under finally came to an end for England.

The day started dramatically with Root not being able to take the field as Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali came out to bat with their staring at a 210-run deficit and struggling at 93/4. They weathered the fired-up pace attack of Australia for an hour before Nathan Lyon ended Ali’s 43-ball vigil by pinning him in front of the stumps. Then the skipper Root stepped out for his country amidst a standing ovation from the spectators as the overnight pair played out the remaining hour until lunch.

Meanwhile, the dehydrated Root also completed his fighting half-century even as Bairstow looked solid and England added only 51 runs in the first session.

Cummins seals the deal post-lunch

All English hopes of saving the Test match were dashed when Root couldn’t come out to bat after the break as he was totally dehydrated. Pat Cummins soon opened up both ends by sending back Bairstow who played 143 balls for his 38. In the same over, Stuart Broad edged a short ball to Tim Paine as he was constantly hopping on his toes. Cummins had his tails up as he snaffled Mason Crane as well behind the stumps and the end was near for the visitors.

The last wicket pair of Tom Curran and James Anderson fought their way for seven overs with the former was having some fun as he played his shots. They added 24 runs even as the spirited Barmy Army kept supporting their team until the end. It was Josh Hazlewood who eventually scripted the winning moment inducing an edge off Anderson’s bat to the keeper. England were 180/9 as their captain was sleeping in the dressing room unfortunately and couldn’t come out to bat.

The famous urn was regained as the celebrations will go deep into the night for the home side. It was Steve Smith who batted and batted throughout the series to literally annihilate the visitors. He ended with the tally of 687 runs in five Test matches. The series also proved to be the revival for Marsh brothers even as Usman Khawaja cementing his place with a stunning 176 in the final Test.

There has to be a special word for the bowling attack of Australia. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon bowled excellently as all of them finished with 20 wickets or more in the series. This proves that they hunting in a pack and were the nemesis for the England batting line-up. There were totally contrasting emotions in the other camp after another highly disappointing series down under and question marks over the places of many including the supporting staff.

For now, though the series has ended with Australia having the prestigious Ashes with them. They will now look to retain it in 2019 when they will travel England to face the music.

Brief Scores:

England 346 (J Root 83; P Cummins 4/80) & 180 (J Root 58 retd hurt; P Cummins 4/39)

Australia 649/7decl (U Khawaja 176, S Marsh 156, M Marsh 101)

Result: Australia won by an innings and 123 runs

Man of the Match: Pat Cummins

Man of the Series: Steve Smith