Summary

  • Broad takes last two wickets to fall as England draw series 2-2

  • Victory means Australia still haven't won series in UK since 2001

  • Broad ends stubborn stand between Murphy & Carey after switching bails again

  • Australia collapse from 264-3 to 334 all out

  • Four wickets for Woakes and three for Moeen

  • Holders Australia had already retained Ashes

  1. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 16:57 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Via WhatsApp on 03301231826

    Thought the series before the start would be 4-1 Australia. Better bowlers, ie not relying on an ageing 41 year old and arguably three of the best five batters in the world. Hopefully the word Bazball will be forever put in the annals of history. Despite what we all tried to say, England never stood a chance against the world's best Test side. They’re the best to come over here since 2001, and rightly deserve the credit they’ll get for winning this series.

    Jar, on holiday in Lanzarote

  2. Aus 274-4published at 74.2 overs

    Target 384

    Short from Chris Woakes but not short enough, the ball just sits up for Steve Smith to pull it away for four.

  3. Postpublished at 16:55 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    That sweep shot is a free hit, no-one is there.

    If Marsh survives the next half an hour then that's the game. Marsh is a bit rigid against spin so England would want to get him early.

  4. Aus 269-4published at 74 overs

    Need another 115 to win

    Mitchell Marsh is in at six and gets off the mark with a boundary - a firm sweep behind square.

    A fielder is put out to protect against that shot and that saves three as Marsh sweeps again.

    Still, it's been a successful over for Moeen Ali.

  5. Postpublished at 16:52 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    MoeenImage source, Getty Images

    Sharp spin and beautiful bowling from Moeen Ali. Just when you think the game is about to settle there is always a twist.

  6. Postpublished at 16:52 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Jim Maxwell
    BBC Test Match Special

    Joe Root is jumping around like a schoolkid after that catch.

  7. wicket

    WICKETpublished at 73.3 overs

    Head c Root b Moeen 43 (Aus 264-4)

    Edged and gone!

    Moeen Ali pitches one in the rough outside the left-hander's off stump, Travis Head drives at it and the edge goes straight to Joe Root at slip.

    Breakthrough for England - they needed that!

  8. Postpublished at 16:51 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    Smith didn't even raise his bat, he just waved at the crowd.

  9. 50 runs

    50 for Steve Smithpublished at 73.2 overs

    Aus 264-3

    No celebration from Steve Smith after pushing a single to long off to bring up another half-century.

    He means business.

  10. Aus 262-3published at 73 overs

    Two dot balls end the Chris Woakes over. Australia have managed to avoid any further scares since that over in which both Steve Smith and Travis Head came so close to nicking behind.

    Will that be it for Woakes' spell with the new ball available in seven overs?

  11. Postpublished at 16:49 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    I reckon that is Smith's best shot all series. The length outside off stump and he's just lent on it. That is glorious!

  12. Aus 262-3published at 72.4 overs

    Need another 122 to win

    Gorgeous shot!

    Steve Smith pounces on some width from Chris Woakes and nails the drive through the covers for four.

  13. Aus 258-3published at 72 overs

    Target 384

    StokesImage source, PA Media

    We've got an answer to what the umpires were talking to Ben Stokes about. There was a miscalculation from the umpires. There were not 52 overs left, in the day, it was 47 - meaning the last hour will start after 32 overs.

    Meanwhile, there is a big appeal for lbw to end Moeen Ali's over as he turns one to hit Travis Head's back leg.

    England like it but have only one review left and decide not to use it. Good call, ball-tracking shows it was going over the top.

  14. Postpublished at 16:41 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    The umpires have just come together for a chat and then brought Ben Stokes in. I'm not sure what that was all about but there was a thumbs up from the England skipper.

    Anyway, Moeen Ali will continue.

  15. Aus 256-3published at 71 overs

    Head 41, Smith 44

    Solid over from Chris Woakes but without quite the same problems as he caused in the one previous.

    He tests out Travis Head with a short ball but it's pulled out for a single.

  16. Postpublished at 16:38 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Matthew Henry
    BBC Sport at The Oval

    MoeenImage source, Reuters

    The England trumpeter is going through the hits. Half the crowd sings. The other half is nervously quiet.

  17. Postpublished at 16:37 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Michael Vaughan
    Former England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    Woakes is bowling well enough here to get Smith out.

  18. Aus 253-3published at 70 overs

    Target 384

    Sharp turn for Moeen Ali to Steve Smith. The ball raps the batter on the left shin but the pad was well outside the line of off stump.

    Just two from the over. We've got another 10 before the second new ball is available.

  19. Postpublished at 16:34 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    "Go well, Travis. See you in a minute."

    Travis HeadImage source, Reuters
  20. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 16:34 British Summer Time 31 July 2023

    Via WhatsApp on 03301231826

    The English fielders' body language is atrocious. I thought they would be fired up! This whole series has boiled down to this two hours. Chilled vibes among players is the only side-effect of Bazball I don't really enjoy. Come on lads lets have some growling and bite. No losing with a whimper and smiles please.

    Rob