Stuart Broad, a renowned paceman, triumphantly ended his international career. With a magnificent total of 604 Test wickets, he left the cricketing world with a lasting impression. At the pinnacle of his career, he bowled with unrelenting commitment and secured victory for his nation as he obstinately ran in for his final stint.
When bowling his trademark stock delivery, the ball swerved away, causing an edge, and Bairstow made an easy catch. In honour of a distinguished career, Broad’s celebration gesture of an aeroplane was a moving representation of England’s joy.
Earlier, Australia made a solid start on Day 5 in the quest for a challenging 384-run goal, with David Warner being dismissed early by Chris Woakes’ delivery with a total score of 140. Australia was then reduced to 169 for 3 after losing Khawaja and Labuschagne. However, a partnership between Steven Smith and Travis Head propelled Australia to 238-3 at lunch, bringing the game into balance and leaving it hanging by a thread. Rain that wouldn’t stop forced an early tea break when the post-lunch programme was cancelled.
The possibility of continuing the game flickered when the rain abated. Australia needed 146 runs and England needed 7 wickets to win the Test when the third session got underway. Moeen Ali’s spin magic destroyed Mitchell Marsh and Travis Head, two formidable batters. Chris Woakes, meanwhile, delivered a key strike that secured Steven Smith’s wicket while highlighting his stellar Ashes performance. Following Mitchell Starc’s dismissal, Woakes claimed his fourth wicket, and Moeen Ali removed Australian captain Pat Cummins, giving Australia its eighth wicket.
Alex Carey and Todd Murphy showed poise at the crease while the outcome of the game was in doubt, and it appeared as though they would help Australia win or tie the game. Stuart Broad was scheduled to appear on the pitch for his final Ashes match, but destiny had other ideas.
He scripted a poetic departure from international cricket by surgically removing Todd Murphy and Alex Carey. Australia kept the coveted trophy while England could not win the Ashes; the series ended with a score of 2-2.
Following Stuart Broad’s outstanding performances, Twitter erupted in a chorus of farewells, wishing adieu to a cricketing legend whose influence will live on in the history of the game for all time.
Here is how Twitter reacted to England’s win in the last Ashes Test:
That is a capitulation from Australia, but fantastic bowling from England #Ashes
— Darren Murphy 🏏 (@MrDMurphy) July 31, 2023
Congratulations to Australia and England on a fantastic series 👏🏻👏🏻 I guess the lesson here is there’s no one way to play cricket. As long as you get the job done. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/mVEeqz60mv
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) July 31, 2023
From being 2-0 down to drawing level, England’s tenacity in this #Ashes series is a tribute to the beauty of Test cricket. The ability to rebound demonstrates the depth of character and the mental fortitude this format demands. Mother Nature might have denied us a series result,… pic.twitter.com/oOn9XgV6BC
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 31, 2023
This really is one of the greatest series .. The best format showing off once again .. #Ashes
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 31, 2023
Cricket is a game for narratives isn’t it
Had to be Stuart Broad with the final wicket of the ashes and his career in a fitting winning moment 🙌🏾
— Carlos Brathwaite (@CRBrathwaite26) July 31, 2023
India
