Stuart Broad went to the field with his bat for the last time in the red-ball format. He remained unbeaten at 8 runs for 8 balls, hitting one six for something to remember. Meaning the 37-year-old right-arm fast-medium pacer is playing his last test match. England wants to send him off by winning the fifth test match of Ashes 2023 against Australia. However, their opponents may not let that happen.
England have put up a total target of 384 for the visitors. To their surprise, the Aussies are coming stronger than expected, with both openers still on the pitch. They have scored a partnership of 135 runs in 38 overs. David Warner, who could also retire after this series, has 58 runs to his name in 99 balls. He is being complemented by Usma Khawaja with 69 runs in 130 balls. Both openers were unable to cross the half-century in the first innings. The second installment of the concluding match has ignited a spark of sweeping a clean victory.
Stuart Broad is spilling his magic through bowling. He has run for 6 overs, including 2 maidens.
Chris Woakes is closer to picking a wicket at The Oval. It is a location that is known to favor batters heavily. Spinners gain momentum only from the third day. This is evident from the fact that Todd Murphy picked up Mark Wood and James Anderson in the 78th and 82nd over, respectively.
Joe Root and Moeen Ali will have a long day when they enter the ground. Joe Root is majorly a batter but succeeds in giving great breakthroughs to the side via a right-arm off-break attack. His record speaks of 60 wickets in 136 test innings he has played. Moeen Ali replicates the bowling style with a higher stat. He has picked up 201 wickets in his test career of 119 innings.
The Aussies could take a break since Moeen and Joe have the same bowling style. Warner and Usman have made themselves familiar with the pitch condition. The target is above average yet chasable. Ben Stokes can turn the table only if his pacers deliver surprises. Top cricket betting sites are inclined toward the visitors winning this match. They have anyway won the series. So, winning the match would only contribute to their ICC figures.
However, talking about retirement, there is a chance that James Anderson will announce his retirement after completing Ashes 2023. The 41-year-old right-arm fast-medium pacer has been an absolute legend for the English side. His wickets come to 690 throughout 341 test innings. Anderson completed 30 years in the format in May 2023. It only makes the time best for him to leave an ever-lasting mark for the next generation to follow.
England will next play New Zealand for 4 T20s and 4 ODIs. Australia will move on to play with South Africa for 3 T20s and 5 ODIs.
