The Ashes awards: Stokes produces finest innings however Boland flops
E
ngland completed a outstanding Ashes sequence on a excessive as Stuart Broad’s remaining supply earlier than retirement introduced the wicket that clinched victory within the Fifth Test on the Oval.
Having been overwhelmed in thrilling encounters at Edgbaston and Lord’s, Ben Stokes’s facet fought again to halve the deficit at Headingley and may nicely have arrange a decider had torrential rain in Manchester compelled a Fourth Test draw.
A 2-2 scoreline, nonetheless, signifies that Australia retain the Urn however miss out on a primary sequence victory in England since 2001.
It has been a outstanding couple of months and right here Standard Sport seems again at a number of the highs and lows…
Best participant
Usman Khawaja completed as the highest run-scorer and Chris Woakes’s impression coming into the facet after two Tests was unbelievable, however Stuart Broad has bowled game-changing spells in 4 of the 5 Tests and obtained his fairytale send-off.
Best shot
Honourable mentions to a few of Mitchell Marsh’s drives at Headingley and Joe Root’s numerous scoops, nevertheless it must be Zak Crawley’s cowl drive to the primary ball at Edgbaston.
Best supply
Mitchell Starc has bowled a couple of good’uns however the one to get Ollie Pope within the second dig at Lord’s was unplayable.
Best catch
Root’s to take away Marnus Labuschagne within the first innings of the Fifth Test at The Oval. Defied perception.
Breakthrough participant
If you possibly can have a breakthrough after greater than 30 Tests, Crawley has eventually come of age this summer season.
Zak Crawley repaid the religion proven in him
/ AFP through Getty ImagesBest innings
Ultimately in a dropping trigger, however no different participant in world cricket may have produced the 155 that Ben Stokes made at Lord’s.
Flop of the sequence
At reverse ends of the age spectrum, James Anderson and Cameron Green have had quiet runs however Scott Boland, England’s tormentor 18 months in the past, got here into the sequence as Australia’s kind bowler and was hit out of it. Twice.
Best quote
“Anything with a three in front of it is alright” — Labuschagne, reflecting on Australia’s 299 for eight on day one at Old Trafford.
Best second
Mark Wood’s first spell at Headingley was Test cricket at its very best. The fast’s belated introduction in that Third Test modified the complexion of the sequence.
Biggest grumble
Beside the Old Trafford downpour that value us an epic sequence decider, the ambiance at Lord’s. Not a lot for the best way it soured, which has been nicely lined, however for the way flat the primary few days have been. Compared to the opposite 4 grounds, dwelling benefit was minimal. It isn’t any marvel Australia have a wonderful file there.
The ‘Hospital Pass’ Award
Shared by spin coaches Jeetan Patel and Daniel Vettori, who’ve every as soon as been despatched out to face the media on the finish of a chastening day, regardless of their respective groups not together with a specialist spinner.
The legacy Award
Split between Alex Carey and Jonny Bairstow, for combining to make sure no batter will ever go away their crease with out verbal and written permission once more.
Jonny Bairstow was run out in controversial trend
/ PASliding doorways second
Too many England drops early on to select one however had that Just Stop Oil protestor succeeded in wrecking the Lord’s deck, Australia may by no means have gone 2-0 up. There once more, England may’ve taken their reckless batting to Leeds and misplaced there, too.
The Pat Cummins Award for area placement of the sequence
Plenty to select from, however pushing a person again onto the sq. fence to discourage *checks notes* Anderson after one pull for 4 was correct seatbelt stuff.
‘Wish You Were English’ Award
Nathan Lyon, who will end because the main spinner regardless of enjoying a game-and-a-half and confirmed such character in hobbling out to bat on one leg at Lord’s.
Hope for 2025/26
That probably the most settled England batting lineup in years will get to Australia comparatively intact.