Aussie Ashes in England after 18 years

Manchester, September 8 

Australia retained the Ashes after beating England by 185 runs at Old Trafford to take a 2-1 lead in the series with just one Test remaining. England, who resumed the day on 18/2, were bowled out for 197 on the final day with Australia seamer Pat Cummins taking 4/43.

Australia’s victory, with 81 balls remaining, was a convincing one but England’s spirit cannot be criticised as they fought until the final hour in their attempt to save the Test and keep the series alive. The tourists lead 2-1 going into next week’s final Test at The Oval in London where they hope to become the first Australian team to win an Ashes series in England since 2001.

Steve Smith, whose magnificent double century and then second innings 82 were a major factor in this win and whose batting throughout the series has ensured the Ashes remain in Australian hands, was delighted. The main early resistance from England came from Joe Denly who made 53 from 123 balls and Jos Buttler, who lasted 111 balls for his 34. England’s hopes of an unlikely escape-act rose when Jack Leach and Craig Overton batted for over an hour giving the crowd belief over a second ‘miracle’ after the comeback win at Headingley.

But part-time leg-spinner Marnus Labuschagne finally removed Leach, with a ball that turned sharply in the rough and was gloved to Matthew Wade at short-leg. Overton batted with sense, stoicism and a strong technique, but he was trapped lbw by Josh Hazlewood to set off the Australian celebrations. —  Reuters

Brief Scores: Australia: 497/8d and 186/6decl. (S Smith 82, M Wade 34; J Archer 3/45, S Broad 2/54); England: 301 and 197 all out in 91.3 overs (J Denly 53, J Buttler 34; P Cummins 4/43, J Hazlewood 2/32)

18 Years, the time after which Australia have retained the Ashes on English soil. Australia have taken an unassailable 2-1 lead in this series, with a match remaining. The last time England lost a Test at the Old Trafford in Manchester was in 2001

1ST Australian men’s skipper — Time Paine — to bring the Ashes home from England since Steve Waugh in 2001

6 Man of the Match awards for Steve Smith in the last 8 Ashes Tests which Australia have won. Shaun Marsh (Adelaide 2017) and Pat Cummins (Sydney 2018) have won one each.

"I didn’t think it would be this emotional. The amount of work that’s gone in to retain the Ashes has been enormous and I’m really proud of this group and how we bounced back from Headingley" — Tim Paine, Australia captain

"I’m bitterly disappointed. I thought the way we fought today, the character we showed, every single one of them can be proud of that today. To come so close to taking it to The Oval is hard to take. We’ve still got to make sure we level the series" — Joe Root, England captain

It feels amazing to know the urn is coming home. I’ve been here a few times when things haven’t gone our way. This was always one to tick off my bucket list. It’s extremely satisfying — Steve Smith, Australia batsman