Steve Smith, Tim Paine quantify Australia’s Ashes achievement
Ashes-winning captain Tim Paine and player of the series Steve Smith reflected upon a disappointing defeat for Australia in the fifth and final Test of the series, but spoke jubilantly about the their country’s retention of the urn amid a spectacular series for cricket fans worldwide.
With the urn already in Australian hands going into the final Test at the Oval, both teams could’ve been forgiven for approaching the match with a lack of intensity, but fears were quickly allayed on day one of a pulsating encounter.
England eventually ran out victorious with a 135-run victory in four days, despite a heroic last stand by centurion Matthew Wade (117).
The result ensured Australia cannot claim to have won the series outright, but retain the Ashes due to their status as holders.
đ đ„ Is it really over? @willfordy25 looks back and forward after a whirlwind summer of international cricket… pic.twitter.com/vvPKcYutSm
— Cricket365 (@Cricket365) September 15, 2019
The undoubted star of the series was Aussie run-making metronome Steve Smith whose barely believeable average of 110.57 frustrated England at every turn.
Speaking upon the conclusion of the clash, player of the series Steve Smith said: “It’s been an amazing couple of months in England. The cricket’s been spectacular. The series has ebbed and flowed.
READ:Â England conclude a historic summerâs cricket with the future bright
“I’ve loved every minute and am proud to have been able to perform for Australia and bring the urn home.
“The middle of the wicket still played pretty well, and Wade applied himself, batted beautifully today. But England played terrific cricket.”
Despite an underwhelming personal performance with the bat, Australian captain Tim Paine achieved what Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke could not – returning Down Under with the Ashes on board the flight.
When quizzed on whether he had any regrets about how the fifth Test unfolded, Paine said: “Regrets? I’ve got a couple – to start with, the toss. We didn’t take our chances on day one, we didn’t back up our bowlers.
“England got ahead of the game. I can’t read a pitch so I’m always 50-50. We’ve got to bat, bowl better than we did in this Test match.
“No doubt today puts a dampener on it, but from where this group’s come from, to retain the Ashes is still a big deal.”
READ:Â Joe Root, Ben Stokes reflect on bittersweet England victory at the Oval
Latest
-
News
Itâs a lot of fun â Heather Knight still enjoying captaining England
Knight succeeded Charlotte Edwards, who had a decade-long stint in the position, in June 2016.
-
England
On this day in 2018: Kevin Pietersen retires from professional cricket
The latter years of the Pietermaritzburg-born maverickâs career were spent on the T20 circuit.
-
England
Jofra Archer snaps off stump on impressive return from injury in India
The 28-year-old took two for 22 in seven overs.
-
County Cricket
Darren Gough steps down as managing director of cricket at Yorkshire
Gough said it was the âright timeâ to move on having been in the post since December 2021.
-
England
On this day in 2004: Steve Harmison takes seven for 12 against West Indies
The pace bowler produced a devastating spell at Sabina Park 20 years ago.
-
England
Jos Buttler feels refreshed and ready to enjoy âbest yearsâ of his career
Englandâs white-ball team endured a poor 2023 which culminated in the disastrous defence of their World Cup crown in India.
-
England
Jos Buttler confident âspecial cricketerâ Jofra Archer will be fit for World Cup
Archer has not represented his country since last March when he featured in a T20 match in Bangladesh.
-
Indian Premier League
England batter Harry Brook withdraws from IPL following death of his grandmother
Brook pulled out of Englandâs five-Test tour to India before the squad flew out from their training camp in the United Arab Emirates.