No urn, but England have the last laugh in epic Ashes

The visitors retain the urn following the 2-2 result after a thrilling series ended with England’s 49-run victory at The Oval

- Ashish Magotra

It was the final day the series deserved. It was the final day England deserved. It was the final day Stuart Broad deserved. A 49-run win in the fifth and final Test allowed England to come back from 0-2 down to level the 2023 Ashes at 2-2. Fittingly, it was Broad who took the final two wickets, moving the ball away and baiting two left-handers as he usually does.

The reason the series has been so close is that neither team was able to dominate. They both had their moments; they both would edge ahead but then would be unable to finish things off. In every match, we have seen the same story repeat. It kept us enthralled; it kept us entertained; it kept us glued to our seats.

Australia started Day 5 in the driver's seat and were cruising at 126/0 wh Usman Khawaja copped a nasty blow to the helmet early in the 37th over. The umpires decided to change the ball, and with it England's fortune changed.

Australia lost 2/15 in 44 balls after the ball change and when Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed as well, England knew they were truly in this.

"It was absolutely wonderful, Woakes and Moeen set the tone unbelievably after the rain break," said Broad, who is retiring, after the win. "Once we got a couple we really began to believe. The crowd was so loud, we really jumped on the back of it."