NOTTINGHAM – England ripped out the last three Australia wickets for 12 runs to win the fourth cricket Test by a crushing innings and 78 runs and regain the Ashes at a euphoric Trent Bridge on Saturday.
Ben Stokes had Mitchell Starc caught by Ian Bell at second slip for nought and Mark Wood bowled Josh Hazlewood for a duck.
Wood produced another ferocious full-pitched delivery to shatter Nathan Lyon’s stumps for four and complete the rout, sparking wild celebrations on the pitch and around the ground.
The England players celebrated in a huddle before going on a lap of honour to strains of Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory as the crowd basked in the sunshine.
“It’s unbelievable. I couldn’t be happier,” England captain Alastair Cook told reporters.
England were whitewashed 5-0 in the last Ashes series in Australia in 2013-14 and the touring side had been strong favourites to retain the famous urn.
“For what we’ve been through over the last 18 months, to play like we did has been fantastic,” Cook said.
“I’m so proud of this young team and the way they’ve taken this opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Australia captain announced he would retire after the final Ashes Test.
“I want to play the last Test at The Oval and give it one more crack. The time is right,” the 34-year-old said.
“You never want to walk away. My performances over the past 12 months have not been acceptable to me. Test cricket is about the Ashes. We tried our best, I certainly tried my best but we got outplayed.” (Reuters)
