England Beat Aus in 5th Test, Ashes Ends in Draw After 47 Years

England beat Australia by 135 runs in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval to draw the series 2-2.

Australia had already retained the urn as holder but was thwarted in its goal of a first outright series win in England in 18 years.

(Photo: AP)

England beat Australia by 135 runs in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval on Sunday, 15 September, to draw the series 2-2.

It's the first time an Ashes series has ended in a draw since 1972.

Australia had already retained the urn as holder but was thwarted in its goal of a first outright series win in England in 18 years after being dismissed for 263 in its second innings deep into the evening session on Day 4.

It’s the first time an Ashes series has ended in a draw since 1972.(Photo: AP)

Both teams had something to celebrate as Australia was later presented with the series trophy and the Ashes urn.

"We were excellent this week. Having lost the toss, to play as we did was fantastic. We drove the game all the time and got there in the end," England captain Joe Root said.

“Collectively we’ve shown a lot of character throughout the whole series. We were not always at our best, but we’ve fought really hard.”

Joe Root, England Captain

Steve Smith proved a formidable presence at No. 4 for Australia throughout the series but was caught by Ben Stokes at leg gully off pacer Stuart Broad for 23, by far his lowest score of the series.

Smith finished with 774 runs in the series in seven innings at an average of 110. The star batter received a standing ovation from England and Australia fans as he left the field on Sunday, a strong sign Smith has been forgiven after a ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal.

Steve Smith was caught by Ben Stokes at leg gully off pacer Stuart Broad for 23, by far his lowest score of the series.(Photo: AP)

Matthew Wade was Australia's top scorer with 117 after beginning to worry England as the visitors chased an unlikely winning target of 399. Wade was stumped off a delivery from Root.

Broad took 4-62 and spinner Jack Leach 4-49 for England.

Earlier, England resumed its second innings on 313-8 and was all out for 329.

"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," Australia captain Tim Paine said.

"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."

Australia won the first Test at Edgbaston by 251 runs, the next Test at Lord's was drawn before England drew level with a one-wicket win in a thrilling third Test at Headingley, which Smith missed. Australia won the fourth Test at Old Trafford by 185 runs.