AUSTRALIA has retained the Ashes urn after an enthralling overseas series not short of flash points. With both sides winning two matches apiece, the equal ledger means no side has won an away Ashes since Andrew Strauss‘ English side of 2011/12. Australia has failed to do so since 2001.

As the dust settles on England’s fifth Test victory at The Oval, it is time to look back at the series that was by highlighting the key themes, moments, and rivalries which defined one of the tightest cricketing battles in history – no less, in this format.

THE SPIRIT OF CRICKET

Things turned nasty when Alex Carey unceremoniously stumped a wandering Jonny Bairstow in the second Test at Lord’s. English fans, coaches, and players alike cried foul at the act, and it served as the most significant flash point throughout the five matches.

It all unravelled from there; spawning on-field moments like the controversial ball change in game five, Ben Stokes‘ side surrounding umpires after unsuccessfully reviewing a catch he knew he dropped, and the English side opting against joining their counterparts for customary post-series drinks.

Off-field, members of the usually placid Lord’s members pavilion were banned for the reception they gave the Australian team. Even the tourists’ tactics and ‘boring’ style were brought into question, as running against the spirit of cricket. The only thing missing was a Mankad.

CLUTCH CAPTAIN PAT

It is easy to forget in the whirlwind of England’s last three performances that Australia took a 2-0 lead in the series. Both wins weren’t without elements of luck, as England continually shot themselves in the foot, though few could question the skill involved in Pat Cummins‘ match-winning game one innings.

The often maligned touring captain teamed up with number 10 Nathan Lyon to get Australia over the line at Edgbaston, combining for 55 runs and finishing on an unbeaten 44. The thrilling two-wicket win momentarily proved Pat’s captaincy credentials too, until short memories began to create doubt.

FAREWELL, OLD FOE

England farewelled one of its greatest ever cricketers at The Oval, and Australia also saw the back of one of its most formidable foes. After bringing up his 600th Test wicket at Old Trafford, legendary bowler and Ashes pantomime villain Stuart Broad waved Test cricket goodbye.

He made the announcement on day four, where he walked out to bat alongside long-time partner in crime James Anderson. It allowed ample time to put together tributes fitting of the player, before England mustered up a victory on day five.

Broad ended on top, taking 22 wickets for the series at 28 as the leader of England’s attack. He also added spice to the contest, particularly after the Bairstow incident. David Warner will be happy to see the last of him, having been dismissed by the Englishman 17 times in Tests.

Not to be forgotten, allrounder Moeen Ali also announced his retirement from Test cricket overnight. The allrounder made an unlikely return to the format after answering Stokes’ call before the series, in the wake of an injury to frontline spinner Jack Leach.

THE LONG WAIT CONTINUES

Australia’s wait for another overseas Ashes series victory continues. Despite going 2-0 up in the series and boasting some future greats of the game throughout their XI, the tourists failed to repeat the feat last achieved by Australia’s mighty 2001 side.

It likely means another long wait is in store, with many members of the 2023 squad either already in their peak or nearing the latter stages of their careers. There are arguably few players who played significant roles in each Test this year, that will tour again next time in a side which has ultimately proven to be very good, but not great.

CATCHES WIN MATCHES

The juxtaposition of styles between either side can be observed in each wicketkeeper. On one hand, Australia has a slick gloveman in Carey who hardly made a mistake throughout the series, while England’s Bairstow struggled behind the stumps at times but found his grove with the bat.

Bairstow vehemently defended his efforts with the gloves, which admittedly got better as he took a few screamers in the latter Tests. Carey had a couple of rare drops but was overall sound, and showed promise in the middle-to-lower order despite few batting breakthroughs.

In the two losing Tests, England dropped some gettable chances and the same could be said for Australia when things began to unravel. There were a couple of key calls too, with Mitchell Starc controlling a catch along the turf and Stokes dropping one in celebration at The Oval.

WOAKES, WOOD, WIN

If Mark Wood and Chris Woakes had played from the start, could England have won the series 4-0? It’s a question the home side may live to rue, given just how impactful the two seamers were upon entering the side at Leeds. They completely turned proceedings around.

Wood shook up the Aussie batters with genuine pace and some short stuff, while the often overlooked and outperformed Woakes showcased his enormous skill in English conditions. The former ended up with 14 wickets and some crucial quick runs, while the latter picked up 19 poles.

LYON REALLY IS THE GOAT

One of the understatements of the series says that Australia missed Nathan Lyon in the final three Tests, after he severely injured his hamstring at Lord’s.

The prolific spinner, who had played 100-consecutive Tests to that point, has been a pillar of Australia’s bowling unit and his reliability was difficult to replicate.

Australia ultimately failed to do so, especially when opting against picking a spinner for one match, but should have a capable replacement in the offing in Todd Murphy.

A MARATHON OF SPRINTS

We can conclude that Bazball does indeed work, though it also cost England the series. Having gifted Australia ample opportunity to win in each Test, the hosts paid the price of wielding a double-edged sword and were unable to win back the Ashes.

England’s ability to accelerate the game and maintain a ridiculous pace made for good viewing, and some poor moments – like the bizarre first innings declaration at Edgbaston. It was a style in stark comparison to the more patient Aussies, who often got bogged down but benefitted from playing more proactive cricket in spurts.

At the end of the day, no one won and we’re arguably none the wiser.