Going into the game, Australia had nothing to lose as they have already retained the urn but the visitors were certain to finish on a high.
Batting first, England were bamboozled by Mitch Marsh’s fifer and made 294, thanks to Buttler’s 70 and Root’s 57. England bounced back with some excellence from their bowlers especially, their man Jofra Archer who bagged six wickets for the second time in the series.
Once again, it was Smith for Australia who top-scored with 80 and Labuschagne had 48 to his name.
In return, Denly led from the front with 94 and he was well-supported by the middle-order. For Australia, Nathan Lyon took four wickets.
Chasing 399, Australia needed resistance from their top-order but once again, David Warner and Marcus Harris disappointed. Australia’s only hope was Steve Smith but for the first time in the series, Smith got out for just 23. England knew they had the match from thereon.
A timely hundred from Wade took Australia close but he had no support from the other end as all the lower order batters failed to convert the starts.
Both Broad and Leach grabbed four wickets for England to give them the Test match as Australia managed only 263.
Australia and England now have 56 points each and stays 4 and 5 in the table of World Test Championship.
Vale, Professor Deano | Dean Jones