08.24
The host England team beat the mighty Australian side by 197 runs in the 5th test held in Oval to clinch the Ashes series 2009 by 2-1. England, who batted first, was able to manage a decent total of 332 runs in first innings. Ian Bell who came at the fall of Cook, top scored for his side with his steady knock of 72 runs. Captain Andrew Strauss managed to score 55 runs and debutant Trott scored a vital 41 runs in the later part of their innings saw them post this total on the board. Peter Siddle did most of the damage by taking 4 wickets for 75 runs. Aussies began their first innings with a solid opening partnership of 73 runs from Watson (34 runs) and Katich (50 runs). Then the exit of Watson, Australians top and middle order fail to deliver good score as they were unable to answer the attack of Stuart Broad(5 wickets) and Graeme Swann( 4 wickets). Both those bowlers took the wickets at regular intervals that saw the Aussies post a meager total of 160 runs in their first innings.
With 172 runs lead on the board, England scored their runs quickly and declared their second inning at the score of 373 runs for the loss of 9 wickets. Trott played brilliantly in the second innings and top scored for England with 119 runs. Strauss and Swann managed to score 75 and 63 runs respectively. Chasing 546 runs, Australian top four batsmen put up decent scores with Australians looked pretty much comfortable on the driver seat with 327 runs for the loss of five wickets. This time Graeme Swann (4 wickets) along with Harmison (3 wickets) rattled the lower middle order and tail to dismiss the Aussies at the score of 348 runs. Michael Hussey alone provided the fight against England as he was finally dismissed at the score of 121 runs which made England triumph the match with 197 runs and clinch the 5- match Ashes series by 2-1. Stuart Broad was declared player of the match with Andrew Strauss and Michael Clarke shared the player of the series.