Ashes 2023: England’s Potential 2-2 Draw Signals Remarkable Comeback – Agnew

Ashes 2023: Mark Wood Interjects in Ben Stokes’ Press Conference Featuring Barbie and Star Wars
Fifth LV Insurance Ashes Test: England vs Australia
Venue: The Kia Oval Date: Thursday, 27 July Time: 11:00 BST
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With nearly 400 Tests under my belt, I can confidently say every match counts.

Even though Australia secured the Ashes in Manchester last week, the fifth Test at The Oval, set for Thursday, is far from inconsequential.

For Australia, the stakes are clear.

They haven’t claimed a full series victory in England since 2001, and still ruminate over the final Test loss here four years ago – a result that led to a 2-2 draw in the 2019 series.

Australia’s motivation is evident.

Stokes Commends Anderson as the ‘Greatest of All Time’

England should be driven to halt Australia’s momentum but primarily, it’s about maintaining the successful run of the Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum era.

This series could, and should, be leveled at 2-2, if not for England’s errors in the initial two Tests.

Nevertheless, amidst the disappointment and vexation from last week’s Manchester washout, it’s vital to appreciate England’s progress under the guidance of Stokes and McCullum.

Anyone present during England’s crushing 4-0 Ashes defeat in Hobart 18 months ago wouldn’t have anticipated this level of competitiveness.

England appeared devastated then, weighed down by a gloomy mentality.

A 2-2 draw would be a spectacular recovery, solidifying the transformative efforts made by Stokes and McCullum in uplifting the team’s spirits.

On the contrary, a 3-1 loss would be disheartening.

England faces a challenging winter with Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, and Mark Wood geared up to defend the 50-over World Cup in autumn, before embarking on a five-Test series in India after Christmas.

This will be a daunting journey.

The line-up of lesser-known venues announced Tuesday – Hyderabad, Vizag, Rajkot, Ranchi, and Dharamsala – indicates extensive travel.

From my own experience touring India, I understand the crucial role team spirit plays.

However, if England performs well in London this week, they will eagerly anticipate the upcoming series, reside in a positive headspace, and most urgently, end this series with a score more reflective of the competition than a 3-1 defeat.

While England has indeed been a match for Australia, the historical records in Wisden won’t recall England’s missed opportunities in the first Test, the 188-1 stand at Lord’s or the rain in Manchester.

The record will simply indicate another win for Australia. But England still holds the power to dent Australia’s pride and walk away with something.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson have retained their spots in England’s bowling line-up for The Oval.

This may very well be the last Ashes Test where we witness Broad and Anderson playing together.

That Broad, aged 37, will conclude the series having participated in all five matches over seven weeks speaks volumes about his stamina.

Despite doubting his ability to last the previous home Ashes series four years ago, Broad has bagged an additional 133 wickets since then, including 18 in this series. His persistent performance reflects his insatiable hunger, fitness, and determination.

Broad’s future with the team seems secure, but Anderson’s role, who turns 41 on Saturday, is more uncertain.

England’s unchanged team selection for The Oval indicates faith in Anderson, yet his four wickets in the series raise concerns about his confidence.

Even a player of his calibre, boasting 689 Test wickets and 182 Tests, may struggle for form after a challenging period.

His recent performance hasn’t been poor, but he has lacked his typical vigour, impeded by unyielding pitches and absent swing or seam movement.

Many might have speculated this Test to be Anderson’s swan song. A retirement announcement would have earned him a tremendous farewell, reminiscent of Alastair Cook’s in 2018.

But Anderson has expressed his intention to continue, despite a lack of promising English pace bowlers waiting in the wings.

He’s making the most of his opportunity, keeping himself in the running like any other player.

Renowned Australian cricketer, Don Bradman, ended his career at The Oval in 1948 with a second-ball duck.

A farewell for Anderson here would have been fitting, but he’s aware that his career could end either in Rajkot or through non-selection against Sri Lanka next summer.

That’s the risk professional athletes undertake. Here’s to hoping he regains his form this week.

Australia has a significant challenge ahead, needing to recover from their severe setback in Manchester.

They may have scraped through with a draw, but their demoralized demeanor during the initial three days was evident.

Their ability to regroup will greatly shape our memory of this series.

Jonathan Agnew shared these thoughts with Sport News Center’s Matthew Henry.

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More about Ashes 2023

• Ashes 2023
• Ben Stokes’ cricketing career
• Brendon McCullum’s career highlights
• Details on the LV Insurance Ashes Test
• Stuart Broad and James Anderson’s Test history
• Overview of England cricket team’s upcoming schedule