Persistent rainfall at the ultimate day of the fourth Test averted any play, denying England the chance to degree the sequence with a possible victory in a fit that they had ruled.
The consequence ensured that Australia, being the present holders, retained the Ashes with a 2–1 lead, leaving only one fit last within the sequence at The Oval, starting up on Thursday.
Nevertheless, Australia perceive the importance of the impending Test in London, as they search to protected their first Ashes sequence triumph in England since 2001. The workforce stays totally thinking about their ambition to succeed in this ancient feat.
“It is a bit of a strange one,” Cummins informed newshounds. “As a group, proud we have retained the Ashes but it has not been our greatest week.”
The rapid bowler remarked, “The group we have now is quite similar to the one we had in 2019 when we managed to retain the Ashes in England with a 2-2 draw. Back then, we felt satisfied, but there was a lingering sense that we had not fully accomplished what we set out to achieve.”
“In some regards whatever happened today, it wouldn’t really change how we view next week — we want to win (the series).”
In their 2nd innings, Australia ended the day on 214/5, trailing England’s first-innings general of 592 by way of 61 runs. Marnus Labuschagne’s good knock of 111 on Saturday proved to be the most important in preserving the hosts at bay.
During the primary innings, England controlled to restrict the sector Test champions to 317 runs earlier than piling up an excellent general of 592 all out. Zak Crawley’s outstanding 189 and Jonny Bairstow’s unbeaten 99 had been vital individuals to England’s commanding rating.
Reflecting on his efficiency, Cummins admitted that he had no longer bowled neatly, evidenced by way of his go back of one–129 in 23 overs, which stands as the most costly spell in his Test occupation thus far.
Cummins additionally stated that England’s thrilling and competitive ‘Bazball’ batting taste had offered tactical demanding situations for him because the captain.
“We tried to throw a few plans at them and on another day they might have worked but, in all facets, we just weren’t at our best this week and they played really well,” mentioned Cummins, who added any Australia pleasure at having retained the Ashes can be “muted”.
We have change into a workforce that folks will take note: Stokes
Amidst the Ashes consequence, the England captain Ben Stokes expectantly asserted that his workforce would depart an enduring affect as a memorable and memorable facet, in spite of falling in need of profitable the sequence.
Under Stokes’ management and the steering of trainer Brendon McCullum, England skilled their first attract 17 Tests since their partnership started final 12 months. During this era, they initiated a vital transformation of their red-ball cricket method, hanging a powerful emphasis on entertaining the spectators, making sure an relaxing revel in for the paying public.
“It’s a tough one to take, a tough pill to swallow,” mentioned Stokes after a consequence that left England nonetheless on the lookout for a primary Ashes sequence win since 2015.
“But I think what we’ve managed to do has already done wonders for cricket in England. I said in the dressing room that the reward for your work isn’t what you get, it’s what you become.”
The all-rounder added: “I think what we’ve managed to become is a team that people will remember.
“As a lot as I would really like to be an Ashes-winning captain, I would like this to be a legacy workforce. Regardless of the way the sequence finally ends up, folks will at all times speak about us.”
With The Oval finale just around the corner, England have only a few days to regroup. However, Stokes emphasized the need to overcome the disappointment and shift their focus entirely to the upcoming game.
“It’s a large one for us and we all know 2-2 sounds significantly better than 3-1.”