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England put up a courageous effort on the final day of the forth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and managed to clinch a draw in order to avoid a humiliating whitewash in the five-match Ashes Test series.
A victory would have made things sweeter and perhaps a bit more pleasant for Joe Root’s men but considering the context of the game, a draw is nothing less than a victory for the English side. A resilient batting display produced by the English tail-enders helped their side in finishing the penultimate Test match on 270, while they were asked to chas a formidable total of 388 runs.
Anderson against Smith
Ultimately it all came down to England pacer James Anderson and his partner Stuart Broad batting at the other end. The last over of the day saw Aussie spinner Steve Smith produce all his weapons from his arsenal but in the end Anderson managed to stay not out.
Jonny Bairstow and all-rounder Ben Stokes played a crucial part in clinching the draw. Stokes scored 60 off 123 deliveries and Bairstow was dismissed after scoring 41 runs.
Root mentioned their fearless batting efforts after the match. He also talked about the injury concern of Jos Buttler who suffered a finger injury.
“Jos Buttler is going home after this game, it’s quite a bad injury. Real disappointment and shame to not have him at Hobart. The way he stood up for the team shows his character,” England skipper said after the match.
“Bairstow and Stokes were outstanding. Number of guys have had difficult injuries.”
'Difficult tour'
Root conceded that the ongoing Ashes Test series has been a difficult tour for the English team but he was proud of his team’s determination and character.
“It was really important (to play this sort of a gem). Has been a difficult tour. Tough at times but one thing I am proud of is the determination and character of the team and find way to get a draw out of this game. I said after the last game try and put some pride in the badge and give something for the blokes back home to take,” he added.
