Victory bucketlist moment for Smith

MANCHESTER: Batsman Steve Smith said retaining the Ashes in England was one to tick off his bucket list after Australia beat its traditional rival by 185 runs to win the fourth test at Old Trafford yesterday.

England battled tenaciously to try to force an unlikely draw on the final day but Australia eventually bowled the home side out for 197 to take a 21 lead to The Oval and ensure that even a series draw would mean it retains the urn.

Former captain Smith, who has endured boos from the home crowds for his role in last year’s balltampering scandal but has responded by piling up 671 runs in five innings, said it was truly special to retain the Ashes in England, something Australia had not done for 18 years.

‘‘It feels amazing to know the urn is coming home,’’ he told Sky Sports as the celebrations continued around him.

‘‘I’ve been here a few times where things haven’t quite gone our way. We haven’t performed to the best of our ability in ’13 and ’15 but it was always one I wanted to tick off my bucket list to get the

urn over here.’’

Australia’s attack toiled long and hard all day after England had begun the day 18 for two chasing an unlikely 383 to win.

A stubborn ninthwicket stand between Jack Leach and Craig Overton offered England faint hopes of surviving but parttime spinner Marnus Labuschagne removed Leach before Overton was trapped lbw by Josh Hazlewood.

‘‘The boys were getting a bit tired out there but at the start of the day we thought we would have our eight chances and it proved to be the way. England fought incredibly hard and Overton was exceptional and showed great courage,’’ Smith said.

Australia captain Tim Paine said it had been an emotional triumph, especially after England had snatched victory from the jaws of defeat in the third test at Headingley.

‘‘The amount of work to retain the Ashes has been enormous and I’m really proud of this group and how we bounced back from Headingley,’’ he said.

‘‘The atmosphere at every ground has been unbelievable. The noise they make here and the passion they have for cricket makes this moment all the more special. We’re thrilled. This is what we came here to do.’’

‘England skipper Joe Root said he was proud of his team despite now not being able to win back the Ashes.

‘‘Another great test match, but it’s bitterly disappointing,’’ he said. ‘‘From today’s point of view, I am really proud.’’ — Reuters