The Ashes Finale Kicks Off: England Shows Grit at The Oval

Well, what a start to the grand finale of the Ashes! The air at The Oval was absolutely buzzing, as you'd expect, for the opening day of the fifth and final Test. With Australia having already secured the urn, England was playing for pride, for a series draw, and honestly, just to give their fans something truly special to cheer about. And boy, did the first session deliver a rollercoaster of emotions!

After Pat Cummins, the Australian skipper, won the toss and opted to bowl first – a decision that always sends a little shiver down the spine of batting teams on a fresh pitch – England’s openers, Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley, strode out. It was a nervy beginning, to say the least. Duckett, unfortunately, didn't last long, snared by Josh Hazlewood for just two runs. And then, just when you thought things might stabilize, the talismanic Joe Root departed for a mere five, caught behind off a peach from Mitchell Starc. At 28-2, you could almost feel the collective sigh of disappointment ripple through the stands. It felt like another one of those mornings.

But this England side, under Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum, just doesn't know how to lie down, does it? Up stepped Zak Crawley, who, to be fair, has had his moments this series, good and bad. This time, however, he decided it was his moment to shine. He absolutely took the fight to the Australian bowlers, playing some incredibly audacious shots. His aggressive knock of 73 from just 76 balls, featuring nine boundaries and a six, really changed the whole complexion of the session. He played with a freedom that was genuinely infectious, pushing the run rate along beautifully.

Joining him in that vital partnership was the immensely talented Harry Brook. And honestly, watching Brook bat sometimes feels like poetry in motion. He was just magnificent, finding his rhythm quickly and effortlessly. He brought up his own half-century with a lovely sweep shot, reminding everyone just how naturally gifted he is. By the time the tea interval rolled around, he was still there, unbeaten on a brilliant 85, having faced 93 deliveries and striking ten fours and a six. What a display of composure and flair!

Their partnership was really the backbone of England’s recovery. They put on a crucial 111 runs together, which, let's be honest, pulled England right back into contention after that wobbly start. Crawley eventually fell, caught at slip off Todd Murphy’s bowling, a dismissal that brought Ben Stokes to the crease. Stokes, always looking to attack, tried to stamp his authority quickly but was eventually caught by Steve Smith off a Pat Cummins delivery for three runs, just before tea. A bit of a mixed bag for England, finishing the session at 211 for 3.

Looking at the team sheet, England made a couple of interesting changes. Mark Wood and Chris Woakes were brought back into the fold, adding some serious pace and seam movement. Sadly, Moeen Ali missed out due to a groin injury he picked up at Old Trafford, which is a real shame given his impact in recent games. James Anderson also made way, presumably for tactical reasons. All in all, it’s been a captivating first session, leaving us all eagerly anticipating what the final sessions of day one will bring. Will England push on and consolidate, or will Australia find a way back?