The Ashes

Australia win final Ashes Test by an innings and 46 runs at The Oval

By Simon Sinclair, Reporter | 23 August 2015

Australia win the final Ashes Test of the series by an innings and 46 runs at The Oval to reduce the margin of their defeat in the series to 3-2 in England's favour.

Australia have won the final Ashes Test of the series by an innings and 46 runs at The Oval, leaving the scoreline for the summer at 3-2 in England's favour.

The Three Lions began the day at 203-6, needing over 100 runs to force Michael Clarke's men to bat again in the match.

Australia's Peter Siddle celebrates taking the final wicket of England's Moeen Ali as Australia wrap up the game on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at The Oval cricket ground in London, on August 23, 2015 © Getty Images

Mark Wood was the first Engand batsman to depart when he trapped in front of his stumps by Peter Siddle for six, while Jos Buttler's resistance was ended for 42 as he clipped a delivery from Mitchell Marsh into the hands of Mitchell Starc.

A rain delay halted Australia's charge at The Oval as play was brought to a halt for two hours. However, after the break, Siddle returned to snag the wicket of Stuart Broad for 11.

Australia's captain Michael Clarke receives a guard of honour from his Australia teammates as he leaves the field after Australia wrap up the game on the fourth day of the fifth Ashes cricket test match between England and Australia at The Oval cricket gr © Getty Images

Moeen Ali added quick runs at the bottom to give Alastair Cook's side hope of forcing Australia to bat again, but Siddle claimed the winning wicket when Ali edged behind to Peter Nevill for 35, giving the tourists a resounding victory.