England’s tailenders clung on to draw the fourth Ashes Test in Sydney and end Australia’s hopes of a 5-0 whitewash.
After thumping defeats in the first three Tests, the tourists stopped the rot in the tensest possible fashion at the SCG as number 11 James Anderson fended off the last six balls of the match.
Anderson and Broad managed to survive at the end of the day for EnglandAFP
England were 270 for nine at the close, nowhere near a theoretical winning target of 388, but it restored some pride in an otherwise demoralising tour.
Zak Crawley had earlier made 77, while Ben Stokes hit 60 despite suffering with a side strain.
It was then down to the tailenders to see out the final overs of the day with Jack Leach making 26 from 34 balls.
Stokes made 60 despite struggling with a side injuryAFP
Stuart Broad lasted 35 deliveries, scoring eight not out, while Anderson came in to see off Steve Smith’s final over.
With one match left, England will be hoping to carry on that fight they showed in the fourth Test.
They will be without Jos Buttler for the final Test, though, as Joe Root confirmed he was flying home due to his finger injury.
“Jos Buttler is going to be going home,” Root said at the post-match presentation.
Australia were just one wicket away from going 4-0 up in the seriesGetty
“It’s quite a bad injury, so it’s a really disappointing shame for him and for the team but it’s part and parcel of playing Test cricket, sometimes you’ve got to take these things.
“And the way he stood up throughout the rest of the game having taken that and put in for the boys is testament to his character and how much he cares about playing for this team.”
