SOUL OF SPORT: The Ashes – and Stuart Broad’s England career – ends today with the hosts needing to win the Fifth Test to draw the series… Mail Sport’s ANDY HOOPER has captured the action and costumes that have so far were on display in the Oval
- Every week on Monday, our Soul of Sport series takes readers behind the scenes at top sporting events
- ANDY HOOPER was at the Oval to capture the action of the fifth Ashes Test between England and Australia
- His photographs capture the drama as England tried to secure star man Stuart Broad’s fairytale farewell
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Welcome back to the soul of sport. For our latest installment of the series, ANDY HOOPER traveled to the Oval to capture the best of the action from England’s fifth Ashes Test against Australia.
It has been a very memorable test Stuart Broad announced his imminent retirement from cricket after a stellar 17-year career.
In addition, Australia reached 135 without a loss on a rain-ravaged fourth day at the Oval – meaning they need a further 249 runs to complete their second-highest chase and take a first series win here since 2001.
But England will be hoping their retiring fast bowler can produce one last match-winning spell to split the series at 2-2 before joining Sky Sports as part of their cricket coverage team.
Our man ANDY HOOPER was there to capture the best moments on and off the pitch – including all the excellent dress-up costumes on display – at the Oval during the fifth Ashes Test series.
Stuart Broad (above) pictured in the evening light at the Oval during the 5th Test between England and Australia
A devoted cricket fan takes a risk by climbing onto a roof next to the Oval to get a good look at the action
A general view of the Oval – home of the Surrey County Cricket Club since it opened in 1845
Australian fans cheer Travis Heads as he waits to catch Chris Woakes on the border during the first day of the Fifth Test
Australia captain Patrick Cummings was sent back during the fifth test after suffering a black eye earlier at Lords
Joe Root produced a great one-handed catch to remove Marnus Labuschagne on nine during the second day
The Cricketers was based at 17 Kennington Oval – next to the Oval Cricket Ground and was known for its music
Unfortunately the Cricketers are now in a decline. However, you can still make out the words on the Cricketers pub sign
Barmy Army trumpeter Simon Finch, who has featured in the current Ashes series, works his magic
Fans make their way to their seats with large jugs of Pimms and a plastic cup full of beer during the fifth test
A young boy was seen picking up empty cups while trying to cash out the deposits after playing in the Ashes
A cricket fan was seen sitting alone taking it all in while smoking a cigarette in the Oval
The Australian players were seen checking the balls before battling England in the Fifth Test
Fans tend to get creative with their dressing up at the Ashes and the Oval was no different with fans dressed as Ziggy Stardust
Australia was not short of support as the designated Aussie area was packed with supporters wearing yellow caps
Cricket fans were spotted outside the ground at the Oval trying to catch a glimpse of the game despite not having a ticket
Cheering fans celebrated after England took a wicket in the fifth Test of the Ashes earlier this week
Artist Jocelyn Goldsworthy painted the oval landscape during a game between England and Australia
England were a close unit during the Fifth Test and had a build-up after Australia went out in the first inning.
The Australian supporters were in good shape and quickly signed for a four during their clash with the English
The 2023 Ashes will go down in history for these new fans who wore ‘It’s my fist visit’ badges during the test
England hero Ben Stokes looked somewhat apprehensive before play began on the first day of the fifth Test
Stuart Broad, soon to retire, took his seat as he waited to rejoin the field during play
George Ealham and Jonny Bairstow teamed up to knock out Australian Steve Smith on the second day but it was controversially not released
Broad, pictured with Anderson, was given a guard of honor on day four, the pair batting together one last time