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Live Reporting

Stephan Shemilt and James Gheerbrant

All times stated are UK

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  1. Post update

    And that's where we shall depart. With a match to spare, the home of the urn for the next two and half years has been decided.

    England have won the 2015 Ashes.

    Goodbye.

    Ashes urn
  2. Post update

    Scorecard
  3. Post update

    I don't think there's much else to say is there? Maybe one last look at the most important information..

  4. Get Involved

  5. Vote result

    2010-11 would have got it for me...

    Vote result
  6. Post update

  7. Post update

    Journalist Piers Morgan: "All the criticism about Alastair Cook has been denounced by victory. If you win you shut up the critics - critics like me who were very vociferous. I'm very pleased to be proved wrong. It's a magnificent victory for England.

    "I don't think today is the day to bang on about the KP debate. In a way that has been answered by England's victory.

    "Having said that it annoys me the way Pietersen was treated. This is a guy who won four Ashes series. So when it comes to him being a supposedly non-team payer it sticks in my gullet and his. He's 35 now. It will be difficult to see him getting back into the team."

  8. Post update

    And, when England win the Ashes, there's obviously one man that everyone needs to hear from...

  9. Post update

  10. Post update

    More from Clarke: "I started this game at six years at age but it's the right time. I have nothing but good memories - I've played with some great players and some great people. It's the right time for the team and I hope I have an opportunity to support the team through the tough times.

    "I remember receiving my baggie green from Warnie, but it's more the team's success that sticks out for me.

    "The 2005 Ashes is special for me - that introduced me to how hard Test cricket is. I took a massive risk to be fit for the World Cup, but it was worth it. Cooky said it really well, you go through so many ups and downs you cop a lot of smacks in the mouth."

  11. Captain's reaction

    More from Australia captain Michael Clarke on Sky Sports: "It's obviously a tough time. I'm extremely disappointed with losing the Ashes and how I've performed. England deserve so much credit - they outclassed us in this series and we need to learn from the way we performed.

    "About 7:30 last night I spoke to my beautiful wife and my best mate in Warnie [Shane Warne]. They both 100% supported my decision."

  12. Post update

    Alastair Cook

    Lots of the England players are on the outfield now, many of them with a beer in hand. They are meeting fans that remain inside the ground, signing autographs and posing for photos.

  13. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    JoElle: That awful moment when TMS goes off air and it's back to reality.

  14. Post update

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  16. Post update

    Graeme Swann

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "It is an incredible feeling to win the Ashes. It really is a goosebump moment. I like fast bowlers who are a little bit nuts and Mark Wood is crackers. I was quite vehement that England would win this Ashes and I saw that the batting line-up that Australia were bringing was so similar to 2005, when they really struggled against the swinging ball."

  17. Post update

  18. Post update

    Glenn McGrath

    Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special

    Michael Clarke

    "I was there when Michael Clarke made his debut in Bangalore. He has been a big player for a long, long time and his average of about 50 is exceptional at Test level. I think he's made the right decision - he's going out on his own terms. He's a very strong character and I think he'll get plenty of support at the Oval."

  19. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "Adil Rashid will go to the UAE and if they've any sense they'll play him there, but for the next match I don't think they'll change the team. There's no need and if it swings and seams, I think England will beat them again."

  20. Player reaction

    BBC Radio 5 live sports extra

    More from Mark Wood on BBC Test Match Special: "I can't quite believe it. The summer couldn't have gone any better for me. To miss out at Edgbaston and then to be back here and take the winning wicket is an incredible feeling, one I'll never forget.

    "I was still shaking in the dressing room half an hour later. Obviously I haven't played a lot because of my injury record but I don't really care, I've won the Ashes.

    I wouldn't say I've taken to Test cricket too easily, but today I was relaxed and I just tried to bang out good areas."

  21. Post update

  22. Player reaction

    Mark Wood

    England seamer Mark Wood on Sky Sports: "I don't remember much of taking that last wicket. That feeling when we were in the group... I think I got stood on about five times. I still have some ear ache from the shouting. It is not great being tee-total as there is champagne everywhere.

    "I never thought a year ago I would be in the side, let alone taking the final wicket to win it. I wanted to be myself a prove I was good enough. I think there is more to come."

  23. Post update

  24. Vote

    If you're eagle-eyed you will notice that you now have the opportunity for a little voting action. Is this England's best Ashes win of recent times? If not, there's a few options for you to go at.

  25. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    More from Root: "I put my form down to hard work, being very relentless in your practice, and doing the things you don't want to- you've got to face bowling in practice that whistles around your head. This is why you play the game, to be in the dressing room with the lads talking about all the hard work we've put in behind the scenes.

    "For Cooky to go through what he's gone through and still be as true a man as he is phenomenal for him. When you get beaten like at Lord's it obviously hurts a lot, but the beauty of that was that we had a break and we came back refreshed and we attacked that first morning at Edgbaston having lost the toss."

  26. Player reaction

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    More from Joe Root on BBC Test Match Special: "Its hard to put it into words - the way that this squad of players has come together and not relied on one or two individuals. We bowled them out for 60 when I was wearing the sweater and a few of the other lads are superstitious so I had to keep it on.

    "I think the credit goes to the bowlers - 20 wickets wins you Test matches, and fingers crossed our good catching can continue, because the fewer chances you need to create the better."

  27. Player reaction

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Alastair Cook

    England batsman Joe Root: "The way this squad has come together and all put in performances, it's just great to be part of this."

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    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I can completely understand Michael Clarke's emotions. It just hits you that you're not going to play this game that you've played since you were a kid. They arrived here as clear favourites and you question yourself as a captain - he's clearly had so many things in his mind. It wouldn't surprise me at the Oval if he got a few."

  30. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Steve Smith

    Paul Thompson: Let's enjoy this victory and celebrate a well deserved win. But Australia will be back with a vengeance and we must be ready!

  31. Post update

    More from Trevor Bayliss on TMS: "Edgbaston was a huge turnaround from the Lord's performance - the boys probably thought too much about the opposition, and these performances have been about what we do well.

    "We have got some things we've got to work on, but if they keep improving, the future is bright. Alastair Cook is a fantastic bloke and I thought his captaincy throughout these four Tests has been spot on.

    "He's been proactive rather than reactive. We'll enjoy this moment but we've got some hard work in front of us."

  32. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    England coach Trevor Bayliss on Test Match Special: "It's been a fantastic effort by the England players. I know how good these Australia players are.

    "All credit goes to the players and the people behind the scenes well before I got here. I just try to add things to what was there before and take the team to another level.

    "I just do things the way I've always done them. I say to the players 'Go out and play your own game' and that's something I try to stick to as a coach. "

  33. Post update

    Geoffrey Boycott

    Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

    "To be blunt, I'm surprised that Michael Clarke hasn't retired after this Test, because his batting is so poor. He hasn't played the short ball very well, and that's not going to get any easier for him at the Oval."

  34. Post update

    England coach Trevor Bayliss on Sky Sports: "Hairs on the back of the neck situation. It's a good feeling.

    "There's no mixed emotions. I won't gloat in front of these boys, I know them very well. But the feeling amongst our guys is fantastic. The England team should be very proud of their performance.

    "Cardiff gave the guys confidence for the matches going forward. At the start, there was nerves, but enough ability to get past that."

  35. Post update

    Vic Marks

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "I don't think I have ever been to a Test match where at 12.30 on the first day you thought it was over. Everything clicked for England. And to be fair, Stuart Broad has almost bowled better in the second innings than he did in the first."

  36. Post update

    Glenn McGrath

    Ex-Australia seamer on Not Just Cricket

    "There will be changes for The Oval. After this series they have Bangladesh, West Indies and New Zealand. There will be a few guys left out and a few careers finished. You live and die by your performances.

    "There is a bit of an issue with the young guys coming through. The guys who are here are the best in Australia. But this is an opportunity for young guys to play if they do well.

    "Pat Cummins and James Pattinson, Nathan Coulter-Nile but not a huge amount are putting their hands up."

  37. Post update

  38. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Michael Clarke

    Lucy Carter: Such a brave honest interview from Michael Clarke. Will be a privilege to see him in his final Test at the Oval.

    Sterling Sires, LTD: Huge well done to England Cricket, and huge respect to Michael Clarke what a top bloke!

    Andy Read: One of the most honest and frank post match interviews from Clarke. The only AUS captain I've ever liked. Top bloke.

  39. Post update

    Ian Bell
  40. Post update

    Joe Root is being interviewed wearing a mask and pretending to be Bob Willis. He's doing a voice and everything. He gets doused with champagne, complaining his unworn boxers are wet. Champagne in his eyes, he can't even open them.

  41. Post update

    Five-time Ashes winner Ian Bell: "It's amazing. Performances from the whole group have been incredible. This one is right up there.

    "The bowlers have set the tone and made it a lot easier for the batsmen. The dressing room has been as good as I've been involved in.

    "My batting feels like it's getting back in order, but the bowlers have been key."

  42. Post update

    Stuart Broad

    More from Stuart Broad: "We've had four different bowlers take five-fors in the last four innings. That's shown how we've dovetailed as a bowling unit. Bowling is all about partnerships and we've managed to create pressure as a group. I've never seen Ben Stokes bowl that well - he had the ball on a piece of string.

    "It's the first time we've really settled into a five-man attack since Freddie was around. The younger guys are leading the team through: the likes of Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, Finny.

    I was glued to the one-day series against New Zealand like everyone else and I think that excitement has continued through to the end of the summer. I hope we continue to play this style of cricket because it's entertaining the crowd."

  43. Post update

    Man of the match Stuart Broad: "It's been an amazing series so far, but we've got one game to go and we'll have to focus on that probably the day after tomorrow.

    "I wanted to bat so that probably shows why Cooky doesn't listen to me! The bowling unit got the ball on a full length on the first morning and the catching was incredible. A lot of credit goes to the batsman through this series - they've got scores that have allowed us to create pressure as a bowling unit."

  44. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Alastair Cook

    Jeff Whiteman: Alastair Cook showing his class as a leader - proud to be English!

    Jeffrey Yeung: Cook changed so much as a captain this series, completely outplayed his counterpart with bat and positive decisions making

    Paul Roberts: Alastair Cook on verge of crying shows what pressure he has been under. He had proved many people wrong, me included.

  45. Post update

    Alastair Cook and Michael Clarke

    Michael Clarke and Alastair Cook have just met, huge smiles and handshakes. Is that six series those guys have played against each other? Three each as captain?

  46. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "The 2013 series win was an efficient win, achieved through dry, arid, featureless cricket. This has had a lot more - this has had flair."

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  48. Post update

    More from Alastair Cook: "It will be strange going to the Oval and being nowhere near as nervous as we have been. We still want to give a good performance there but this has been an incredible three days.

    "The crowd here and at the other grounds have been amazing. Even walking down the street people have got involved and we thank them from the bottom our hearts."

  49. Post update

    Alastair Cook

    Huge and lasting applause for Alastair Cook as his achievement is read out to the Trent Bridge crowd. Before that, they were hanging on his every word.

  50. Post update

    Alastair Cook
  51. Post update

    England captain Alastair Cook: "I had to take a big step forward as captain. I am quite stubborn and it took a while. But ultimately you are only as good as the other 10 players.

    "Trevor Bayliss has only just turned up, so let's not give him too much credit! No, he's been brilliant, alongside Paul Farbrace, in giving us confidence."

  52. Post update

    More from Alastair Cook: "It all comes down to hard work. A lot of that work has been done over the last 18 months.

    "One person - Peter Moores, the amount of work he did with those players. You saw them growing into international players and this has been the finish to that, which Trevor Bayliss developed when he came in."

  53. Post update

    More from England captain Alastair Cook: "When you lose 5-0 there's big turnaround and a new side develops pretty quickly. There's a lot of talent and the guys have come in and done incredibly well.

    "Ben Stokes was fantastic with the skill and swing he produced in the second innings, Joe Root has gone from strength to strength, alongside Buttler, Ali, Wood and others. I am lucky to have senior players like Broady to step up, and the support from Jimmy too."

  54. Post update

    Michael Clarke

    Alastair Cook reacts to Clarke's retirement: "To Michael from the England team you were a fantastic player, fantastic leader. You should be remembered as a great captain."

  55. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Thomas Verghese: Touch of class ... Alistair Cook paying tribute to the contribution of Peter Moores.

    Jay: This is what happens when you shift focus from data to cricket. Especially with a cricket team.

    Jeremy Petty: Love Cook making sure 3 stumps went to Root Stokes and Wood. They're the future and Cook knows it.

  56. Post update

    Michael Clarke on his retirement: "There's no doubt I'll always hold myself accountable, my performances haven't been anywhere they need to be. I don't blame anyone in the changing room, but I haven't led from the front.

    "I started this great game at six years of age and I think it's the right time to walk away now to give Australia the time to prepare for the next Ashes series.

    "When I first came into the team I had 11 older brothers helping me get into a position where I can help the team and hopefully I've done that.

    "There's no doubt we'll bounce back - it will take a lot of hard work, but the potential is there and the work ethic is there. I'll keep the faith, that's for sure."

  57. Captain's reaction

    Australia captain Michael Clarke at the presentation: "Our goal was to come here and try and have some success. Alastair Cook and the England team deserve a lot of credit - they've shown us how to execute good swing and seam bowling. It's not for want of trying but the boys have been beaten by a better side..

    "England when they've had momentum have grabbed it with both hands and ran with it. James Anderson and Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes in this game showed what you need to do in games like this. Once you find the edge you need to hang on to those chances and England have done that really well."

  58. Post update

    Now Alastair Cook has a tear too! Not a dry eye in Nottingham!

  59. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Michael Clarke

    Sachin Mainkar: Saddened by the news of Michael Clarke's retirement. Remember the young man scoring 100s in both his first tests home and away.

    Phill Reynard: Happy we won! Feel sad for Michael Clarke though.

    Tameena Hussain: Clarke has given so much to the world of cricket, sad to see him bow out like this but that sadness short lived. England have won!

  60. Post update

    Mike Atherton and Michael Clarke

    Michael Clarke is emotional at the presentation, he's receiving a huge round of applause. Mike Atherton asks him if he would like to carry on. Clarke says he's "sick of crying on television". I've always been baffled as to why Clarke is widely derided in Australia.

  61. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    England bowler Stuart Broad on BBC Test Match Special: "To get 8-15 against Australia on my home ground, if I'd have written that script someone would have laughed at me.

    "I've stopped judging myself on the wickets I take as a bowler - you can bowl averagely and take wickets. Although I'd not taken wickets so far in the series I felt I was creating chances. It has been tough for Jimmy Anderson, but I think here's a glimmer of hope that he will be fit for The Oval.

    "Alastair Cook has been through some tough times, but he's a very private person, he can switch away from it. He has always had a very focused end goal, which is tome get England back to winning ways and get young guys in the team and show some flair. Cooky has stood up as a man and led from the front - he's a pleasure to play with, he's got such hunger for England to do well."

  62. Post update

    England assistant coach Paul Farbrace: "Every session seems to have been an absolute rollercoaster.

    "I'm so pleased for the lads because they took a real hit at Lord's and it was a very low dressing-room after that game, but the boys went away and regrouped.

    "I don't think anyone could have dreamt that would go to The Oval having won the series."

  63. Post update

  64. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Nathan Lyon

    Gavin: #Disgrace is trending in Australia.

  65. Post update

    Adam Lyth, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali

    The presentation is just about to begin. Most of the England players are hanging over the balcony, beer in hand.

  66. 2015 Ashes series

    1st Test: Cardiff - England win by 169 runs.

    2nd Test: Lord's - Australia win by 405 runs.

    3rd Test: Edgbaston - England win by eight wickets.

    4th Test: Trent Bridge - England win by an innings and 78 runs.

    England win 3-1 up with one Test to play.

  67. Captain's reaction

    Australia captain Michael Clarke on Sky Sports: "England deserve a lot of credit. They showed us how to execute good seam and swing bowling.

    "I will have one more Test and that is the end of my career. I am retiring from international cricket. I don't want to jump ship now so I will have one more go at The Oval.

    "You never want to walk a way but my performances over this series and recent months has not been acceptable to me. I pride myself on leading from the front. I tried my best, so did the boys, but we got beaten and now is the time for the next generation of players and captain to get ready for the next Ashes."

  68. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Em: Whooooooooooooooo-hooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Sue: YES! Well done England - never in doubt :-)

    Matt Swift We'll have our Urn back thanks.

  69. Post update

    Alastair Cook

    More from Alastair Cook on TMS: "Probably the darkest moment was Headingley last year, on day four against Sri Lanka.

    "But I've managed to hang in there and stick to the right principles to lead a team. We talked at the start of this summer about trying to show off our talent. We're known for being dogged, but we wanted to show we're skilful cricketers.

    "We absolutely nailed our slip catching on the Spain trip: we did an hour in the morning and an hour at night until our hands couldn't take any more.

    "Clarke has been a fantastic leader for Australia. He's had a tough series but he's a mighty fine leader and he should be very proud of what he's achieved."

  70. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    England captain Alastair Cook on BBC Test Match Special: "I said I wouldn't cry but maybe I might at some stage. Someone told us to watch the Ashes from behind the sofa.

    "From where we've been as a side over the last 18 months, we've stuck to what we believe was the right thing to do. The way the lads stepped up has been unbelievable. Trevor's come in and done a brilliant job.

    "I went to bed on the night of the game thinking 'Wouldn't it be nice if we won this game without stress?

  71. Post update

    In case you're wondering, the Ashes urn will not be presented today. We have to wait until The Oval for that. Not that England will mind. The way their party is already unfolding, they'd probably lose it.

  72. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Paddy Emmerson: Well done England regaining the Ashes. Special mention for Cook, proving me & several others wrong.

    Pitt The Blogger: Redemption for Alastair Cook after the humiliation of Sydney.

    bROCKerz: Great match - but how must T.Bayliss be feeling? - debt of gratitude owed to him for this series victory!

  73. Player reaction

    Alastair Cook

    England captain Alastair Cook speaking to Sky Sports: "It's unbelievable. I couldn't be happier. For what we've been through over the last 18 months, to play like we did has been fantastic. I'm so proud of this young team and the way they've taken this opportunity. A lot has happened behind the scenes, and we need to thank Peter Moores - we did make some strides under Mooresy. This is for you, Peter."

  74. Post update

    James Anderson on Sky Sports: "It was amazing. What a feeling going round the field. Stokes's performance in the second innings was incredible. I can't believe we've managed to achieve it."

  75. Post update

    Ben Stokes has grabbed a bottle of beer and necked it in one. Moeen Ali has had some bottles of cola delivered to the dressing room. James Anderson is spraying champagne all over the dressing room.

  76. Post update

    The England team

    Did anyone think this was possible? After the 5-0 whitewash and the Pietersen saga? After the pressure Cook was under? Or after Moores was sacked? It's been quite a journey for this England team.

  77. Post update

    Glenn McGrath

    Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special

    "It's not surprising that Michael Clarke is retiring. The team has been well beaten and he has had enough. He's a strong character and he wanted one last chance, but I don't think anyone predicted that Australia would play this badly."

  78. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "It's a weird feeling, you don't really realise it's happening. As captain, you don't sleep during an Ashes series, your mind works overtime, always thinking the worst. He's led England with a real style in this series. He has put England in the right frame of mind to deliver their skills. This feels so much better than 2013 - Australia were clear favourites, so this is an amazing achievement."

  79. Post update

    Mark Wood

    There is champagne and flutes lined up in the dressing room. Mark Wood is riding his imaginary horse. Jerusalem plays. These are wonderful moments for English cricket, so far removed from the depths of Sydney 18 months ago.

  80. Player reaction

    Ben Stokes

    England all-rounder Ben Stokes on Sky Sports: "It's absolutely surreal. From where I was last time, to be an Ashes winner is absolutely amazing. Everything clicked for me in that innings, but everyone in the whole XI has put their hand and delivered a match-winning performance."

  81. Post update

    England players celebrate

    Wonderful scene at Trent Bridge. England are on a lap of honour to the tune of Rule Britannia, then Land of Hope and Glory. James Anderson is out there, every spectator is on their feet. On the balcony, Paul Farbrace and Trevor Bayliss have a celebratory sports drink and are congratulated by ECB chief exec Tom Harrison.

  82. Michael Clarke retires from international cricket

    Almost before Nathan Lyon's bails hit the floor, Cricket Australia confirmed the news that we knew was coming. Michael Clarke is retiring from international cricket after The Oval. Could that not have waited an hour or two?

  83. Final scorecard

    England win by and innings and 78 runs

    Australia: 253 (Warner 64, Stokes 6-36) and 60 (Broad 8-15)

    England: 391-9 dec (Root 130, Bairstow 74, Starc 6-111)

    Second innings fall of wickets: 113-1 (Rogers 52), 130-2 (Warner 64), 136-3 (Marsh 2), 136-4 (Smith 5), 174-5 (Clarke 13), 224-6 (Nevill 17), 236-7 (Johnson 5), 242-8 (Starc 0), 243-9 (Hazlewood 0), 253-10 (Lyon 4)

    Bowling figures: Broad 16-5-36-1, Wood 17.4-3-69-3, Finn 12-4-42-0, Stokes 21-8-36-6, Moeen 6-0-34-0

    Full scorecard

  84. Post update

    The England players are up in the dressing room, but Cook and Stokes are immediately back out speaking to the media. There are flags on the outfield, ready for the presentation. The Trent Bridge crowd is buzzing with noise, rubbing eyes with disbelief that they have just witnessed an Ashes win.

  85. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    koffs: YEEHAH!!! What a brilliant match - WE WON. WE WON THE ASHES!!

    Steven Osborne: I wish I knew an Australian.

    Chris Merrick: MBEs all round

  86. Post update

    A lovely moment for Wood, a man few would have thought would be in this team at the start of the year. Lyon was down on his haunches, devastated. Stokes had a stump over his shoulders, looking to the sky in delight.

  87. England regain the Ashes

    England players celebrate

    Wood is mobbed, Trent Bridge erupts. Alastair Cook, so often unmoved, looks emotional as he removes his cap and shakes hands with the Australians. He leads his men off the pitch, greeting the Australia team that have come down the stairs.

  88. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Who would have thought it before the ball was bowled in the first Test? This was not anticipated by an means, not least with a Test match to go. England are a team, and they have shown that: this was all about team spirit and team unity."

  89. England regain the Ashes

    England win
  90. England win by an innings and 78 runs

    Lyon b Wood 4 (Aus 253 all out)

    Mark Wood

    Bowled him! Nathan Lyon drags on and England have regained the Ashes! 18 months after being whitewashed down under, England have won back the urn and extracted revenge. Let the celebrations begin!

  91. Post update

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "The last time England won a home Ashes Test by an innings was at the Oval in 1985. They have won four by an innings in Australia since then."

  92. Aus 248-9

    Lyon, though, is no number 11 mug. He's got more runs than Shaun Marsh in this match. He watches a few deliveries go by when Stokes gets too wide. Stokes is cross with himself, he's wasted an opportunity for his moment of history. Everyone wants to take that final, Ashes-sealing wicket.

  93. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "It seems odd that Broad hasn't had a bowl. He has taken nine wickets to set up the win, and he hasn't had a bowl at the last batsmen. It's like being declared on on 98."

  94. Aus 248-9

    Sunshine at TB now, as if the warm stuff is coming in time for an England win. Still Stokes to put Lyon through some more torture. Is batting at number 11 when the rest of the team has failed, when the game is gone and the situation is hopeless the most cruel job in sport?

  95. Post update

    Tom Fordyce

    Chief sports writer at Trent Bridge

    Only shame about Wood taking out Hazlewood's middle stump to leave Aus 243-9 is that it wasn't a wicket later. Perfect way to win an Ashes.

  96. Aus 248-9 (Eng need 1 wicket)

    England players celebrate

    Smiles on the faces of all the England fielders. What a great feeling it must be knowing you are on the verge of an Ashes victory, one that very few backed you to pull off. Songs in the crowd, spectators living an 'I was there' moment. Adam Voges, by the way, has survived more deliveries than the whole Australia team managed in the first innings.

  97. Post update

    Jonathan Agnew

    BBC Test Match Special

    "Ben Stokes has swung the ball prodigiously both ways at a good speed. We've talked about his consistency, but he has been brilliantly consistent in this match."

  98. Aus 244-9 (Eng need 1 wicket)

    Somehow Nathan Lyon survives three deliveries from Ben Stokes, the last one an in-swinger that misses off stump by a coat of varnish. Every ball an event here now, each one loaded with potential for history. At a gloomy Trent Bridge, the English are bouncing and the Australians are on the floor.

  99. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Justin Twell: I can hear the fat lady warming up those vocal cords, she'll be singing loud and proud.

    Ben Stephenson: Hazlewood.........gonnnnnnnnnne!

    Tim Kingston: Stokes could get 7 here! Man of the Match award not necessarily sewn up.

  100. 50 for Adam Voges

    Aus 244-9

    Before the England party is some very warm applause for an Adam Voges 50, perhaps from some Notts fans who remember the good work he has done for them. It's been a three-hour battle, one that might just keep him in the team.

  101. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    England players celebrate

    "It's a special moment. England have come through a lot. The performance levels in Barbados were so poor, there was all sorts going on around the team. I think Andrew Strauss deserves a mention, he has brought real clarity to the team."

  102. Aus 243-9 (Eng need 1 wicket)

    Nathan Lyon is the last man pushed out of the door, the fading hopes of Australia on his shoulders. Ben Stokes still has the ball. Every delivery from now could be the one that regains the Ashes...

  103. Post update

    Jim Maxwell

    BBC Test Match Special

    "This is where England are so good in their own conditions. It doesn't matter how old the ball is, they are able to swing it. It's a great skill, and one that is bringing Australia very quickly unstuck."

  104. WICKET

    Hazlewood b Wood 0 (Aus 243-9)

    Josh Hazlewood

    Bowled him! Mark Wood flattens Josh Hazlewood's middle stump with a killer in-swinging yorker, sending bits of timber to all corners of Trent Bridge. England are on the brink here, one wicket away from a fourth successive home Ashes victory. Get ready for the party.

  105. Post update

    Andrew Samson

    BBC Test Match Special statistician

    "England are the first team to have four different bowlers take six wickets in four consecutive innings. James Anderson and Steven Finn did it at Edgbaston, and Stuart Broad and Ben Stokes here."

  106. Aus 242-8 (trail by 89 runs)

    Ben Stokes

    TB hums with excitement, the sort of anticipation you have getting ready for a big night out. You know, dancing round the bedroom to the Divinyls, singing into a hairbrush before you hit the town. The whole ground cheers Ben Stokes to the wicket, with the Durham all-rounder responding by whipping the ball past a bewildered Josh Hazlewood. Big in-swinger beats the inside-edge, big away-swinger beats the outside edge. The Australia number 10 as confused as anyone to how he's survived that over.

  107. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Michael Godsmark: One down, Two to go!

    James Reynolds: That didn't take long.

    Seb C: Just had a bloke opposite me on the overground yelling 'yes' as Stokes strikes again.

  108. Aus 242-8 (Eng need 2 wickets)

    Josh Hazlewood is the new man, the latest Australian asked to bail water out of the sinking ship. Michael Clarke sits on the balcony, set for his fourth Ashes defeat in the UK and fifth in total. Mark Wood keeps whipping the ball past Adam Voges' outside edge, arcing out-swingers in the high-80s. It would be helpful to have a bat as wide as a door.

  109. WICKET

    Starc c Bell b Stokes 0 (Aus 242-8)

    Ian Bell

    England are one step closer to Ashes glory and it's that man Ben Stokes once more. An out-swinger to Mitchell Starc, an edge, Ian Bell doing the rest at second slip. It is a dismissal we have seen so often from the Aussies in this match, they will have nightmares about edging the ball. Ben Stokes has six-for, the fourth in an as many innings from four different England bowlers. 6-35 his best figures in Test cricket.

  110. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Jez Harvey: If/when England win, we draw level over all with Australia in the Ashes. 32 wins, 32 loses, five draws, each.

  111. Aus 242-7

    Alastair Cook

    I'm told that Alastair Cook will become only the third England captain to win two home Ashes series. The other two? WG Grace and Mike Brearley. Cook is set to join two greats of the English game. How likely did that seem last summer, when he was on the brink of the sack? Or when he was axed as one-day skipper? Or even at the start of this summer, when Joe Root was being anointed as his successor?

  112. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I like what Cook is doing here. He's saying to a young bowler, Mark Wood, 'Get yourself a couple of wickets. Bowl the ball that wins England the Ashes.' It's a real good bit of man management."

  113. Aus 242-7 (trail by 89)

    The Australia top brass are on the balcony. Coach Darren Lehmann, vice-captain (future captain?) Steve Smith. There's not a smile between them. They are watching out of duty, rather than enjoyment, like being at a funeral. Wood strives to the creases, still shaping the ball away from right-hander Voges and towards the slips. Voges only playing when totally necessary. Another maiden.

  114. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Nick Cutts: I'll say it'll be over by 12.01.

    Rob Terrace: At work at 1230. Got to leave at 1200. Lets finish this...

    Daniel Budhi: ‏Tuning into the cricket! Hopefully all will be over before 12:45 so I can flick over to the start of the Premier League season.

  115. Aus 242-7 (Eng need 3 wickets)

    Ben Stokes, the day-two hero, shares morning duties. This ball, 63 overs old, is perfectly shiny on one side, so continues to hoop round corners. Stokes takes it away from the left-handed Starc, but not quite straight enough to make the batsman play. Trent Bridge is already buzzing, a huge rattle of applause for a maiden over.

  116. Post update

    Sam Sheringham

    BBC Sport at Trent Bridge

    It's not out of the question that the Trent Bridge crowd could see England win the Ashes - for free. If there are fewer than 10 overs bowled they will be entitled to a full refund. If there are fewer than 25 overs, they will get 50% back.

  117. Aus 242-7 (trail by 89)

    Australia somehow need to eke out 90 runs just to make England bat again. Starc takes a leg bye off his backside for the first of them. Wood is cheered to the wicket, big chants of "oooohhhhh". There's swing, just as there was last night, but Adam Voges watches the ball goes by. Pretty much all of Australia's final hopes rest on his shoulders.

  118. Post update

    BBC Radio Test Match Special

    Contrasting thoughts on whether we will be back at Trent Bridge tomorrow...

    Former England spinner Vic Marks: "The only way we will be here tomorrow is if the celebrations are excessive."

    Ex-Australia seamer Glenn McGrath: "You never know. I'm hoping the boys can out a fight up and at least get England out here to bat again."

  119. Aus 241-7

    Mark Wood has the ball, Mitchell Starc on strike. England need three wickets to win the Ashes. Play.

  120. Post update

    Michael Vaughan

    Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

    "I've sensed throughout the series that Clarke was coming to an end. His dismissals have been poor. His mind is somewhere else. Quality players don't have that many failures. His mind is not on that red ball. He has probably been thinking of this. When you retire you breathe and are relieved it is over. This is not the Michael Clarke I have known from previous series."

  121. Post update

    Jim Maxwell

    BBC Test Match Special

    Shane Warne and Michael Clarke

    "Given all the circumstances, it is my understanding Michael Clarke has a chat to one or two prominent former players on how to make a dignified exit from the game. There are always recriminations after losing the Ashes so why not go out at the Oval instead of waiting for the sword to fall? I sense this is what will occur. Ricky Ponting said this morning that as much as eight of this touring party would not play for Australia again."

  122. Post update

    Alastair Cook

    What a scene this is at Trent Bridge. Has there even been a more perfect time for Jerusalem to play? England emerge to a standing ovation. Hairs on the back of the neck stuff.

    I can't think of another time when such an Ashes party was in full swing, when victory seemed so close.

  123. Post update

    Glenn McGrath

    Ex-Australia seamer on BBC Test Match Special

    Michael Clarke and Rod Marsh

    "Michael Clarke will go on his own terms. He is a strong character. He wanted to try and win the Ashes for the first time in England in his career but that is not going to happen."

  124. Post update

    I remember 2005, the first England Ashes win I experienced, cricketing friends of mine were wishing me a 'Happy Ashes'. Is there a niche in the market for some of greetings card? Maybe gifts should be exchanged? What would a card look like? What present would like to give/receive?

  125. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Patrick Smith: Is anyone running a sweep on what time we'll win the Ashes? I'll go for 11:43am

  126. Post update

    Thanks, James. Who's ready to win the Ashes?

  127. Post update

    Time for me to hand over to Stephan Shemilt to take you through the first, and possibly only session of the day...

  128. Start-of-play scorecard

    Australia 241-7 and 60 all out - trail by 90 runs

    Not out batsmen: Voges 48, Starc 0

    Fall of wickets: 113-1 (Rogers 52), 130-2 (Warner 64), 136-3 (Marsh 2), 136-4 (Smith 5), 174-5 (Clarke 13), 224-6 (Nevill 17), 236-7 (Johnson 5)

    Bowling figures: Broad 16-5-36-1, Wood 12.2-0-63-1, Finn 12-4-42-0, Stokes 16-4-35-5, Moeen 6-0-34-0

    England first innings: 391-9 dec (Root 130, Bairstow 74, Moeen 38, Starc 6-111)

    Full scorecard

  129. Post update

  130. 'There's still a job to do'

    England fast bowler Mark Wood on Sky Sports: "We know there is still a job to do. As a collective, we're in a good place and everyone is willing each other to do well.

    "I was nervous before this game. Jimmy's shoes were big to fill, but I had to be myself. I had the freedom of knowing my ankle is in a good place.

    "I was trying my best not give any width. That clarity of thought made me very clear about my game plan."

  131. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Ben Gordon: Up early in Chile for this historic day. Cook et al to claim the urn before cucumber sandwiches.

    Alexander Kemp: Really enjoying the cricket build up I can feel the English summer drift over the airwaves to Munich.

    JoElle: 2.40am. Here we go again.

  132. Home advantage

    Here's another question for you to ponder - is home advantage becoming too much of an advantage in Test cricket?

    It's now 14 years since Australia last won an Ashes series in England, while England have only triumphed Down Under once in the last 28 years.

    England have been able to prepare green, seam-friendly wickets to suit their pace attack and quell the effectiveness of those bruising Aussie batsmen, and no doubt plans are already afoot in Oz to ready fast bouncy pitches for the two Mitches. Are home comforts becoming too important?

  133. Post update

  134. Post update

    Vic Marks

    Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

    "It is not a captaincy issue, it is a run issue. If you are the captain of a losing team and not scoring runs it becomes an issue. But Clarke is not scoring runs. The Oval looks like being his last Test match but that cannot hide the fact that he has been a magnificent Test player and captain."

  135. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    jackknife♠: All English bowlers have stepped up in various innings and Moeen Ali has been a dark horse batting.

    Kevin Wright: Ali is underrated he is doing to the the Aussies what Haddin always did to us brilliant player.

    Jk: Where has the series been won and lost? Two words. Broad & Finn. Two different spells, two different tests, same level of BRILLIANCE!

  136. Fast and furious

    David Warner bats

    So what's happened to Test cricket then? We're four Tests in to this series and we've yet to see a match get past the fourth evening. We've barely scraped past two days in the last two matches.

    Has the fifth day become an anachronism? Are we ever going to see a draw again? Is Test cricket stuck on fast-forward?

    Our chief sports writer Tom Fordyce had a go at answering some of those thorny questions in this piece.

  137. Join the debate at #bbccricket

    Stephen Robb: After extraordinary last two days, we shouldn't be blasé about the small matter today of ENGLAND WINNING THE ASHES!

    Scott Pengelly: Best day of the year. England win the Ashes and the premier league is finally back.

    David Barnett: If (when?!) England win the Ashes back today that's five out of the last seven series despite winning fewer test matches (13 vs Aus 14).

  138. Post update

    Glenn McGrath

    Ex-Australia seamer on Not Just Cricket

    Michael Clarke

    "Michael Clarke will be disappointed, especially with his own performances. The buck will stop with him.

    "I thought he was gone when he was last injured but he came back. He has a good work ethic. But he needs to be scoring runs."

  139. Aussie weak spots

    Where has it all gone wrong for Australia? They looked to coming into this series on a formidable hot streak, having won the World Cup and dispatched India and West Indies with ease in their last two Test series.

    But things have unravelled. Steve Smith, the world's number one batsman, hasn't lived up to his reputation. Michael Clarke has looked a shadow of his former self. The much-vaunted pace attack, in particular Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Johnson, has struggled. And even Darren Lehmann's relaxed brand of coaching, so highly praised during the last Ashes tour, has lost its lustre.

    But I reckon one of the biggest setbacks for Australia happened on the eve of this series. The loss of Ryan Harris, the one proven Aussie paceman on English wickets, was a huge blow to their hopes of hanging on to the urn.

  140. Post update

    Sam Sheringham

    BBC Sport at Trent Bridge