Matthew Wade's defiant century proved in vain as England won the final Ashes test by 135 runs, and ensure the first drawn Ashes series since 1972.
Wade had looked set to take the match into the final day but he was dismissed for 117 and England grabbed the last two wickets in quick succession to level the series at 2-2.
England had appeared to be on course for a comfortable triumph when they dismissed Steve Smith for 23 just after lunch, but Wade dug in to post his fourth test century and Australia fell short in their bid for a first test series win in England since 2001.
"I thought we were brilliant," England captain Joe Root said. "To bounce back from a very difficult emotional week, to come and play in the manner we have, the team has character in abundance."
Australia, chasing a stiff target of 399, lost the wickets of Marcus Harris, David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne in the morning after England had added 16 runs to their overnight score of 313/8.
Stuart Broad bowled Harris for nine, and Warner’s miserable series was completed when he edged Broad to Rory Burns at third slip for 11.
The in-form Labuschagne, on 14, was drawn forward by a flighted delivery from spinner Jack Leach and wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow whipped off the bails with the right-hander narrowly out of his crease.
Australia headed into the lunch break at 68/3, and their victory chances plummeted further with Smith's dismissal.
The prolific right-hander was caught by Ben Stokes at leg slip off Broad, the first time in 11 test innings against England that he had failed to pass fifty.
Despite the drawn series, Australia retain the urn, but the wait goes on for their first Ashes series win in England since 2001 will continue until at least 2023.
Reuters
