10 best images from the 4th Ashes Test

England thrashed Australia in the 4th Ashes Test by an innings and 78 runs to regain the Ashes. The day began with some unconfirmed reports on Michael Clarke retiring from international cricket owing to his own poor form and his team’s dismal performance in the current series. The news was confirmed later during the presentation ceremony by the man himself after England finished off the proceedings with ease to regain the urn. Here, we take a look at the 10 best images that defined the Test match:

#1 World number 1? Not anymore

Smith has lost his top spot

One of the biggest reasons behind the failure was this man’s inability to hold the innings together. His twin failures at number 3 meant the middle order came in early and they too walked back early.

#2 Only 60?

The expression that defined Australia’s batting performance

Something that no would have predicted. Yes, the English bowlers had helpful conditions to capitalise on, but still how can you get dismissed for just 60? Stuart Broad took 8 wickets, thus going past the 300 mark.

#3 The juggernaut continues

The new world number 1

This man can do nothing wrong for now. Yet another Ashes Test century and it came in at the right time to pull his side way beyond the reach of the Aussies as the first innings lead went past 300.

#4 Shattered stumps

That’s how you bowl to a nightwatchman

Great sight for any fast bowler! Especially for someone who is starting to dominate Test Cricket as well. Mitchell Starc picked up 6 wickets in the English innings.

#5 One more time please

Root took two stunning catches in two overs

Joe Root was outstanding on the field as well as he took a stunning catch only to be told that the bowler had bowled a no-ball. 10 balls later, he did it again and this time he was rewarded as the Aussie collapse began.

#6 The sad long walk

What was running through his mind?

This was probably the moment Michael Clarke decided to hang up his boots after the series. He never showed any signs of form and even admitted that his side were playing with 10 men. An inspirational leader indeed.

#7 And the party begins

The players celebrate in the balcony

Adam Lyth can ponder his Test future later, for now it is time to bask in the glory. Ben Stokes was the architect in the 2^nd innings with a 6-wicket haul.

#8 Emotions

Just shows how much it mattered to them

These are grown men you are watching and their tears remind you that the Ashes is just not another ordinary bilateral series. It is much more than that.

#9 More emotions

The skipper tried to hold his tears back

He tried, he tried harder but to no avail. While announcing his retirement during the presentation ceremony, Clarke tried his best to hold back his tears, but he failed. It was truly an emotional moment.

#10 The thing that mattered the most

A giant screen displaying the result

In the end, this is all that mattered the most. After a disappointing result in Australia 18 months ago, the English team had to pull themselves up. They did exactly that and now with a Test to play, they have regained the prized urn.