‘England are unbeaten in 2022’: Cricket fans react as Joe Root’s side secure a draw

‘England are unbeaten in 2022’: Cricket fans react as Joe Root’s side bat out the day to secure a draw… but Ben Stokes can hardly watch as Aussie fielders surround the bat in a fourth Test gripping finale

  • England secured an unlikely draw on the final day of the fourth Test in Sydney
  • It was a gripping finale with Australia needing one wicket in the final over 
  • Stuart Broad and James Anderson held out to ensure there is no whitewash
  • Cricket fans and former players have reacted following a dramatic ending 


England ensured they won’t leave Australia on the back of a whitewash defeat after they held Australia to an unlikely draw in the fourth Test at the SCG.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson hung on for the final two overs of the last day as Australia were forced to the part-time leg-breaks of Steve Smith because of the fading light in Sydney. 

The result offers England some pride following their struggles in the first three Tests of the Ashes.

Stuart Broad and James Anderson held out Australia to seal a hard-fought draw for England

Fans and former players have reacted on social media with positivity from England’s display on the final day of the fourth Test – after having not had too much to shout about since the start of the Ashes. 

Former England captain Michael Vaughan highlighted the outcome as a positive step.

He tweeted: ‘That’s a step in the right direction .. Huge courage shown by the England side this week .. A draw might not seem much when you are 3-0 down but to me it is .. well done @root66 & the team .. that’s what spirit is all about .. #Ashes.’

Ben Stokes could hardly watch the final ball of the day as he held his head in his hands

Ben Stokes could hardly watch the final ball of the day as he held his head in his hands

Stokes then hid behind his t-shirt altogether before England were able to seal the draw

Stokes then hid behind his t-shirt altogether before England were able to seal the draw

It was a nervy and gripping end to the final day at the Sydney Cricket Ground, on a day where England had been expected to go down 4-0 to the hosts.

But England’s battling and gutsy display gave them a chance of earning a draw if veterans Broad and Anderson could hold on.

The nerves of the country were best summarised by Ben Stokes, who could hardly watch the final ball being thrown from the side of the field.

The draw ensures Joe Root won't suffer a whitewash defeat as captain despite three losses

The draw ensures Joe Root won’t suffer a whitewash defeat as captain despite three losses

BT Sport’s coverage showed Stokes holding his head in his hands before hiding away in his t-shirt as Australian fielders surrounded the bat.

England’s Barmy Army posted the famous GIF from the 1980s comedy movie Airplane where the main character is sweating profusely while trying to land a plane, with the caption: ‘1 over to go. 1 wicket.’

After the draw was sealed, British cricket commentator and former player Isa Guha posted: ‘Never in doubt. Don’t you just love it. Test cricket #Ashes.’

Simon Hughes saw the lighter side after England avoided the potential of a whitewash as he commented: ‘England unbeaten in 2022.’

Gaurav Kapur also added tweeted: ‘Broad & Anderson battling for England (with bat) … Smith trying to win it for Australia (with ball) … what is this twilight zone inception parallel universe sorcery?!!!!”

Ben Jones tweeted: ‘It is quite nice that, having played so many Tests together, James Anderson and Stuart Broad now have a last-wicket, fourth innings, match-saving stand to add to the long list of achievements they have totted up as a partnership.’

Despite failing in their efforts to seal the fourth Test, Australian player Marnus Labuschagne saw the positives to the ending of the game as he tweeted: ‘Day 5, last hour, all around the bat. Not many things better than that. What a sport this is.’