SOUL OF SPORT: Andy Hooper captures the action at the Ashes
SOUL OF SPORT: The Ashes – and Stuart Broad’s England career – end 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 on show at the Oval so far
- Every week on a Monday, our Soul of Sport series will take readers behind the scenes at top sporting events
- ANDY HOOPER was at the Oval to capture the action from the fifth Ashes Test between England and Australia
- His photographs capture the drama as England looked to secure at fairytale send off for star man Stuart Broad
Welcome back to the Soul of Sport. For our latest episode of the series, ANDY HOOPER travelled to the Oval to capture the best of the action from England’s fifth Ashes Test against Australia.
It’s been a particularly memorable Test as Stuart Broad announced his imminent retirement from cricket after a stellar 17-year career.
Additionally, Australia reached 135 without loss on a rain-hit fourth day at the Oval – meaning they need another 249 runs to complete their second-highest run chase and seal a first series victory here since 2001.
But, England are hoping their retiring fast bowler can produce one final match-winning spell to square the series at 2-2 before joining Sky Sports as a part of their coverage team for cricket.
Our man ANDY HOOPER was there to picture the best moments on and off the field – including all the excellent fancy dress outfits on show – 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 committed cricket fan takes a risk by climbing on a roof adjacent to the Oval to get a good view of the action
A general view of the Oval – which has been the home ground of Surrey County Cricket Club since it was opened in 1845
Australia fans cheer on Travis Heads as he waits to catch Chris Woakes on the boundary during the first day of the fifth Test
Australia’s captain Patrick Cummings got bounced during the fifth Test – having previously picked up a black eye at Lords
Joe Root produced a superb one-handed catch to remove Marnus Labuschagne on nine during the second day
The Cricketers was situated at 17 Kennington Oval – standing alongside the Oval Cricket Ground and was known for it’s music
Sadly, the Cricketers has now fallen into disrepair. However, you can still make out the words on the Cricketers pub sign
Barmy Army trumpeter Simon Finch, who has been heard throughout the current Ashes series, works his magic
Fans make their way to their seats carrying large jugs of Pimms and plastic cup full of beer during the fifth Test
A young boy was seen picking up empty cups as he looked to cash-in on the deposits after play at the Ashes
One cricket fans was seen sitting by himself as he took it all in while smoking a cigarette at the Oval
The Australian players were seen checking the balls before getting underway against England in the fifth Test
Fans tend to get creative with their fancy dress at the Ashes and the Oval was no different with fans dressed as Ziggy Stardust
Australia were not short of support as the designated Aussie area was full of supporters wearing yellow caps
Cricket fans were seen outside the ground at the Oval trying to catch a glimpse of play despite not having a ticket
Jubilant fans were seen celebrating after England took a wicket during the fifth Test of the Ashes earlier this week
Artist Jocelyn Goldsworthy was seen painting the Oval landscape during play between England and Australia
England were a tight-knit unit during the fifth Test and were seen having a huddle after bowling Australia out in the first inning
The Australian supporters were in good spirts and were quick to signal for a four during their clash with the English
The 2023 Ashes will go down in history for these first-time fans who wore ‘It’s my fist visit’ badges to the Test
England hero Ben Stokes looked somewhat apprehensive before play started on the first day of the fifth Test
Soon to be retired Stuart Broad was seen taking as seat as he waited to come back on the field during play
George Ealham and Jonny Bairstow combined to try and run out Australia’s Steve Smith on the second day but it was controversially given not out
Broad, pictured with Anderson, was given a guard of honour on day four, the pair coming in to bat together one last time
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