Bad light robs England of ‘thrilling’ Ashes win

Britain’s press on Monday bemoaned the bad light which ended England’s “thrilling march” towards victory in the final Ashes Test, but celebrated a victorious summer.

Winning captain Alastair Cook, who has been on the receiving end of criticism over his perceived conservatism, came in for praise but some of Fleet Street expressed disappointment that the series had not been more exciting.

England only required 21 more runs to complete an improbable victory at the Oval when the umpires hauled the teams off for bad light after an adventurous declaration by Australia captain Michael Clarke.

“England’s fearless attempt to catch up with Australia was cut short with the game minutes away from a thrilling climax,” said the Daily Mail’s match report.

“They rose to the challenge in the most spectacular way to thrillingly march towards that unprecedented English 4-0 Ashes success.

“Amid the frustration, it should not be overlooked that a draw leaves Australia without a win in an Ashes series for the first time since 1977,” it added.