England lift Ashes urn despite embarrassing fifth Test defeat

England claimed the iconic Ashes series 3-2 despite suffering a humiliating defeat in the fifth and final Test against Australia by an innings and 46 runs at The Oval.

Resuming on the overnight score of 203-6, England were bowled out for 286 in their second innings on day four as Moeen Ali (35) provided some resistance to prolong the end after rain at midday had interrupted play for almost three hours.

Fast bowler Peter Siddle wiped out the tailenders as he returned with match figures of 4-35, while Mitchell Marsh dismissed Jos Buttler for 42.

Joe Root and retiring Chris Rogers were adjudged as the Man of the Series of their respective teams.

Meanwhile, Steven Smith was named as the Player of the Match for his stellar first-innings knock of 143.

With the series win, England avenged the 5-0 whitewash suffered in 2010-11 and have now clinched all four home Ashes series since losing in 2001, the BBC reported.

Meanwhile, Australia made sure that captain Michael Clarke goes into retirement on a winning note.