Stokes vindicated as 'Bazball' pays off in Ashes thriller

England captain Ben Stokes stuck to his guns despite criticism of his fearless 'Bazball' approach and feels vindicated after his side levelled the Ashes series on a dramatic final day.

Australia were well-placed at 264-3, chasing a mammoth 384 to win, and even had they come away with just a draw, that would have been enough to secure a 2-1 series success.

But instead they suffered a dramatic collapse after a lengthy rain delay on the fifth day at The Oval.

Stuart Broad took the final two wickets as England won by 49 runs to pull level at 2-2.

England started the series against Australia confident their gung-ho approach would work even against the newly crowned world Test champions.

They had good reason to be upbeat, with an impressive record of 11 wins in 13 matches since Stokes had teamed up with coach Brendon McCullum, after whom Bazball is named.

From the moment Zak Crawley hit the first ball of the Ashes for four at Edgbaston, it was apparent England had no intention of changing their formula despite the challenge posed by Australia's pace attack.

But while the fans have thrilled to England's approach at packed grounds, Stokes has been criticised for not applying the brakes at crucial moments.

He raised eyebrows by declaring in the first innings of the first Test at Edgbaston when England were 393-8 with half an hour's play left, leaving Joe Root high and dry on 118 not out in a match they ultimately lost.

England were criticised for falling for Australia's hooking trap in the second Test at Lord's when they were well-placed to take control.

Ben Duckett bullishly came out and said the team did not regret taking on Australia's short-ball challenge, despite the disappointment of falling for 98.

"It's the way we play our