Perth- Day Five: How it happened...

With Broad's batting ability unknown, the cracks on the Waca pitch taking over and Australia needing just five wickets from the day's play- not a a lot of hope hung in the air. At least not for the Barmy Army, who outnumber the locals at the Waca on day five. Do Australian's not know today could decide who walks away from this series with the urn? Or do they just think today will be a repeat of day five in Adelaide. 

With the new ball due in 13 overs, Stokes and Prior made their way on to the fields to begin their chase again of 504.

Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris open the bowling. Johnson starts off with an animated maiden over to Durham county cricketer Ben Stokes. 

Cracks in the pitch begin to cause problems for the batsmen but Ben Stokes pushes on to 80. Ex-England captain Michael Vaughn said; "If you can get a Test century this early in your career you are off to a flyer. It would be a great thing for English cricket going forward if Ben Stokes reached three figures."

Tom Fordyce, Chief sports writer at the Waca, commented on the state of the pitch; "The canyons in the pitch - the Waca crackers - are now so wide that it poses the question: has a delivery in test cricket ever disappeared into the pitch on bouncing? And if so, what is the protocol for how a batsman is allowed to play it?"

Law 24.8

If a ball delivered by the bowler comes to rest in front of the line of the striker's wicket, without having previously touched the bat, or person of the striker, the umpire shall call and signal No ball and immediately call and signal Dead ball.

See, you learn something new everyday!

Back to the game...

A cherry-red ball replaces the old when England were 280-5 and 76 overs left in this Ashes test. 

Matt Prior takes a couple boundaries to take England to 292-5. Mitchell Johnson attempting to save the second four, from Prior in the over, crossing the ropes almost cause himself an injury going over on his knee. But he's clearly okay as shortly after his slide he takes Prior with the help of a nick behind and Haddin's safe gloves. Prior's dismissed on 26. England 296-6. Bresnan's in. 

Ben Stokes is two runs short of his maiden Test century when he plays three pull shots, bringing up the triple figures. 16 fours, 159 balls, 106*. Stokes replaces Ian Bell as the last England number six batsman to score a century. 

Michael Vaughn said; "What a moment, his first Test century in his second match, at the Waca against an attack that has bowled with hostility throughout. It's a fantastic achievement from a young player. England have certainly found one here."

Stokes calmly raising his bat acknowledging the loud crowds. Not the way I'd celebrate my first Test century! Very calm and collected for a young batsman hitting such an incredible milestone. A proud moment for England in this series, maybe the best one. 

Not content with his maiden Test century in only his second match, Stokes hits Lyon straight back down the ground for six. A single for both himself and Bresnan puts him back on strike allowing him to smash another boundary over mid-on for four. The Barmy Army are on their feet, with no signs of slowing, sitting or silencing anytime soon.

LUNCH: England 332-6. 

Stokes has gone. Is that it? Is the Ashes all over? Lyon with the glory. England 336-7. 

Swann and Bresnan spend barely anytime together at the crease when the combination of Lyon and Smith take out Swann for four runs. England 347-8. 

England are collapsing...again. 

Broad arrives to a crowd of loud boos with a strapped boot. Clarke pushes everyone to the boundary to tempt a single but Broad doesn't play ball. 

Johnson plays a slower ball to Bresnan who plays it high to mid-off where Rogers dives to take a great catch. He goes for 12, England 349-9 with one wicket remaining. Anderson and Broad, the last two standing. 

Lyon bowls to Anderson and after four dot balls there are two singles, leaving Broad on strike to face Johnson in the next over. 

Anderson hits a ball from Johnson to George Bailey who takes the catch at short leg - a catch he will remember forever.

England 353ao. 

THE URN RETURNS is displayed on the big screen at the Waca in Perth. Pop the champagne Aussie's, you've just won the Ashes. Steve Smith is Man of the Match. 

That's Ball on Willow.