England therefore started the fifth Test at the Oval with the series level at 1–1, with a victory required to secure the Ashes. He took 5 for 37 in the afternoon session of the second day, taking five of the first seven wickets to fall to take the Australian innings from 73/0 to 111/7 and eventually 160 all out. He also contributed 37 and 29 with the bat, and on the final day took the wicket of Shane Watson lbw for 40, the second wicket to fall in consecutive overs to start Australia's collapse, winning the Man of the Match award as England won by 197 runs to regain the Ashes 2–1.