Today’s back pages: XXXX it! Australia and Steve Smith toast Ashes win

A round-up of the sport headlines from UK newspapers on 9 September

Australia players celebrate their Ashes series victory after the fourth Test at Old Trafford
Australia players celebrate their Ashes series victory after the fourth Test at Old Trafford
(Image credit: Ryan Pierse/Getty Images )

After the heroics of Headingley there was to be “no more miracles” for England, says Metro, as Australia won the fourth Test and retained the Ashes.

Daily Express reports that England were “defiant to the last” as they bravely battled to stay in the series, but The Daily Telegraph was less complimentary saying England were “outfought, outthought, outclassed” by the Aussies.

“XXXX it!” says The Sun’s back page headline, which plays on the name of the famous Australian beer. The picture shows Steve Smith toasting the Ashes win.

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Meanwhile, The Times, i Sport and Daily Mirror report that England captain Joe Root has insisted he is still the man to lead the Test team.

The fifth and final Ashes Test will be held at The Oval in London from 12-16 September.

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