Australia celebrated a decisive triumph in the fifth and final Test at the SCG, overpowering England by five wickets and securing a convincing 4-1 Ashes series victory, capping off a dominant campaign in the 2025–26 contest.
Fans celebrated as Usman Khawaja bid farewell to international cricket on a winning note.
Chasing 160, Australia made a strong start with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 62-run opening partnership to guide the innings.
England’s bowling attack, however, challenged the hosts, creating tense moments early in the chase.
Disappointment struck when Josh Tongue dismissed Khawaja, chopping onto his stumps for six. Relief followed as Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) steadied the innings and guided Australia to victory despite a tricky fifth-day pitch.
Earlier, Mitchell Starc produced a crucial breakthrough with the second new ball, dismissing Jacob Bethell shortly after he reached 150. Bethell had batted admirably with the tail, but Starc induced an edge that Carey took behind the stumps.
Contributions came from several batters in the chase, though Head (29) and Weatherald (34) fell to Tongue. Marnus Labuschagne (37) was dismissed after a mix-up, while Steve Smith (12) was beaten by Will Jacks before Khawaja erred.
Partnerships mattered as Carey and Green neutralised the English attack, with Carey hitting the winning boundary through cover.
Fans cheered as Australia celebrated its Ashes series triumph.
Boosted by the win, Australia now leads the World Test Championship 2025–2027 with 87.50 per cent of possible points. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s recent series win over the West Indies keeps the Black Caps in second place.
Scorecard: England 384 (Joe Root 160; Michael Neser 4-60) & 342 (Jacob Bethell 154; Beau Webster 3-64) lost to Australia 567 (Travis Head 163; Josh Tongue 3-97) & 161/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 37; Josh Tongue 3-42) by 5 wickets.
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