Australia secure Ashes triumph over England in Sydney
Australia sealed a 4-1 Ashes series win with a five-wicket victory over England in the SCG Test. Usman Khawaja’s farewell ended in triumph, while Mitchell Starc starred with the ball and Carey-Green guided the hosts home in Sydney
Sydney: Australia claimed a 4-1 Ashes series win after securing a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG, as Usman Khawaja bowed out a winner in his farewell Test.
After bowling England out for 342 early on day five, Australia set themselves a 160-run target.
Chasing 160, the hosts made a brisk start, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 62-run opening stand.
The tourists, however, spoiled Khawaja’s hopes of a fairytale finish, as Josh Tongue bowled him for six.
A steady 40-run partnership between Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) got the hosts over the line despite a brief stutter on a tricky fifth-day pitch.
Earlier, Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball to end England’s innings, dismissing Jacob Bethell soon after the left-hander reached 150. Bethell showed composure while batting with the tail, but Player of the Series Starc eventually found the edge on 154, with Carey completing the catch.
Several Australian batters made starts in the chase, but Head (29) and Weatherald (34) were undone by Tongue. A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket on 37, while Steve Smith (12) was beaten by a Will Jacks delivery before Tongue dismissed Khawaja.
Carey and Green absorbed the final English push, with Carey sealing the win with a boundary through cover.
The victory boosts Australia’s lead at the top of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, now with 87.50 per cent of possible points. New Zealand’s series success against the West Indies keeps them second.
Brief Scores:
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.
