Australia sealed a commanding 4-1 Ashes series triumph on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, overcoming final-day nerves to claim a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test. The hosts finished their run chase of 160 runs after lunch under bright Sydney skies, with Cameron Green (22 not out) and Alex Carey (16 not out) combining to guide the team across the line. The series victory marked Australia’s fifth consecutive Ashes retention and their fourth consecutive success on home soil since 2017-18.
Alex Carey and Cameron Green steered Australia to victory in Sydney
Final Day Drama at the SCG
England resumed day five with a 119-run first-innings lead after declaring at 302-8 overnight. The tourists added just 40 more runs before Australia bowled them out for 342, setting themselves a modest run chase on a wearing pitch that offered violent turn. Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball to dismiss Jacob Bethell, who had compiled a remarkable 154 off 265 balls containing 15 fours. Starc’s edge-finding delivery proved too much for the young English batsman, with Alex Carey collecting the catch behind the stumps.
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald provided an encouraging start to Australia’s chase, putting on a 62-run opening partnership. Head scored 29 before Josh Tongue found the outside edge through his hook stroke. Weatherald contributed 34 runs before top-edging Tongue down to Matthew Potts at short fine leg. The opening duo’s early momentum gave Australia genuine control, though England’s bowlers refused to surrender without a fight.
Tribulations and Triumph
Several Australian batsmen made starts without converting them into substantial innings. Steve Smith (12 runs) fell to a Will Jacks delivery that exploded out of dusty footmarks with sharp turn. Marnus Labuschagne (37 runs) perished in a mix-up with Carey whilst attempting a quick single. Josh Tongue’s spirited bowling restricted Australia’s scoring rate, keeping England in contention despite their mounting pressure. The English pace bowler captured three wickets for just 42 runs off 11 overs, mounting a defiant final stand.
England’s Snicko technology controversy erupted when Weatherald survived a caught-behind appeal on 16, with faint edge detection suggesting contact despite the on-field umpire’s decision standing. Brydon Carse’s frustration boiled over, requiring captain Ben Stokes to restrain the bowler from confronting the umpire. The moment highlighted England’s desperation and growing frustration throughout their disappointing tour.
Usman Khawaja’s farewell Test performance proved bittersweet. Walking out to a guard of honour from England, the retiring Australian batsman managed just six runs before chopping Josh Tongue’s delivery onto his stumps. Khawaja bowed down before the ‘Thanks Uzzy’ message painted on the SCG turf, embraced teammate Labuschagne, and blew kisses to his family in the Churchill Stand. His final innings concluded a 17-year international career spanning 88 Test matches.
Usman Khawaja walked out to play his final Test match
Carey and Green Seal Series Victory
Alex Carey and Cameron Green weathered England’s remaining assault with an uneasy 40-run partnership to secure the match. The pair endured several hairy mix-ups, including a comical run-out confusion where Green nearly found himself trapped at both ends. Carey’s boundary through the covers off Will Jacks produced the winning runs, completing Australia’s fifth-wicket triumph. The match remained remarkably tense until the final delivery, despite Australia’s overall dominance throughout the series.
Mitchell Starc’s Remarkable Series
Mitchell Starc claimed the Player of the Series award, finishing with 31 wickets—the highest tally by an Australian bowler in an Ashes series since Mitchell Johnson’s 37 wickets in 2013-14. Starc’s exceptional performances across five matches proved instrumental throughout Australia’s dominant campaign. His ability to generate pace and movement on Australian pitches consistently unsettled the English batting lineup.
Mitchell Starc named Player of the Series
Series Summary and Record
Australia won the first Test in Perth by eight wickets, securing victory inside two days. The hosts recorded another eight-wicket triumph in the Brisbane Test at the Gabba. Adelaide Oval witnessed Australia’s third consecutive victory, winning by 82 runs in a commanding display. England’s sole victory came in the fourth Test at the MCG, securing a four-wicket win that ended their 18-match losing streak in Australian Ashes Tests dating back to 2010-11.
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Series Results:
- First Test: Perth – Australia won by eight wickets
- Second Test: Brisbane – Australia won by eight wickets
- Third Test: Adelaide – Australia won by 82 runs
- Fourth Test: Melbourne – England won by four wickets
- Fifth Test: Sydney – Australia won by five wickets
World Test Championship Implications
Australia’s series victory strengthened their position at the top of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings. The hosts now command 87.50 per cent of available points, with New Zealand occupying second place following their series success against the West Indies. Each Test victory awarded Australia 12 World Test Championship points towards their championship ambitions.
World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings
England’s Disappointing Campaign
England returned home facing harsh scrutiny over coach Brendon McCullum’s aggressive “Bazball” approach. The visitors registered only five victories in their past 17 away Tests, compounding a disastrous tour characterised by preparation issues, discipline questions, and tactical missteps. Despite securing one unexpected victory in Melbourne, England’s overall performance fell significantly short of expectations.
Nearly 860,000 spectators attended the five-Test series, with a record 211,032 attending the final match at the Sydney Cricket Ground, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Ashes cricket across Australia. Australia’s convincing success marks the beginning of an eight-month break before the Baggy Greens return to international cricket.
