Australia sealed a 4-1 Ashes series triumph by claiming a five-wicket win in the fifth Test at the SCG. Usman Khawaja bid farewell with a victory in his final Test match. After dismissing England for 342 on day five, Australia set a target of 160 runs for themselves to secure the win.
In pursuit of the target, the Australian team started strongly, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald forming a solid 62-run opening partnership. Despite a brief challenge on the fifth-day pitch, a composed 40-run partnership between Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) guided the hosts to victory.
England’s hopes were dashed as Josh Tongue dismissed Khawaja for six, preventing a fairytale ending for the departing player. Mitchell Starc’s crucial wickets, including that of Jacob Bethell who scored 154, contributed to Australia’s success in wrapping up England’s innings.
The Australian batters faced some hurdles during the chase, with Tongue accounting for the dismissals of Head and Weatherald. However, Carey and Green’s partnership steered Australia to the finish line, securing the series win.
The win propels Australia to the top of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings with 87.50% of possible points, while New Zealand’s triumph over the West Indies places them in second position.
