Ashes 5th Test: Australia Beat England by Five Wickets to Seal Series 4-1

Australia, Jan 08 :  Fantastic all round display from Australia sealed a five-wicket victory over Ben Stokes-led England in the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as the hosts wrapped up the five-match series 4-1.

Australia had earlier registered commanding wins in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, before England staged a spirited comeback with a memorable victory in Melbourne. However, the hosts ensured there was no repeat in Sydney, delivering a clinical performance to close out the series in style.

Australia dominate with bat and ball
Captain Steve Smith and Travis Head starred in Australia’s first innings with superb centuries, laying the foundation for a massive total. Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland complemented the effort with disciplined bowling performances across both innings.

England showed resilience through Joe Root, who scored a magnificent century in the first innings, while young Jacob Bethell impressed with his maiden first-class hundred in the second innings.

Final-day chase holds brief drama
Australia resumed Day 5 at 71/2, needing 71 more runs to win. Marnus Labuschagne briefly lifted the tempo with a towering six off Will Jacks, but England struck back as Jacks dismissed Smith for 12.

Usman Khawaja, playing his final international match, received a guard of honour from England players before being dismissed for six by Josh Tongue. A mix-up then led to Labuschagne’s run-out for 37, reducing Australia to 125/5 and briefly reviving England’s hopes.

Cameron Green (22* off 27 balls) and Alex Carey (16* off 27) held their nerve, guiding Australia to the target of 160 in 31.2 overs to seal the match.

Match recap
England, after opting to bat, posted 384 in their first innings, led by Joe Root’s classy 160. Harry Brook added a valuable 84, while Jamie Smith chipped in with 27. Mitchell Starc, Michael Neser, Scott Boland and Cameron Green shared the wickets for Australia.

Australia replied emphatically with 567, securing a 183-run lead. Travis Head top-scored with a commanding 163, Smith made 138, and Beau Webster added 71. Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue were the pick of England’s bowlers.

In the second innings, England were powered by a brilliant 154 from 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, supported by Ben Duckett and Harry Brook, as they posted 342 and set Australia a target of 160. Starc, Boland, Neser and Webster struck regularly to keep the chase manageable.

Brief Scores:
England: 384 & 342 (Joe Root 160, Jacob Bethell 154; Michael Neser 4/60, Mitchell Starc 3/72)
Australia: 567 & 161/5 (Travis Head 163, Steve Smith 138; Josh Tongue 3/42)

Australia’s composed performance in Sydney underlined their dominance throughout the series, as they retained the Ashes with authority in front of a record SCG crowd.