Australia wrapped up a comprehensive 4-1 series victory in the Ashes on Thursday, securing a hard-fought five-wicket win in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The triumph provided a perfect farewell for retiring opening batter Usman Khawaja, who ended his illustrious 88-Test career on the winning side.
Nervy Chase Seals Series Dominance
Chasing a modest target of 160 runs on the final day, the Australian innings encountered unexpected turbulence. England's bowlers, fighting for pride, struck five times before the lunch session, injecting drama into what seemed a straightforward pursuit. Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) provided brisk starts but fell at crucial junctures. Captain Steve Smith departed for 12, and the spotlight moment came when Usman Khawaja, playing his final innings, was bowled by Josh Tongue for just 6 runs. He had earlier walked out to a respectful guard of honour from the entire English team.
Marnus Labuschagne, dropped on 20, looked composed in his knock of 37. However, a needless run-out saw Australia stutter at 121 for five, briefly raising English hopes. The nerves were finally settled by the unbeaten pair of Cameron Green (22*) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (16*), who guided the hosts to the target safely after the lunch break, extinguishing any chance of a miraculous English comeback.
Bethell's Brilliance in Vain for England
England's slim chance of setting a daunting target was primarily fashioned by a magnificent century from young batter Jacob Bethell. His superb 154 runs off 265 balls, including 15 fours, was the cornerstone of England's second-innings total of 342. Hailed as a glimpse into England's future, Bethell's resistance was finally ended by Mitchell Starc. The visitors added only 40 runs to their overnight score, with Tongue being the last man out.
This defeat concluded a gruelling and ultimately disappointing tour for Ben Stokes's England. After heavy losses in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, they sparked a flicker of hope with a stirring win in Melbourne—their first Test victory in Australia in 18 matches. However, the Sydney defeat has left their much-discussed "Bazball" approach under serious scrutiny as they return home.
A Fitting Farewell and Series in Review
Australia's series dominance was particularly impressive considering their bowling attack was depleted. They missed Josh Hazlewood for the entire series and Pat Cummins for all but one Test, while Nathan Lyon played a limited role. Despite this, Mitchell Starc emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 31 scalps.
Off the field, the series was a major commercial success, drawing nearly 860,000 fans across the venues. A record 211,032 spectators attended the Sydney Test. On it, Australia emphatically underlined their Ashes supremacy. For Usman Khawaja, the journey ended as it had begun at the start of the series: celebrating an Ashes victory, providing a storybook finish to a cherished career.
