Australia wrapped up the 2025/26 Ashes series in emphatic fashion, defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday to seal a 4-1 series triumph.
After England posted 384 in the first innings, powered by Joe Root’s commanding 160, Australia replied with a dominant 567, built around centuries from Travis Head and captain Steve Smith, to take a commanding 183-run lead. England showed resilience in their second innings, mounting a strong rearguard led by 22-year-old debutant Jacob Bethell, whose resplendent 154 almost dragged the visitors back into contention and set Australia a target of 160.
On a wearing SCG surface offering variable bounce and increasing turn, the chase was far from straightforward. England struck early through Josh Tongue, whose hostile spell kept the pressure firmly on the hosts. Australia slipped to 121 for 5, leaving 39 runs still required with the match delicately poised.
Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) then combined in a tense and uneasy sixth-wicket stand to steer Australia home. Their unbroken 40-run partnership survived several hairy moments and late mix-ups between the wickets before Carey finally drove Will Jacks through the off-side for the winning runs. The close friends shared a hug as Australia crossed the line to win by five wickets.
Tongue finished with a lion-hearted 3 for 42 from 11 overs, but England’s lack of a frontline spinner proved costly on a pitch that had begun to offer violent turn, forcing the visitors to rely heavily on part-time options.
Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his first-innings century, capping a superb series in which he repeatedly delivered under pressure. Mitchell Starc claimed Player of the Series honours after finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 31 wickets and receiving the Compton-Miller Medal.
Australia captain Steve Smith praised his side’s composure and experience, while England skipper Ben Stokes reflected on missed opportunities but hailed Bethell’s breakthrough performance.
With victory in Sydney, Australia once again underlined their dominance at home, while England’s long wait for an Ashes series win in Australia continues.
Source: Cricket.com.au
Photo credit: Cricket Australia/X
Discussion about this post