Australia has officially reclaimed the urn in dominant fashion, securing a 4-1 Ashes series victory after a tense five-wicket win over England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). While the series often felt like a rollercoaster of chaotic batting and “baffling” moments, the final day in Sydney provided the high-stakes theater fans had been waiting for.
The headlines belonged to Usman Khawaja, playing the 88th and final Test of his decorated career. Though he couldn’t produce the fairy-tale century many hoped for—falling for just 6 runs to the impressive Josh Tongue—the veteran opener departed to a standing ovation and a guard of honor, marking the end of an era for Australian cricket.
Australia Overcomes Late Scare to Chase 160
Chasing a modest target of 160, Australia looked to be in total control early on. Travis Head continued his summer of dominance, racing to 29 and taking his series tally to a massive 629 runs—the ninth-highest ever by an Australian in an Ashes series. Alongside him, Jake Weatherald survived a controversial DRS “Snicko” shout to help guide Australia to a 62-run opening stand.
However, the “SCG hoodoo” nearly struck. England’s Josh Tongue (3-42) sparked a middle-order collapse that saw the hosts lose five wickets for just 59 runs. When Steve Smith was bowled through the gate by a sharp-turning delivery from offspinner Will Jacks, and Marnus Labuschagne was run out following a calamitous mix-up, the Sydney crowd grew quiet.
It fell to Alex Carey and the under-pressure Cameron Green to steady the ship. The pair put on a composed 40-run partnership to navigate the tricky surface and cross the finish line, ensuring Australia’s dominance on the scoreboard reflected their superiority throughout the summer.
England’s Fighting Spirit Falls Short Despite Bethell’s Heroics
While the series result reads 4-1, England showed significant improvement as the tour progressed. Their second-innings total of 342 was built on the back of a magnificent maiden century by Jacob Bethell. Restarting the final day on 142, the youngster showed maturity beyond his years to reach 154 before finally falling to the relentless Mitchell Starc.
Starc’s breakthrough was his 30th wicket of the series, a feat not seen by an Australian bowler in the Ashes since Mitchell Johnson’s iconic 2013-14 campaign. Despite Bethell’s resistance and a brilliant first-innings 160 from Joe Root, England was once again haunted by their inability to capitalize on big moments.
The visitors were also hampered by an injury to skipper Ben Stokes, who was unable to bowl due to a right adductor strain. Without their talismanic leader’s bowling options, England struggled to maintain pressure once Australia’s tail-enders and middle order settled in. As the dust settles on this 18-day whirlwind series, Australia celebrates a clinical victory, while England returns home with plenty of questions regarding their preparation and consistency in Southern Hemisphere conditions.
