Australia Beat England by Five Wickets in Final Test to Secure Convincing Ashes Victory
Australia defeated England by five wickets in the fifth Ashes Test at Sydney, winning the series 4-1 and sending Usman Khawaja out on a high.
Australia sealed a commanding 4-1 series victory in the 2025-26 Ashes by defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 8, 2026. The hosts chased down a modest target of 160 after lunch on the final day, with Cameron Green remaining not out on 22 and Alex Carey unbeaten on 16. The win marked a fitting farewell for veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who retired after an 88-Test career, receiving a guard of honor from the England players as he walked out for his final innings, where he scored six.
The chase was not without drama, as Australia lost five wickets while pursuing the target. Openers Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) provided a brisk start, but both fell to seamer Josh Tongue. Captain Steve Smith was bowled for 12 by spinner Will Jacks, while Khawaja departed soon after. Marnus Labuschagne, dropped on 20, compiled 37 before running himself out, reducing Australia to 121-5 and briefly raising hopes for Ben Stokes' side. However, Green and Carey steadied the innings to secure victory comfortably.
England's defeat followed a challenging tour that began with heavy losses in Perth and Brisbane by eight wickets each, followed by an 82-run defeat in Adelaide. Despite arriving with confidence of ending a long drought in Australia, their ultra-aggressive "Bazball" approach came under scrutiny amid issues with preparation and discipline. A stunning four-wicket comeback win in Melbourne—their first in 18 tests on Australian soil—restored some pride, but the Sydney loss capped a disappointing series. Jacob Bethell's stylish 154 on the final day offered a highlight, but England were dismissed for 342, adding only 40 runs to their overnight 302-8.
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The series was marked by heated moments, including a controversy over Snicko technology during Weatherald's innings and tense exchanges between players. Australia triumphed despite missing Josh Hazlewood for the entire series and Pat Cummins for most matches, with Nathan Lyon playing a limited role. Nearly 860,000 fans attended across the five tests, with a record 211,032 turning up in Sydney.
As England prepares for a tough review of their campaign, with coach Brendon McCullum's position potentially under threat, Australia celebrates a dominant Ashes triumph. The series showcased resilient performances from the hosts and provided an emotional send-off for Khawaja, capping a memorable chapter in Ashes history.
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