Australia overcame a mid-innings collapse to chase down 160 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday, securing a five-wicket win and a dominant 4-1 Ashes series triumph.
While the day belonged to the victors, it was an emotional farewell for veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who called time on his 15-year international career. Though he fell for just six in his final innings, the SCG rose in a standing ovation to honor the first Pakistan-born player to represent Australia.
Australia appeared to be cruising at 62 without loss before England’s Josh Tongue (3-42) sparked a panic. The hosts lost five wickets for just 59 runs, including a stunned Steve Smith, who was bowled for 12 by off-spinner Will Jacks.
A disastrous run-out of Marnus Labuschagne (38) left Australia wobbling at 121-5, still needing 39 runs with the tail exposed. However, Alex Carey and an under-pressure Cameron Green steadied the ship with an unbeaten 40-run partnership to seal the win late in the afternoon.
Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Series, finishing with 31 wickets at an average of 19.93. He provided the vital breakthrough on the final morning, dismissing England’s young star Jacob Bethell for 154 to end a frustrating 10th-wicket stand.
Travis Head earned Player of the Match honors for his first-innings 163. He finished the summer with 629 runs, the ninth-most ever by an Australian in a single Ashes series. Despite the series loss, England found a future cornerstone in 22-year-old Jacob Bethell. Resuming on 142, Bethell reached 154 to record his maiden first-class century on the game’s biggest stage. His resilience helped England set a competitive target after they were initially bowled out for 342 in their second innings.
Ultimately, England’s inability to capitalize on key moments including Joe Root’s brilliant first-innings 160 left them short of a series-evening win.
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