ENG vs AUS: Stamping their authority yet again in an Ashes down under, Australia, under the captaincy of Steve Smith, ended the series 4-1 with a brilliant five-wicket win on Day 5 of the Sydney Test. Australia, who were chasing a tricky 160 on the final day, rode on contributions from Travis Head, Jack Weatherald, and Marnus Labuschagne, along with contributions from Alex Carey and Cameron Green, who stayed unbeaten in the chase.
Usman Khawaja Farewell Innings:
Usman Khawaja, who walked in for the final time wearing an Australian jersey, scored 6(7) but earned a rousing applause from the SCG crowd.
England's bowling attack, which was missing Ben Stokes 'the bowler' in their armory, had their moments while defending 160 but they weren't enough to stop a resilient Australian batting line-up which started extremely well.
Head, who won 'Player of the match' award, scored a 29(35) along with Weatherald 34(40) to give Australia a solid start in the chase.
Earlier, England's 22-year-old batter Jacob Bethell tried to give his side a sniff back into the test with a stellar hundred on Wednesday; however, he ended his vigil after scoring 154, falling to Australian speedster Mitchell Starc, who earned 'Player of the Series' award.
Alex Carey scores the winning runs as Australia claims a 4-1 series win.#Ashes | #PlayoftheDay | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/SfFwXWibrn
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2026
Starc, ended his campaign with 31 wickets, the most in the series as he led the Australian bowling attack with consistency.
Australian mini-collapse gave England hope
The hosts suffered a mini-collapse post the second session on Day 5 needing 71 more runs to win the Sydney match.
During the fourth ball of the 16th over, Marnus Labuschagne hammered a massive six against Will Jacks. However, Jacks removed captain Steve Smith (12 off 12 balls, including one four) during the fifth ball of the 18th over.
Australia lost another wicket after there was a huge mix-up, costing the wicket of Marnus, who was dismissed for 37 runs off 40 balls, including five boundaries. Australia slumped to 125/5.
However, after three quick wickets, Cameron Green (22* off 27 balls, including three fours) and Alex Carey (16* off 27 deliveries with one four) ensured Australia crossed the finish line, chasing the 160-run target in 31.2 overs and won the Sydney Test by five wickets.
Inputs from Agency