Epic Ashes Triumph: Australia Close Out 4–1 Series After SCG Chase
Australia clinched a convincing 4–1 Ashes series victory after overcoming a late scare to chase down a 160-run target against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, sealing the fifth and final Test by five wickets. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Series after a dominant haul of 31 wickets, the standout figure in a series Australia controlled despite moments of chaos.
Scorecard Snapshot
Australia 567 (Head 163, Smith 138; Tongue 3–97) & 161/5 (Labuschagne 37, Weatherald 34; Tongue 3–42)
England 384 (Root 160; Neser 4–60) & 342 (Bethell 154; Webster 3–64, Starc 3–72)
Australia won by five wickets
A Nervy Finish to a Dominant Series
Australia lost five wickets for 59 runs in their second innings, but a calm 40-run partnership between Alex Carey and the under-pressure Cameron Green ultimately guided the hosts home.
Khawaja’s Final Walk Ends Without a Fairytale
Much of the emotion on the final day centred around Usman Khawaja, playing the last Test of his 88-match career. Australia were cruising at 62 without loss before losing three quick wickets, bringing Khawaja to the crease just after lunch with 68 runs still required in the Ashes.
England’s Last Push, Led by Tongue
Tongue, however, ensured England fought hard to the end. After a difficult debut series, he finished the match with 3 for 42 in the second innings and consistently troubled Australia’s batters.
Controversy, Chaos, and Missed Chances
Tensions flared when England unsuccessfully reviewed a potential edge against Jake Weatherald on 16, despite a faint spike on Snicko. Third umpire Kumar Dharmasena ruled there was insufficient evidence, sparking heated exchanges between Carse and Weatherald.
Unfazed, Weatherald and Head attacked, racing to 57 in ten overs. But Head, chasing a quick finish, miscued Tongue on 29, ending a phenomenal series in which he amassed 629 runs at 62.90—the ninth-most by an Australian in an Ashes series.
Spin Brings Drama Late On
True to SCG tradition, the pitch began to turn late in the match. Australia skipper Steven Smith was bowled through the gate by sharp turn from Will Jacks, injecting fresh tension.
Jacks continued to threaten, beating Khawaja’s edge before the latter eventually played on to Tongue. Soon after, Labuschagne—dropped earlier by Jacob Bethell—was run out for 38 following a disastrous mix-up with Carey, leaving Australia still needing 39 runs in the Ashes.
Starc the Difference Once Again
Bethell progressed to 150, surviving an lbw scare against Scott Boland before Starc delivered the decisive blow, cramping him on the cut and inducing a faint edge. It was Starc’s 30th wicket of the series, the most by an Australian since Mitchell Johnson’s 37 in 2013-14.
England were eventually bowled out for 342, leaving Australia with a manageable—but tricky—target.
Series Reflection
The Ashes lasted just 18 days and was marred by sloppy cricket and missed opportunities, particularly from England. Australia were not flawless—questions remain over their batting depth—but they were far more disciplined and experienced.
Conclusion
Australia’s final-day chase at the SCG was messy, nervy, and at times chaotic—but fitting for a series defined by strange momentum swings. Alex Carey and Cameron Green ensured there would be no final twist, completing the chase and sealing a 4–1 Ashes triumph.
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