Australia sealed a dominant 4–1 Ashes series triumph after defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test of the 2025–26 Ashes at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, January 8. Chasing a modest target of 160, the hosts wrapped up the match with authority to bring the curtain down on a commanding summer.
Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald led the charge in the run chase, ensuring there were no late nerves. Australia began positively, with openers Travis Head and Weatherald setting the tone with an aggressive 62-run opening stand from just 63 deliveries. Head scored 29 off 35 balls before holing out to mid-wicket while looking to accelerate, while Weatherald fell on the stroke of lunch for 34 off 40, caught at fine leg by Matthew Potts.
Australia finish the job as the Ashes summer ends in Sydney
After lunch, Steve Smith joined Labuschagne and the pair appeared firmly in control as Australia closed in on victory. England briefly found hope when Will Jacks produced a sharp-turning delivery to bowl Smith through the gate, momentarily halting Australia’s momentum.
Smith’s dismissal brought Usman Khawaja to the crease for the final Test innings of his career, with England’s players and the umpires forming a guard of honour in recognition of the milestone. Labuschagne continued to score freely, picking up boundaries at regular intervals to keep the target well within reach.
The drama wasn’t over yet. Khawaja was dismissed when he chopped a Josh Tongue delivery onto his stumps, and soon after, Labuschagne’s innings came to an end in unfortunate fashion as he was run out for 37 off 40 balls. Despite those late hiccups, Australia remained firmly in control with five wickets in hand and the finish line in sight.
Earlier in the day, England had shown resilience through Jacob Bethell, who extended his second-innings effort to a superb 154. His resistance finally ended when Mitchell Starc (3/72) found the edge, with Alex Carey completing the catch behind the stumps. England were eventually bowled out for 342, leaving Australia with a manageable chase that they completed to clinch both the Test and the series.
Also Read: Joe Root drops retirement hint after SCG Masterclass - But Sachin Tendulkar's record is calling
