Australia Dominate Ashes with 4-1 Series Win After Fifth Test Victory

Australia asserted their dominance in the Ashes by securing a 4-1 series victory after defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test. The hosts sealed the series in Sydney, giving retiring opener Usman Khawaja a memorable farewell.

Chasing a target of 160, Australia faced some pressure on the final day but reached the finish line after lunch. Cameron Green remained unbeaten on 22, while Alex Carey finished on 16 not out. However, the hosts lost five wickets during the chase.

Earlier, openers Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) provided a steady start but failed to convert it into a commanding advantage. Captain Steve Smith managed 12 runs, while Khawaja scored just six in his final Test innings, bringing an end to a distinguished 88-Test career. Marnus Labuschagne made 37 before being run out, briefly offering England a glimmer of hope, though victory was never out of Australia’s reach.

England were bowled out for 342 in their second innings, with Jacob Bethell producing a superb knock of 154 runs—the standout performance for the visitors. His marathon innings spanned 265 balls and included 15 fours, but his resistance ultimately proved insufficient.

England’s tour turned into a nightmare early on, with heavy defeats in Perth and Brisbane in the opening two Tests, followed by another loss in Adelaide. Ben Stokes’ side restored some pride with a dramatic win in the fourth Test in Melbourne, but another defeat in Sydney ensured the series ended in disappointment.

Australia’s success came despite the absence of pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood throughout the series and captain Pat Cummins featuring in only one Test. Mitchell Starc finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series with 31 wickets.

With this victory, Australia once again underlined their dominance on home soil, while England now face a period of tough introspection following another unsuccessful Ashes campaign.