Australia sealed a commanding 4-1 Ashes series victory on Thursday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, defeating England by five wickets in a thrilling finale that saw retiring opener Usman Khawaja bow out of Test cricket.
England posted 384 in their first innings and Australia responded with 567, before England made 342 in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 160 runs. Australia reached the target with 161 for 5, securing victory despite a dramatic collapse.
The hosts wobbled badly in their chase, losing five wickets for 59 runs and giving England a glimmer of hope. Alex Carey and Cameron Green steadied the ship with a crucial 40-run partnership, with Carey hitting the winning boundary to wrap up the match.
The day belonged to emotions and drama. Khawaja, playing his 88th and final Test, walked through a guard of honour from England’s players but managed only six runs from seven balls before Josh Tongue dismissed him.
The veteran opener performed the sajdah on the outfield and received a standing ovation from the SCG crowd.
Travis Head continued his extraordinary series with 629 runs averaging 62.90, the ninth-most by an Australian in an Ashes series.
Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Series for his haul of 31 wickets, dominating England’s batting throughout the series.
The series victory marks Australia’s dominance on home soil. Australia won the first Test by eight wickets, the second Test by eight wickets, and the third Test by 82 runs. England claimed their lone victory in the fourth Test, winning by four wickets, before Australia bounced back in Sydney.