Australia clinched a 4-1 Ashes series victory after achieving a five-wicket win in the fifth Test at the SCG, with Usman Khawaja ending his career on a high note in his farewell match.
Match Overview
On day five, Australia bowled England out for 342, setting themselves a target of 160 runs for victory. The hosts began their chase with intent, as Travis Head and Jake Weatherald combined for a 62-run opening partnership.
However, Usman Khawaja’s farewell match took an unexpected turn when he was bowled by Josh Tongue for six. Despite this setback, a steady partnership of 40 runs between Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) guided Australia over the finish line, even amidst some challenges on a tricky fifth-day pitch.
Key Performances
Earlier in the game, Mitchell Starc played a crucial role, utilizing the second new ball to dismiss England’s Jacob Bethell not long after he reached 150. The young Bethell displayed commendable composure while batting with the tail, but Starc, the Player of the Series, eventually induced an edge on 154, which Alex Carey expertly caught behind the stumps.
During Australia’s chase, several batters got starts but were dismissed by Tongue, who accounted for Head (29) and Weatherald (34). A mix-up led to the run-out of Marnus Labuschagne on 37, while Steve Smith (12) fell victim to a brilliant delivery from Will Jacks before Tongue removed Khawaja.
Carey and Green steadied the innings and sealed the match with a boundary from Carey through cover.
World Test Championship Impact
This victory enhances Australia’s position at the top of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, with a points percentage of 87.50%. Meanwhile, New Zealand’s series triumph over the West Indies places them in second position.