Sydney, Jan 8, 2026 — Australia secured a comprehensive 4–1 Ashes series victory after defeating England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Despite facing some pressure early on the final day, the hosts comfortably chased down a modest 160-run target before tea, sealing the win and celebrating the series triumph on home soil. Alex Carey (16*) and Cameron Green (22*) remained unbeaten to guide Australia across the line.
England pacer Josh Tongue tried to keep the contest alive with an impressive spell, claiming three wickets for 42 runs. However, the target proved too small on a batting-friendly surface.
England showed glimpses of resilience in the match, particularly through their competitive showing in Sydney, but the absence of injured captain Ben Stokes was a major setback. Although Stokes encouraged his teammates from the slips, Australia’s openers quickly reduced the target to below 100.
Travis Head, who scored his third century of the series earlier, was dismissed for 29, followed by Jake Weatherald, who made 34—both falling to Tongue. At lunch, Australia needed just 89 runs to win.
The day also marked the 15th anniversary of England’s famous innings-and-83-run victory at the same venue in the 2010–11 Ashes—their last series win in Australia.
Veteran batter Usman Khawaja, playing the final innings of his Test career, scored six runs before departing. Marnus Labuschagne contributed a steady 37 before being run out, with 39 runs still required at that point.
Earlier, England resumed their second innings on 302 for eight. Mitchell Starc broke the resistance by dismissing Bethell for 154, whose maiden Test century helped England avoid an innings defeat. Starc later removed Tongue for six to bowl England out for 342.
The left-arm pacer finished the series with a remarkable 31 wickets, underlining Australia’s dominance throughout the Ashes campaign.
