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Australia Crush England 4-1 in Ashes, Khawaja Bows Out a Winner

Australia secured a comprehensive 4-1 Ashes series victory with a five-wicket win in the fifth Test at the SCG. Chasing 160, the hosts overcame a minor stutter to reach the target, led by contributions from Travis Head and Jake Weatherald. England's Jacob Bethell scored a defiant 154 in their second innings, but it wasn't enough to prevent defeat. The win strengthens Australia's position at the top of the World Test Championship standings.

Key Points: Australia Wins Ashes 4-1 with SCG Test Victory

  • Australia wins Ashes 4-1
  • Khawaja's farewell Test ends in victory
  • Bethell's 154 in vain for England
  • Australia tops WTC standings
2 min read

Australia clinch Ashes 4-1 after winning SCG Test by 5 wickets

Australia seals a dominant 4-1 Ashes series win, defeating England by 5 wickets in the Sydney Test as Usman Khawaja plays his farewell match.

"Australia claimed a 4-1 Ashes series win after securing a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG - Match Report"

Sydney, Jan 8

Australia claimed a 4-1 Ashes series win after securing a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG, as Usman Khawaja bowed out as a winner in his farewell Test.

After bowling England out for 342 early on day five, Australia set themselves a 160-run target to win.

Chasing 160, the hosts made a brisk start, with Travis Head and Jake Weatherald putting on a 62-run opening partnership to set up Australia's run chase.

The tourists, however, spoiled Usman Khawaja's hopes of a fairytale finish, as Josh Tongue had him chopping on to his stumps for six.

Then a steady 40-run stand between Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) got the hosts over the line despite a brief stutter on an up-and-down fifth-day pitch.

Earlier, Mitchell Starc struck with the second new ball to bring an end to England's second innings, removing Jacob Bethell shortly after the left-hander brought up his 150.

The 22-year-old Bethell shown admirable composure while batting with the tail, but Player of the Series Starc eventually found the edge on 154, with Alex Carey completing a straightforward catch behind the stumps.

Several Australian batters made starts in the chase, but Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) were both undone by Josh Tongue.

A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket on 37, and Steve Smith (12) was beaten by a Will Jacks peach before Tongue forced Khawaja into a mistake.

Carey and Green took the sting out of the final English push, with a boundary by the former through cover, finishing off the match.

The victory boosts Australia's lead at the top of the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, now with 87.50 per cent of possible points.

New Zealand's series success against the West Indies means the Black Caps sit in second place.

Brief Scores: England 384 (Joe Root 160; Michael Neser 4-60) & 342 (Jacob Bethell 154; Beau Webster 3-64) lost to Australia 567 (Travis Head 163; Josh Tongue 3-97) & 161/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 37; Josh Tongue 3-42) by 5 wickets

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Happy for Usman Khawaja to end on a winning note, even if he didn't get a big score. He's had a great career. England's 'Bazball' seems to have fizzled out completely. They need to go back to the drawing board.
A
Arjun K
Mitchell Starc - Player of the Series, well deserved! He was unplayable at times. This just shows the gap between the top teams and others. India vs Australia remains the ultimate Test rivalry now. Can't wait for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy!
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Sarah B
Watching from India, I feel a bit for England fans, but 4-1 is a true reflection. Their batting collapses were reminiscent of some of our bad tours! Jacob Bethell's 154 was a lone bright spot. Test cricket needs strong England and Australia teams.
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Vikram M
Australia strengthening their position at the top of the WTC table. India needs to be wary. Our next cycle is crucial. On a different note, the SCG pitch seemed to have something for everyone on day five – proper Test match!
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Karthik V
Respectful criticism: The article focuses a lot on Australia's chase, but England's second innings fightback led by Bethell deserved a bit more highlight. He made 150 with the tail! That's a special effort, even in a losing cause. Young talent shining.

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