Australia completed a dominant 4–1 Ashes series victory over England with a six-wicket win in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, though celebrations were tinged with emotion following the retirement of veteran opener Usman Khawaja.
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Chasing a modest target of 160 on the final day, Australia resumed at 71 for 2 and reached 161 for 5 shortly after lunch, securing another emphatic home Ashes series win. The hosts had already retained the urn by surging to an unassailable 3–0 lead earlier in the series, with England managing a consolation victory in the fourth Test.
The final Test was overshadowed by the farewell of Khawaja, who had announced his retirement ahead of the match. Playing his last Test at the ground where he made his debut in 2011, the 39-year-old received a standing ovation as teammates formed a guard of honour. Khawaja was dismissed for six in his final innings, visibly emotional as he left the field for the last time.
“It’s been an absolute privilege,” Khawaja said after the match. “To finish my career here at the SCG, in front of my home crowd, with an Ashes win, means everything to me.”
England showed resilience in the match, driven by a magnificent maiden Test century from Jacob Bethell, who scored 154 in the second innings to lift the tourists to 342 all out. His effort ensured Australia had to bat again, briefly keeping England’s hopes alive.
Mitchell Starc struck early on day five by removing Bethell and went on to finish the series with 31 wickets, earning Player of the Series honours. England’s bowlers applied late pressure, with Josh Tongue taking 3 for 42 and triggering a few nervy moments, including the run-out of Marnus Labuschagne for 37.
However, Alex Carey and Cameron Green remained composed to guide Australia safely to the target.
Australian captain Pat Cummins praised his side’s consistency throughout the series, while England skipper Ben Stokes acknowledged Australia’s superiority but pointed to encouraging signs from his younger players.
Khawaja retires after 88 Test matches, leaving behind a reputation as one of Australia’s most elegant and dependable batters of the modern era, as Australia once again underlined their dominance in home Ashes contests.
