Australia wrapped up a dominant Ashes 2025-26 campaign with a 4-1 series win after closing out the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday, January 8. Chasing a modest target of 160, the hosts reached their mark with five wickets in hand as calm, composed batting from Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald finished the job and sealed the series in style.
A steady chase in front of a packed SCG
Fans returned to the rhythms of five-day Test cricket after the dramatic, two-day demolition in Melbourne, and Sydney offered a more measured finale. Australia’s openers set the tone: Travis Head and Jake Weatherald attacked from the first ball, putting together a 62-run opening stand off 63 deliveries. Head fell for 29 while attempting to accelerate, and Weatherald made 34 before lunch, but the platform left Australia firmly in control.
The second session saw Steve Smith join Labuschagne and attempt to steer the chase home, only for Will Jacks to produce a superb delivery that bowled Smith through the gate. The dismissal preceded a poignant moment: Usman Khawaja came out for his final Test innings and received a guard of honour from the English players and match officials, a rare and touching tribute in Test cricket. Khawaja’s farewell ended shortly after when he nicked one onto his stumps.
Labuschagne was then run out for a tidy 37 off 40, leaving Australia 38 runs shy, but a calm partnership between Cameron Green (22*) and wicketkeeper Alex Carey (16*) closed out the chase without further drama.
Bethell’s valiant stand not enough
Earlier in the day, England’s young left-hander Jacob Bethell continued a marathon innings that had bogged down the Australian attack on Day 4. Bethell reached 154 in a gritty effort that underlined his potential and briefly raised England’s hopes. His resistance finally ended when Mitchell Starc forced an edge that Alex Carey took behind the stumps.
England were eventually bowled out for 342, setting Australia a manageable target of 160. Bethell’s knock was the highlight of an otherwise unravelling series for the tourists.
Key performers and awards
- Travis Head was named Player of the Match for a brilliant first-innings 163 off 166 balls.
- Mitchell Starc finished as Player of the Series with 31 wickets across five Tests and 156 runs, a performance that dominated the series’ headlines.
- Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald provided the steady finishing touches in the final chase.
What the defeat means for England
The loss extends England’s struggles in Australia: they have failed to win the Ashes away from home for the fourth consecutive series and have managed only one Test victory in Australia over the past 15 years. Those results further intensify scrutiny over the “Bazball” approach under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum.
While the attacking style has brought England success against many opponents, the inability to overturn Australia and India in recent campaigns has opened questions about tactical flexibility, game management and adaptability under pressure. Stokes and McCullum remain publicly backed by their leadership group, but debate over England’s long-term direction is likely to continue in the weeks ahead.
Looking ahead
Australia leave the series having reasserted their dominance at home, with a fast-bowling spearhead in Starc and a deep batting line-up capable of both attack and restraint. England will have plenty to consider: how to marry aggression with discipline away from home, and how to get the best out of promising youngsters like Jacob Bethell in hostile conditions.
For now, the Ashes returns to Australian hands, and both sides will reflect on lessons learned as the international calendar moves on.