Australia outclassed England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2025 at the SCG. Jacob Bethell fought hard to delay defeat, but Beau Webster (3/64) and Mitchell Starc (3/72) picked up crucial wickets at the right time. Chasing a target of 160, Australia lost a few wickets but managed to cross the winning line.

Australia sealed a convincing 4–1 Ashes series win after chasing down a target of 160 runs at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The hosts faced a few nervous moments, but they held their nerve to secure a five-wicket victory.

Early Control, Sudden Chaos

Australia began the chase confidently. The openers moved to 62 without loss, and victory looked routine. However, England struck back quickly and claimed three wickets in a short burst, turning the match on its head.

The surface began to show signs of uneven bounce and sharp turn. That kept England interested and added drama to the final day.

Emotional Moment for Khawaja Ends Quickly

Khawaja walked in just after lunch with Australia at 92 for 3, still needing 68 runs. England formed a guard of honour for him, and Marnus Labuschagne embraced his close friend before the innings began.

But the stay was brief. Khawaja faced only seven balls and scored 6 runs before Josh Tongue bowled him. Tongue finished with 3 for 42, giving England a late fight in a difficult tour.

Khawaja later bowed in Sajdah on the SCG outfield and received a long ovation from the crowd.

England Miss Chances as Tempers Flare

England started the chase with high intensity. They appealed for lbw three times in the first seven balls. They also wasted a review early.

Tensions rose when England reviewed a possible edge against Jake Weatherald. A small spike appeared on Snicko, but the third umpire ruled it inconclusive. Heated exchanges followed between Weatherald and Brydon Carse.

Unfazed, Weatherald and Travis Head attacked. Australia raced to 57 in 10 overs.

Head’s Brilliant Series Comes to an End

Head played freely and looked determined to finish the match quickly. However, on 29, he mistimed a shot and was caught at midwicket off Tongue.

The dismissal ended an outstanding Ashes campaign for Head. He scored 629 runs at an average of 62.90, the ninth-highest tally by an Australian in an Ashes series.

Weatherald soon followed. He fell just before lunch, again to Tongue. His dismissal is likely to fuel debate about his place in the side ahead of Australia’s next Test series.

Spin Brings England Back Briefly

The SCG pitch began to behave like a traditional Sydney surface late in the match. The ball turned sharply.

Steve Smith looked shocked when Will Jacks bowled him through the gate with a delivery that spun back. That wicket raised England’s hopes and brought Khawaja to the crease.

Jacks continued to threaten, but England could not sustain pressure for long.

Carey and Green Steady the Ship

The match shifted again when Labuschagne was run out for 38 after a poor mix-up with Alex Carey. Australia still needed 39 runs, and tension returned.

Cameron Green walked in under pressure. He responded calmly. Carey supported him well, just as he had throughout the series. Carey later struck the winning boundary. Australia crossed the line and completed the chase.

England’s Last Push Falls Short

Earlier in the day, England resumed at 302 for 8, holding a lead of 119 runs. They aimed to add at least 50 more.

Jacob Bethell carried their hopes. He resumed on 142 and moved smoothly to 150. He survived an lbw scare when DRS showed the ball missing the stumps.

The lead grew to 145, and England sensed a chance. But as happened many times in the series, momentum slipped away.

Starc Delivers the Decisive Blow

Mitchell Starc removed Bethell with a sharp delivery that cramped him for room. Bethell edged the ball and walked off to a standing ovation. The wicket marked Starc’s 30th of the series, the most by an Australian since Mitchell Johnson took 37 wickets in 2013–14.

Starc struck again to end England’s innings. Australia were left with a manageable target despite late jitters.

Series Ends With Clear Verdict

The Ashes series lasted just 18 days and featured uneven cricket. England improved as the series progressed but paid heavily for first-innings failures, including wasted support for Joe Root’s superb 160.

Brief Scorecard