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

Sydney, Jan 8 (IANS) 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.