Australia Triumphs Over England in Final Ashes Test
Australia Clinches Ashes Series with Final Victory
In a remarkable performance, Australia's cricket team secured a five-wicket victory against England, led by Ben Stokes, in the concluding Ashes Test held at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This win allowed Australia to claim the five-match Ashes series with a final score of 4-1.
Throughout the series, Australia achieved victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, while England managed to secure a memorable win in Melbourne.
In the Sydney Test, standout performances came from captain Steve Smith and Travis Head, both of whom scored impressive centuries in the first innings. Additionally, Beau Webster, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland excelled with the ball across both innings.
England's Resilient Efforts
England fought back valiantly, with Joe Root scoring a century in the first innings and Jacob Bethell marking his first First-Class hundred in the second innings.
Australia's Run Chase
As Day 5 progressed, Australia began the second session at 71/2, needing 71 runs to win. Marnus Labuschagne hit a significant six off Will Jacks during the 16th over.
However, Jacks dismissed captain Steve Smith (12 off 12 balls) in the 18th over. Usman Khawaja, playing his final international match, received a guard of honour but was quickly out for six runs off seven balls, courtesy of Josh Tongue.
A mix-up led to Marnus Labuschagne's dismissal for 37 runs off 40 balls, leaving Australia at 125/5. Nevertheless, Cameron Green (22* off 27 balls) and Alex Carey (16* off 27 balls) guided Australia to victory, successfully chasing the 160-run target in 31.2 overs.
Match Recap
England's First Innings
England opted to bat first, scoring 384 runs in 97.3 overs. Joe Root was the standout performer with 160 runs off 242 balls, including 15 fours. Harry Brook contributed a solid 84 runs off 97 balls, while Jamie Smith added 27 runs.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), Scott Boland (2/85), Cameron Green (1/85), and Marnus Labuschagne (1/14) were key wicket-takers.
Australia's Response
Australia responded strongly, amassing 567 runs in 133.5 overs, taking a 183-run lead. Steve Smith scored 138 runs off 220 balls, while Beau Webster and Travis Head contributed 71 and 163 runs, respectively.
England's bowlers included Brydon Carse (3/130) and Josh Tongue (3/97).
England's Second Innings Fightback
In their second innings, Jacob Bethell shone with a remarkable 154 runs off 265 balls, becoming the ninth England player to score a century against Australia at 22 years or younger. Ben Duckett and Harry Brook both added 42 runs each, helping England set a target of 160 runs.
Australia's bowlers, including Mitchell Starc (3/72) and Beau Webster (3/64), played crucial roles in restricting England's score.
Final Scores
England: 384 and 342 (Joe Root 160, Jacob Bethell 154; Michael Neser 4/60, Mitchell Starc 3/72) vs Australia: 567 and 161/5 (Travis Head 165, Steve Smith 138; Brydon Carse 3/108, Josh Tongue 3/42).