Australia Edges Closer to Ashes Victory Against England in Sydney Test
Australia's Strong Position in the Fifth Test
Sydney [Australia], January 8: Australia is on the brink of clinching victory against England in the fifth Test of the 2025 Ashes series, having scored 71 runs in their second innings on Day 5 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Mitchell Starc spearheaded Australia's bowling attack in the second innings, restricting England to 342 runs. The experienced left-arm pacer took three wickets, concluding the Ashes 2025 with an impressive total of 32 wickets.
Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) provided a solid start for Australia as they chased a target of 160 runs, contributing to a partnership of 62 runs. Head was dismissed by Josh Tongue, while Weatherald fell to the English pace attack just before lunch, leaving Australia at 71/2.
Earlier, England opted to bat first and scored 384 runs in 97.3 overs. Joe Root was the standout performer, scoring 160 runs off 242 balls, including 15 boundaries. This marked Root's second century in the Ashes series following his performance in the Brisbane Test.
Harry Brook, England's vice-captain, also made a significant contribution with a score of 84 runs off 97 balls, featuring six fours and a six. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith added 27 runs from 62 balls, hitting three boundaries.
For Australia, the wicket-takers included Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), Scott Boland (2/85), Cameron Green (1/85), and Marnus Labuschagne (1/14).
In response, Australia amassed 567 runs in 133.5 overs, establishing a 183-run lead. Captain Steve Smith scored 138 runs off 220 balls, with 16 fours and a six. Beau Webster contributed 71 runs off 87 balls, while Travis Head was the top scorer with 163 runs off 166 balls, including 24 fours and a six.
For the Three Lions, Brydon Carse (3/130), Josh Tongue (3/97), and captain Ben Stokes (2/95) were among the wicket-takers.
In England's second innings, Jacob Bethell, aged 22, delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 154 runs off 265 balls, which included 15 fours. This marked his maiden First-Class century, making him the ninth England player to achieve this feat against Australia at 22 or younger, as noted by ESPNcricinfo.
Bethell joined an elite group of players, including legends like Johnny Briggs and Alastair Cook. He also became the sixth English player to score their first First-Class century in a Test match.
Prior to Bethell, this milestone was last achieved by Henry Wood against South Africa in 1898.
England's innings also saw contributions from opener Ben Duckett (42 off 55 balls) and Harry Brook (42 off 48 balls), helping the team reach 342 in their second innings and setting a target of 160 runs.
For Australia, Mitchell Starc (3/72), Scott Boland (2/46), Michael Neser (1/55), and Beau Webster (3/64) were the key wicket-takers.
Brief Scores: England: 384 and 342 (Joe Root 160, Jacob Bethell 154; Michael Neser 4/60, Mitchell Starc 3/72) vs Australia: 567 and 71/2 (Travis Head 165, Steve Smith 138; Brydon Carse 3/108, Josh Tongue 2/23).