Australia beat England at SCG to win Ashes 4-1

Australia wrapped up the Ashes in emphatic fashion, defeating England by five wickets in the final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday (January

8) to secure a commanding 4-1 series win.

The result capped off Usman Khawaja's illustrious 88-Test career, with the veteran opener walking off the field for the last time to a guard of honour from the visitors.

Chasing a modest 160 on the final day, Australia endured a few nervy moments but ultimately crossed the line after lunch, thanks to calm contributions from Cameron Green (22*), and Alex Carey (16*). The hosts stumbled at 121-5, losing Travis Head (29), Jake Weatherald (34), skipper Steve Smith (12) and Khawaja for six. Marnus Labuschagne added 37 but his needless run-out briefly breathed life into England's hopes.

England's effort to defend their total stemmed from a gritty 342 in their second innings, headlined by a superb 154 from rising star Jacob Bethell. His 265-ball knock, studded with 15 boundaries, stood out as the lone pillar of resistance for the visitors. Mitchell Starc, who finished with 31 wickets for the series, ensured the tail didn't wag for long, dismissing Bethell and wrapping up the innings alongside Scott Boland.

The tourists came into the series believing they had a realistic chance of ending their 14-year drought in Australia, but early defeats in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide derailed their campaign. Heavy scrutiny fell upon their preparation, discipline and the much-discussed "Bazball" approach, though a spirited comeback victory in Melbourne briefly revived hopes. That win was England's first Test triumph in Australia since 2010-11.

Australia's dominance was made even more remarkable considering the absences of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins for most of the series, while Nathan Lyon played only a limited role. Yet the hosts managed to draw nearly 860,000 spectators across the five Tests, with Sydney setting a record turnout of over 211,000 fans.

England now return home facing searching questions, with coach Brendon McCullum's position likely to be debated, while Australia celebrate another glittering chapter in their Ashes story.