Australia wrapped up the Ashes in dramatic fashion at the SCG, chasing down 160 runs for a five-wicket victory on a sunlit final afternoon.
The win secured a 4–1 series triumph over England, witnessed by a staggering 859,580 fans across the series—a record attendance for an Ashes campaign.
Despite the modest target, the match was far from straightforward, with tensions flaring early and emotions running high both on and off the field.
Head and Weatherald Provide a Solid Start Amid Controversy
Travis Head and Jake Weatherald laid the foundation with a steady opening partnership of 62.
England, however, were left fuming when TV umpire Kumar Dharmasena ruled Weatherald not out on 16, despite Snicko showing a spike as a delivery from Brydon Carse grazed his bat.
The decision sparked heated exchanges, with Ben Stokes stepping in to prevent Carse from escalating the argument.
Umpires had to intervene multiple times, and the match referee is expected to review the incident.
Head’s Masterclass Ends With Style
Travis Head, who had already dominated the series, soon showcased why he was such a standout performer.
Dispatching Josh Tongue to Carse at mid-on, Head departed for 29, finishing the series with an incredible 629 runs, including defining hundreds in Perth, Adelaide, and the SCG, all at a strike rate of 87.
Moments later, Weatherald was out for 34, caught by Matthew Potts off a Tongue lifter, and Will Jacks accounted for Steve Smith for 12, leaving Australia at 92 for three shortly after lunch.
Khawaja’s Farewell Touches the Heart
One of the day’s most emotional moments came as Usman Khawaja walked out to a guard of honour from England’s fielders for his final international innings.
Unfortunately, he was dismissed for six, chopping one onto his stumps.
With 88 Tests, 6,299 runs, and 16 hundreds, Khawaja’s career concluded in a touching farewell, complete with applause and a symbolic kiss of the SCG turf.
Late Drama as Australia Close in on Victory
Even after Marnus Labuschagne’s mix-up led to his dismissal for 37, Australia still had 39 runs to get.
A tense few overs followed as Alex Carey and Cameron Green narrowly avoided a run-out, but England were always a step behind in the chase.
The winning runs arrived just before 2.30pm, as Carey drove a Jacks delivery through extra cover.
It was a satisfying conclusion to a series where Australia didn’t always look flawless but rarely needed to be, given England’s frequent errors.
Star Performances Highlight the Series
Josh Tongue was one of the few consistent threats for England, finishing the series with 18 wickets at an average of 20.
Earlier, England had turned 302 for eight into 342, with Jacob Bethell crafting a stunning maiden Test century of 154 before falling to Mitchell Starc.
Starc himself finished with 31 wickets in the series, his best Ashes haul since Mitchell Johnson’s 37 wickets in 2013–14.
He excelled despite Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood appearing in just one Test each, repeatedly breaking through the English top order when it mattered most.
Head or Starc for Player of the Series
By the end, it was hard to choose between Head and Starc for player of the series.
Head dazzled with the bat, while Starc’s lethal pace and timely wickets ensured Australia remained in control whenever England threatened a breakthrough.
In the end, Australia’s clinical performance, combined with some individual brilliance, was enough to secure a comprehensive series win and wrap up the Ashes with style.
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