Australia completed a dominant 4-1 Ashes series victory after edging past England by five wickets in a tense final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 160 on the final day, the hosts appeared in control early as they reached 92 for two shortly after lunch.
However, England sparked late drama with a mini-collapse that saw Australia lose three wickets for 29 runs, including the run-out of Marnus Labuschagne for 37, briefly raising hopes of an unlikely turnaround.
Calm heads ultimately prevailed as Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) stitched together an unbroken 40-run partnership to steer Australia home, sealing the series and denying England the chance to narrow the margin to 3-2.
The victory ensured a winning farewell for Usman Khawaja, who was playing his final Test. Khawaja was dismissed for six when bowled by Josh Tongue, missing the opportunity to hit the winning runs.
Earlier, a crucial 62-run opening stand between Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) laid the foundation on a wearing surface.
England had begun the day on 309 for eight, holding a 119-run lead, with hopes resting on Jacob Bethell. The 22-year-old produced a magnificent knock of 154, his maiden first-class century, before being caught behind off Mitchell Starc.
While Bethell’s innings offered optimism for England’s future, it was not enough to swing the match.
Josh Tongue (3-42) bowled with heart and aggression, continuing an impressive run that saw him take 18 wickets across the final three Tests.
England, however, lacked a frontline spinner, leaving too much responsibility on part-time options as the pitch began offering sharp turn.
Australia’s series triumph was all the more remarkable given the absentees. Captain Pat Cummins featured in just one Test, Josh Hazlewood missed the entire summer, and Nathan Lyon was sidelined after bowling only two overs in Perth.
Khawaja and Steve Smith also missed matches through injury.
Despite this, Australia consistently won key moments. Mitchell Starc led the attack superbly with 31 wickets at 19.93, while Michael Neser and Scott Boland stepped up admirably.
The nervy Sydney finish encapsulated England’s tour of missed chances, which will now prompt deeper reflection on team culture and the future of head coach Brendon McCullum, as Australia celebrated one of their most impressive Ashes series victories.
