Australia survive scare to seal 4-1 Ashes triumph

Australia overcame a spirited England fightback and a bout of final-day nerves to secure a five-wicket victory in the fifth Test at the SCG, securing a big win in the Ashes with 4-1 margin.

The victory served as a fitting farewell for veteran opener Usman Khawaja, who retired from Test cricket on his home ground.

Chasing a target of 160, the hosts appeared to be cruising before a middle-order collapse saw them slip to 5-121 on a pitch offering sharp turn.

England’s hopes were ignited earlier in the day by 22-year-old Jacob Bethell, whose outstanding 154 dragged the tourists back into the contest and set a tricky fourth-innings chase.

Josh Tongue (3-42) bowled a great spell to rattle the Australian lineup, dismissing Khawaja for just six in his final inning.

The departing opener was treated to a guard of honour by the English side, leaving the field to a standing ovation and a “Thanks Uzzy” tribute painted on the turf.

With the game in the balance, nerves were eventually settled by an unbeaten 40-run partnership between Alex Carey, 16 notout, and Cameron Green, 22 notout.

Despite several mix-ups between the wickets that threatened to derail the chase, the close friends guided Australia home, with Carey hitting the winning runs through the off-side.

Travis Head was named Player of the Match for his first-innings century, which capped a prolific series tally of 629 runs. Mitchell Starc took Player of the Series honors with 31 wickets.

Source: UNB