Australia wrapped up a 4–1 Ashes series triumph after registering a five-wicket win in the fifth Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, chasing down a modest target of 160 on a challenging final-day surface.

Australia’s chase was built on a brisk 62-run opening stand, which gave the hosts early momentum on an up-and-down fifth-day pitch. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals thereafter, a calm 40-run partnership between Alex Carey and Cameron Green ensured Australia crossed the line, with Carey sealing the win with a boundary in the 32nd over.

Earlier in the day, England resumed on 302/8 and showed intent straightaway, with Matthew Potts striking a boundary off the first ball. Jacob Bethell, who went on to score 150, anchored the innings as England added useful runs. The opening hour featured several DRS moments, including a successful review by Bethell to overturn an LBW decision against Scott Boland.

Australia struck back through Mitchell Starc, who removed Bethell and Josh Tongue to end England’s innings. Starc finished the series with an impressive 31 wickets, underlining his impact across the five Tests.

Chasing 160, Australia began aggressively through Travis Head, while England endured early frustration with an unsuccessful LBW review in the opening over. Another contentious moment followed when a caught-behind appeal against Jake Weatherald was turned down due to insufficient evidence on Snicko.

England fought back before lunch as Josh Tongue dismissed both openers, keeping the contest alive. After the break, conditions continued to assist the bowlers. Will Jacks found sharp turn to bowl Steve Smith, and England sensed an outside chance when Usman Khawaja departed cheaply and Marnus Labuschagne was run out soon after.

However, Green survived a couple of run-out scares, and with the target steadily shrinking, Australia held their nerve to close out the chase and the series.

Brief scores:
England 384 (Joe Root 160; Michael Neser 4-60) & 342 (Jacob Bethell 154; Beau Webster 3-64)
Australia 567 (Travis Head 163; Josh Tongue 3-97) & 161/5 (Marnus Labuschagne 37; Josh Tongue 3-42)
Australia won by 5 wickets