Australia defeated England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test at Sydney to seal the Ashes series 4–1. Chasing a modest target of 160 runs on the final day, Australia completed the chase with five wickets in hand to wrap up a dominant series victory.

The match was played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, where Australia once again underlined their supremacy in home conditions.

How Australia Won the Sydney Test

Batting first, England posted 384 runs in their first innings, with Joe Root leading the charge with a superb 160.

Australia responded in emphatic fashion, piling up 567 runs in their first innings. The hosts were powered by centuries from Travis Head and Steve Smith. Head smashed 163, while Smith added 138, giving Australia a commanding 183-run lead.

In the second innings, England showed resilience by scoring 342 runs, largely thanks to Jacob Bethell, who struck a magnificent maiden Test century of 154. England set Australia a target of 160 runs.

Australia chased down the target comfortably in 31.2 overs, losing five wickets to clinch the match and the series.

How Australia Captured the Ashes

Australia dominated the series from the outset, winning the first three Tests to take an unassailable lead.

• They won the first Test in Perth by eight wickets

• Followed it up with another eight-wicket win in the second Test

• Claimed the third Test by 82 runs

England avoided a whitewash by winning the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by four wickets. However, Australia bounced back strongly in Sydney to finish the series 4–1.

Heroes of Australia’s Triumph

Travis Head was named Player of the Match in the Sydney Test after scoring a combined 192 runs across both innings.

Fast bowler Mitchell Starc was adjudged Player of the Series, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 31 wickets in the five-Test contest.

Australia’s comprehensive performance throughout the series once again reaffirmed their dominance in the Ashes and their strength at home.