Australia wrap up 4-1 Ashes win after nervous chase: 5th Test, Day 5 (SCG)

Australia wrapped up the Fifth Ashes Test at the SCG on Day 5, chasing down a modest target of 160 to win by five wickets in a chaotic chase to seal the series 4–1.

England, inspired by a superb 154 from Jacob Bethell in their second innings, briefly threatened to force a dramatic finish, but Australia held their nerve after early wickets fell in the chase.

Calm batting late in the day, led by Alex Carey, guided the hosts home, ending a tense final morning and confirming Australia’s overall dominance across the series.

Australia 567 (Head 163, Smith 138, Tongue 3-97) and 161 for 5 (Labuschagne 37, Weatherald 34, Tongue 3-42) beat England 384 (Root 160, Neser 4-60) and 342 (Bethell 154, Webster 3-64, Starc 3-72) by five wickets.

Jan 2026.