Australia seal 4-1 Ashes win in Sydney

Australia has sealed a 4-1 Ashes win and 12 World Test Championship points with a final day victory at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

After bowling England out for 342 early on day five and chasing a target of 160, the hosts went on to win by five wickets, though were pushed by a valiant England bowling and fielding effort.

The tourists also denied Usman Khawaja a fairytale finish, when he was dismissed by Josh Tongue for just six, chopping on to his stumps.

It was left for Alex Carey (16 not out) and Cameron Green (22 not out) to finish the job.The win strengthens the Aussies’ position on top spot on the World Test Championship 2025-2027 standings, now boasting 87.50 per cent of possible points in the cycle. New Zealand after their series success against the West Indies across the Tasman mean the Black Caps sit in second position.

Earlier, Mitchell Starc was able to dismiss Jacob Bethell with the second new ball to help wind up England’s second innings, but not before the left-hander raised his bat for 150.

The 22-year-old again looked in good form while batting with the tail, though Player of the Series Starc found the No.3’s outside edge on 154, with Alex Carey taking an easy catch behind the stumps.

Several Australian batters made starts in the chase, though Travis Head (29) and Jake Weatherald (34) were both undone by Josh Tongue.

A mix-up cost Marnus Labuschagne his wicket on 37, and Steve Smith (12) was beaten by a Will Jacks peach before Tongue forced the mistake out of Khawaja.

Carey and Green took the sting out of the final English push, with a Carey boundary through cover finishing off the match.