Australia Beat England by Five Wickets to Win Fifth Ashes Test and Seal 4-1 Series
In a thrilling conclusion to the 2026 Ashes series, Australia defeated England by five wickets in the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, sealing a commanding 4-1 series victory on January 8, 2026. The result capped a dominant home campaign and once again highlighted Australia’s strength in familiar conditions.
England’s second innings began with renewed hope, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 342, setting Australia a target of 160 runs to win the Test match. The standout performance for England came from Jacob Bethell, who struck his maiden Test century with a superb 154-run knock. His innings showcased the promise of one of England’s brightest young batting talents. However, despite Bethell’s heroics, England failed to set a sufficiently challenging target, and Australia completed the chase with relative ease by mid-afternoon.
Australia’s run chase started on a steady note, with the openers laying a solid foundation. While England’s bowlers created a few pressure moments, the hosts remained composed, kept wickets in hand, and progressed calmly towards the target. Alex Carey and Cameron Green guided Australia to victory with unbeaten knocks, ensuring the home side clinched the Ashes series with time to spare before tea.
The match was also marked by emotional moments, including farewell appearances for senior players and concerns over a few injuries. Australia’s batting strength throughout the Test and the series underlined their depth, experience, and ability to perform under pressure. England, meanwhile, showed resilience and fight but struggled to sustain momentum against a consistently strong Australian side.
Despite losing the Ashes, England took away several positives from the series. Jacob Bethell’s memorable 154 stood out as a major highlight, earning praise from fans and experts alike and signalling his readiness for the highest level of international cricket. England’s bowling attack also showed flashes of potential, while younger players gained valuable experience that could prove crucial in future Test campaigns.
Australia’s triumph in this final Test underscores their overall superiority during the series, having secured wins in the majority of matches. The victory also contributes valuable points toward the World Test Championship standings, highlighting the importance of consistency across formats.
Looking ahead, Australia will aim to build on this momentum, while England will regroup and analyze areas where improvements can be made particularly in handling pressure chases and converting opportunities into wins. For cricket fans, this Ashes series will be remembered for its high-quality performances, individual milestones, and the emergence of new talents ready to shape the future of the sport.
England’s second innings began with renewed hope, but the visitors were eventually bowled out for 342, setting Australia a target of 160 runs to win the Test match. The standout performance for England came from Jacob Bethell, who struck his maiden Test century with a superb 154-run knock. His innings showcased the promise of one of England’s brightest young batting talents. However, despite Bethell’s heroics, England failed to set a sufficiently challenging target, and Australia completed the chase with relative ease by mid-afternoon.
Australia’s run chase started on a steady note, with the openers laying a solid foundation. While England’s bowlers created a few pressure moments, the hosts remained composed, kept wickets in hand, and progressed calmly towards the target. Alex Carey and Cameron Green guided Australia to victory with unbeaten knocks, ensuring the home side clinched the Ashes series with time to spare before tea.
The match was also marked by emotional moments, including farewell appearances for senior players and concerns over a few injuries. Australia’s batting strength throughout the Test and the series underlined their depth, experience, and ability to perform under pressure. England, meanwhile, showed resilience and fight but struggled to sustain momentum against a consistently strong Australian side.
Despite losing the Ashes, England took away several positives from the series. Jacob Bethell’s memorable 154 stood out as a major highlight, earning praise from fans and experts alike and signalling his readiness for the highest level of international cricket. England’s bowling attack also showed flashes of potential, while younger players gained valuable experience that could prove crucial in future Test campaigns.
Australia’s triumph in this final Test underscores their overall superiority during the series, having secured wins in the majority of matches. The victory also contributes valuable points toward the World Test Championship standings, highlighting the importance of consistency across formats.
Looking ahead, Australia will aim to build on this momentum, while England will regroup and analyze areas where improvements can be made particularly in handling pressure chases and converting opportunities into wins. For cricket fans, this Ashes series will be remembered for its high-quality performances, individual milestones, and the emergence of new talents ready to shape the future of the sport.
Next Story