Australia have once again stamped their authority on home soil, securing a 4-1 Ashes series victory with a nerve-wracking five-wicket win over England on the final day at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Chasing a target of 160 after lunch, the Aussies overcame late jitters and some spirited English resistance before Alex Carey struck the winning boundary to seal the deal on January 8, 2026.
The result extends Australia’s dominance in home Ashes series – this marks their fourth consecutive Ashes triumph in Australia, stretching an unbeaten run that began back in 2018. Despite injuries to key players, including skipper Pat Cummins, and some tense moments on day five, the hosts found a way to win when it mattered most. Usman Khawaja, playing his last Test, received a guard of honour and bowed out with an emotional final appearance, scoring six in his last innings.
Starc, Tongue, and England’s Lone Bright Spots
Mitchell Starc was the headline act with the ball, finishing the series with the most Ashes wickets by an Australian since Mitchell Johnson’s 37 in 2013-14. Starc’s dismissal of Josh Tongue ended England’s final innings and kept Australia’s chase within reach, even as nerves frayed in the Sydney sunshine. England’s own bowling attack was hampered by injuries—Gus Atkinson missed the match with a hamstring problem—but Josh Tongue’s efforts, including a gutsy showing with bat and ball, gave England fans something to cheer.
England captain Ben Stokes, still battling a groin injury, managed to lead his side onto the field and was clear about his desire to continue as skipper—though pressure is mounting on head coach Brendon McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key. Stokes’ squad avoided a whitewash thanks to a gritty win in Melbourne, their first Test victory in Australia since 2011, but the series was largely a one-sided affair.
Bright Spots Amid England’s Struggles
There were moments of promise for England: Joe Root finally notched his first Ashes century in Australia, and Jacob Bethell’s coming-of-age 150 made him only the third Englishman to reach that milestone in an Ashes Test before turning 23. Yet, these flashes of brilliance proved too little, too late against a relentless Australian side.
With the Ashes now decided after just 18 days of cricket, attention turns to England’s white-ball tour of Sri Lanka later this month and the Men’s T20 World Cup looming on the horizon. For now, Australia celebrate another urn retained—and another summer of Ashes glory at home.
