In a high-scoring Sydney encounter, Australia edged past a Ben Stokes-less England on Day 5, chasing down the target of 160 with five wickets in hand. Josh Tongue claimed three wickets and Marnus Labuschagne was run out after a terrible mix-up with Alex Carey but the hosts held their nerves to finish the run chase in the second session of Day 5.
Starc strikes twice after Bethell’s 150
Starting at an overnight score of 302/8, England could not set a threatening target. After the new ball was taken, Bethell got to his 150. He became the youngest England batter since 1938 to score 150 in a Test.
In his third over with the second new ball, Starc got Bethell out caught behind. The youngster went for the cut shot and lost his wicket. He scored 154 runs from 265 balls, including 15 fours. In his fifth over with the new ball, Starc got rid of Tongue. He finishes the Ashes 2025-26 with 31 wickets. England got bowled out for 342 in 88.2 overs.
Head-Weatherald smash the new ball, Tongue stages comeback
Travis Head started the run chase in his typical fashion, taking the attack to the bowlers. Surprisingly, Jake Weatherald took a similar approach, preying on a depleted England lineup. In the 11th over, Tongue got rid of Head. He departed after scoring 29 runs from 35 balls. A few overs later, Tongue got the wickets of Weatherald at the stroke of lunch. Australia were 71/2 after the first session.
No winning runs for Khawaja but Australia finish with a win in Sydney
Labuschagne went on all out attack in the second session. But, Australia skipper got bowled by a flighted delivery from Will Jacks for a run-a-ball 12.
Tongue would've dismissed Labuschagne as well but Bethell dropped half a chance. Jacks took a beating as Labuschagne hit him for three fours in an over. Tongue was relentless on Day 5 and knocked over Usman Khawaja for a single-digit score. Khawaja scored six runs in the second innings of his farewell Test. In the next over, England believed they can make a comeback as Labuschagne was run out after a mix-up with Carey. In the end, Carey and Cameron Green ensured England don’t get any more wickets. They finished the run chase in 31.2 overs.
Australia won the Ashes 4-1. The only positives for England were Bethell scoring a century, Joe Root still going strong and a win on Australian soil after 2011.